Atanas Malinov Cruises to FPS Main Event Victory at EPT Monte Carlo

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Apr 28, 2024 3 min read Last updated Apr 30, 2024

At the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Monte Carlo, Atanas Malinov delivered a masterclass in composure and skill, culminating in a triumphant victory in the FPS €1,100 Main Event held within the breathtaking Sporting Monte-Carlo.

With a formidable chip lead at the onset of the final day, Malinov's strategic prowess was on full display as he systematically picked off each of his five opponents, ultimately seizing the title, the coveted trophy, and a substantial €303,190 in prize money.

A stalwart presence on the European poker circuit, Malinov had already amassed over $700,000 in tournament winnings prior to his momentous win. His journey to the top included a notable six-figure score dating back to 2015, when he clinched the runner-up position for $190,000 at a Merit event in Cyprus. Moreover, Malinov had previously showcased his skills at a PokerStars sponsored branded tour final table, securing €52,050 for a commendable sixth place finish at Eureka Prague 2014.

At just 30 years old, Malinov's expertise as a seasoned grinder was evident, with a string of impressive five-figure online cashes and a prestigious WCOOP title to his name.

"I'm feeling very good. Very happy, obviously, because it's my biggest win. And also, trophy in a tournament with tons of guys." said Malinov in his winner's interview. "There will be some celebration this evening."

The FPS Main Event at EPT Monte Carlo drew an impressive field of 2,096 entries, generating a formidable €2,012,160 prize pool. Among the 314 players who cashed were PokerStars Ambassadors Felix Schneiders (62nd—€4,330), Lasse Jagd Lauritsen (216th—€2,150), and Simon Wiciak (268th—€1,850), who secured returns on their investments.

FPS €1,100 Main Event Final Table Results

Final Day Highlights

Remy Murcia, the hometown hopeful from Nice, saw his dreams dashed in dramatic fashion early on, making a daring hero call that left him with just one big blind. In a subsequent hand, Malinov sealed Murcia's fate, sending him out in sixth place.

Despite starting as the short stack, Gabi Livshitz staged an impressive comeback, briefly challenging Malinov for the lead. However, his resurgence was short-lived as Malinov swiftly reclaimed dominance, ultimately eliminating Livshitz from the competition.

Guillaume Nolet faced a series of unfortunate setbacks, succumbing to Malinov's relentless onslaught.

Marco Gambini, known for his knack for miracle rivers, faced a reversal of fortune as Malinov rivered a set of fours to down the Italian. Malinov secured his fourth elimination of the day, paving his path to the heads-up showdown.

Despite facing an uphill battle against Malinov's commanding chip lead, Virgile Turchi displayed resilience, staging a brief resurgence with consecutive double-ups. However, Malinov's unwavering focus and queen-high call in a momentum-swinging pot helped him secure the title after a hard-fought battle. On his high-card call, Malinov broke the hand down and explained his though process.

"[On a double-paired board] I thought he would have some big sixes or some five-x that would bluff. And it was just a little bet, like 10% of the pot."

He was exactly right as Turchi had turned his counterfeited pair into a bluff and then Malinov wrapped up proceedings a few hands later for his first major live title.

Calum has been a part of the PokerNews team since September 2021 after working in the UK energy sector. He played his first hand of poker in 2017 and immediately fell in love with the game. Calum has written for various poker outlets but found his home at PokerNews, where he has contributed to various articles and live updates, providing insights and reporting on major poker events, including the World Series of Poker (WSOP).

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