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Ukrainian players made up five of the eight finalists in this week’s 888poker $80,000 Mystery Bounty Main Event, and one of them ultimately took down the title. “kingsluvan” claimed the win and a top prize of $10,549.
The $109 buy-in tournament attracted 721 entries, including 153 re-entries, which was not enough to reach the reduced $80,000 guarantee. 888poker lowered the guarantee from $100,000 in late July, but it has continued to overlay each week since, benefiting those who entered.
The final table moved unusually fast, wrapping up in under 75 minutes including the scheduled break. After a quiet opening 25 minutes, “Why_a_King” became the first casualty, losing with ace-deuce against “Travel99’s” flushed eight-five of diamonds.
“Travel99” went on to eliminate three more players in quick succession, including “Dimitr1us,” commentator Aaron Barone’s pick to win, as well as “TitovSerj” and “Antrage,” continuing a dominant run through the field.
Three-handed play began with an average stack of more than 51 big blinds, but the tournament still concluded within 25 minutes. “SHADY_XV” busted in third after running ace-deuce into “kingsluvan’s” ace-king, a hand that also occurred after “Travel99” had disconnected.
Heads-up play saw “kingsluvan” hold a two-to-one chip lead while “Travel99” remained disconnected. Despite “kingsluvan” stalling to allow their opponent time to reconnect, “Travel99” was eventually blinded out, sealing the title. The next $80,000 Mystery Bounty Main Event runs August 30 at 6:00 p.m. BST, with satellites starting from $0.10.
