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The 2026 Mediterranean Poker Party at Merit Crystal Cove Hotel and Casino concluded with a thrilling finish to the $3,300 Paradise Mystery Bounty event. Russian businessman Aleksandr Razinkov emerged victorious after steering through a chaotic opening stretch of the final day’s play.
Razinkov sealed the win when opponent Aleksei Istomin, holding just nine big blinds, shoved with king-three. Razinkov made the call with ten-five and hit a ten on the flop, ending the tournament and claiming the top prize of $85,000. Istomin’s runner-up finish pushed his career earnings past the $1 million mark.
Reflecting on the win, Razinkov compared his poker approach to paragliding, saying he waits for the right conditions before acting, much like waiting for suitable weather before flying. He ranked the victory among the top results of his career, estimating it as third or fourth best.
The champion, who also holds a WSOP Circuit Ring from a $150,000 score at Merit Royal Diamond last year, remained stone-faced throughout the day. He explained that his calm demeanor is simply part of his nature rather than an act.
Earlier in the day, Chengxu Hu eliminated five players and pulled the tournament’s top mystery bounty of $100,000, along with several other prizes. Despite holding the chip lead at the final table, Hu finished fourth after losing a crucial three-way all-in. Congya Zhang, fresh off a $300,000 win in the Global Poker Championships, added a fifth-place finish worth $20,200.
Razinkov now sets his sights on higher stakes, expressing interest in playing when Triton arrives at Merit in November.
