Alex Kulev claimed his first event win of 2026 on the Onyx Excessive Curler Collection in Cyprus, banking $384,150 after defeating a discipline of 207 entries within the $10,000 No-Restrict Maintain’em Opener at Advantage Royal Diamond On line casino & Spa.
The Bulgarian professional navigated three beginning flights and a stacked closing desk to safe the title, with the victory highlighted by an unbelievable hero name that shifted momentum throughout heads-up play.
Event Overview: $1.9M Prize Pool Attracts Elite Discipline
The $10K Opener kicked off the Onyx Excessive Curler Collection with a $1,945,800 whole prize pool, paying out the highest 31 finishers. The event featured a deep construction that allowed expert gamers to showcase their skills throughout a number of days of play.
Key Event Stats:Complete Entries: 207Prize Pool: $1,945,800Players Paid: 31Starting Flights: 3Day 2 Survivors: 31
The worldwide discipline included prime professionals from throughout Europe, Russia, and Turkey, making this one of the vital aggressive excessive curler occasions of the early 2026 calendar.
Remaining Desk Motion: Kulev Dominates Early
Alex Kulev entered the ultimate desk because the chip chief, giving him a big benefit because the event moved into its decisive section. His aggressive play and strategic self-discipline allowed him to keep up strain on his opponents all through the ultimate desk.
Nonetheless, by the point heads-up play started in opposition to Damir Gabdullin (Russia), Kulev discovered himself in a 3:2 chip deficit, setting the stage for one of many event’s most memorable palms.
The Hero Name That Modified Every little thing
Going through a full pot-sized all-in guess on the river with simply backside pair, Kulev went deep into the tank. After a number of minutes of deliberation, he made the decision and was confirmed proper when Gabdullin revealed an airball bluff with no made hand.
This hero name swung momentum again in Kulev’s favor, bringing him again into competition and demoralizing his opponent. Only a few palms later, Kulev sealed the victory when his prime two pair held up in opposition to Gabdullin’s weaker holding.
The braveness to make that river name exemplifies the high-level decision-making required to win at these stakes, the place each pot can outline the result of the event.
Remaining Desk Payouts
The highest three finishers agreed to an ICM deal throughout heads-up play, adjusting the ultimate payouts primarily based on chip fairness. Right here’s how the ultimate desk prize cash was distributed:
PlacePlayerCountryPrize1stAlex KulevBulgaria$384,150*2ndDamir GabdullinRussia$315,850*3rdFahredin MustafovBulgaria$200,0004thRecep AydemirTurkey$154,0005thUku VanaasemeEstonia$119,2006thHalil TasyurekTurkey$92,3007thWei ZhaoChina$71,5008thOrhan AtesTurkey$55,400
*Denotes ICM deal
What’s Subsequent for the Onyx Excessive Curler Collection?
The $10K Opener was just the start of the Onyx Excessive Curler Collection at Advantage Cyprus. The competition continues all through February 2026 with a number of excessive curler occasions, together with:
$25,000 Excessive Curler$50,000 Tremendous Excessive Curler$100,000 Excessive Curler Championship
Advantage Royal Diamond On line casino has rapidly established itself as certainly one of Europe’s premier locations for high-stakes poker, providing world-class services, deep event buildings, and a gentle stream of elite worldwide gamers.
Remaining Ideas
Alex Kulev’s victory within the Onyx Excessive Curler Collection opener demonstrates the extent of talent and psychological fortitude required to succeed on the highest stakes. His capacity to make a large hero name below strain after which shut out the event showcases why he’s revered among the many worldwide excessive curler circuit.
For aspiring event grinders, Kulev’s win serves as a reminder that braveness, endurance, and disciplined bankroll administration are simply as vital as technical poker talent when competing for six-figure prizes.
