Aces, Aces, Kings & Jacks in Same Hand Deep at WPT Prime Cyprus

In a twist that felt more like a scene from a high-stakes poker movie than real life, the World Poker Tour (WPT) Prime Cyprus Championship witnessed one of the most jaw-dropping hands in recent memory. As the tournament narrowed down to 15 players, George Yazbek faced a brutal exit in 15th place. However, the real story isn't just about Yazbek's departure but about a hand that encapsulated the wild unpredictability of poker.

A Hand to Remember

During the late stages of the $1,100 buy-in tournament at the prestigious Chamada Prestige Hotel & Casino in Cyprus, a scenario unfolded that most players could spend a lifetime at the tables without witnessing. Five players found themselves holding premium pocket pairs, an occurrence so rare it could rival some of poker's most legendary moments.

The action kicked off with Elad Shaar raising to 150,000 with his pocket Kings (K♦K♥) from early position. The drama intensified as Senchylo Zuev, sitting next in line with pocket Aces (A♦A♥), decided to play it cool, setting a trap that would soon ensnare multiple players. Tudor Perice, holding Queens (Q♥Q♣), raised to 500,000, only to be followed by Ilyas Unlu, who also had Aces (A♠A♣) and went all-in with his stack of 325,000. George Yazbek, not to be left out, joined the fray with his Jacks (J♣J♥), pushing his entire stack of 3,470,000 into the middle.

The action didn't stop there. Shaar, facing a decision for his tournament life, chose to go all-in with his Kings. Zuev, recognizing the moment, called off his 3,500,000 stack, bringing the hand to a climactic showdown.

Perice, perhaps the wisest of them all, folded his Queens, avoiding the carnage that ensued.

The Fallout

As the board ran out 9♥2♠6♣8♠5♥, Zuev's aces held strong, propelling him into a commanding chip lead. Unlu, with his matching aces, managed to split part of the pot, while the others were left to contemplate what might have been. Shaar bowed out shortly thereafter in 13th place, taking home $12,000, and Yazbek, caught in the cooler of coolers, exited in 15th place with the same payday.

Zuev, reflecting on the hand, shared a mix of empathy and relief, understanding all too well the highs and lows that poker can bring. Heading into the final table, he held a slender chip lead, setting the stage for an intriguing conclusion to the WPT Prime Cyprus Championship.

The Livestream and Beyond

Poker enthusiasts won't have to miss a moment of the final table action, set to be livestreamed on YouTube with a 30-minute delay. As the players vie for poker glory, the story of this incredible hand will no doubt be recounted for years to come, a testament to the drama and unpredictability that only poker can provide.

Win WPT Passports on WPT Global

For those inspired by the action and dreaming of their own WPT adventure, WPT Global is offering players the chance to win tournament packages called WPT Passports. These passports now come in the form of Passport Dollars, allowing for customizable tournament experiences at World Poker Tour and WPT Prime events.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the game, the WPT Prime Cyprus Championship's unforgettable hand serves as a thrilling reminder of poker's endless possibilities. As the final table approaches, all eyes will be on Cyprus, where poker history continues to be made.