Seat 1: Miroslav Benes (32, Czech Republic) - 370,000
PokerStars qualifier
There’s one at most EPT final tables, an online qualifier that had dreamt of making it to the final table, but hadn’t actually thought it would happen; Miroslav Benes assumes that mantle at EPT London.
Benes, who owns a company that produces tools for fixing machines, is a keen recreational player who focuses on online tournaments. Given the field he’s had to navigate to make it this far, it seems that his leisure time has been well spent.
He’s only had one significant live cash: sixth in the PokerStars Prague Open in 2010. So what does it feel like to have made the final table of an EPT? “It feels like a big success already because I qualified online. I just came here with my girlfriend for the trip, I didn't think I'd make it this far.”
Benes may be starting the final as a short stack -- just seven-and-a-half big blinds -- but the online qualifier literally has nothing to lose. He's already guaranteed himself £64,000 and an early double up or two will put him back in contention with a chance for a six-figure score.
Bio courtesy of PokerStars.