David Dongwoo Ko Triumphs at EPT Barcelona €5,200 8-Game Event

In a thrilling showdown at the European Poker Tour (EPT) Barcelona, David Dongwoo Ko clinched his first-ever PokerStars trophy and a cash prize of €37,550 in the €5,200 8-Game event. The tournament, held at Casino Barcelona, saw a modest yet formidable assembly of 18 competitors, generating an €87,300 prize pool.

Ko's victory came after a head-to-head battle against the accomplished Triple Crown winner Mike Watson, concluding well into the Mediterranean night. The final hand was played at 1:30 a.m. local time, securing Watson a runner-up prize of €23,550. The event also witnessed commendable performances from mixed games specialist Benny Glaser, finishing third for €15,700, and poker stalwart Vladimir Troyanovskiy, who ended fourth, pocketing €10,500.

Key Takeaways:

• David Dongwoo Ko wins the EPT Barcelona €5,200 8-Game event, claiming his first PokerStars trophy and €37,550.
• The tournament attracted a strong field of 18 players, with Mike Watson finishing as the runner-up.
• Notable players Benny Glaser and Vladimir Troyanovskiy also cashed, showcasing the event's competitive nature.

Ko expressed his exhilaration over the victory, particularly after experiencing disappointment in the Main Event. His foray into mixed games, a recent development spurred by a desire for variety, proved to be a rewarding pivot. Ko praised his final adversary, Watson, acknowledging the tough competition and strategic pressure he faced during their heads-up match.

The event initially faced a delay, starting 90 minutes behind schedule with just three players. However, the action quickly escalated, and the competition intensified leading to the final table. Among the notable narratives was Jiaming Zhao's ambitious participation, a player familiar only with no-limit hold'em, who learned the other seven games on the fly through translated materials.

As the tournament progressed, the final table saw rapid eliminations, setting the stage for the climactic duel between Ko and Watson. The heads-up battle showcased strategic depth and resilience, with Ko eventually overpowering Watson in a decisive 2-7 triple draw hand.

This victory not only marks a significant milestone in Ko's poker career but also adds a captivating chapter to the EPT Barcelona's storied legacy. As the Main Event continues, PokerNews remains the go-to source for comprehensive coverage of all the action from the tournament floor.