The Main Event of the Costa Rica Poker Festival came to an end after a long and demanding run, with multiple Day 1s and a marathon Day 2 that ultimately decided the champion after an intense and action-packed final table. With 504 entries registered, a deep structure, and a high-level field, the tournament crowned Luis Arce , who took home the trophy after winning the final heads-up.
The event was played with a buy-in of US$550, an initial stack of 50,000 chips, and 40-minute levels during Day 1s, which increased to 60 minutes on Day 2 and the final table. The payout cut-off was set at the top 15% of the field, with 77 players advancing to Day 2, which began directly at Level 14 and continued until the champion was determined.
The final table was formed after the elimination of Gerardo Barboza in 10th place, at the hands of Marek Ohnisko , marking the bubble before the final showdown. Thus, the nine finalists took their seats to battle for the top prizes in the following order:
The final table began as follows
Paul Tacsan — 5,030,000
Paul Cukier — 3,510,000
Luis Arce — 3,435,000
Roy Santa Teresa — 3,300,000
Andrii Dorofieiev — 2,940,000
Marek Ohnisko — 2,066,000
Álvaro Molina — 1,870,000
Christopher Poulton — 1,555,000
James Harvey — 785,000
From the start, the table showed a dynamic pace, with stacks crossing quickly and constant lead changes. Eliminations followed one after another until the podium was decided.
The Final Table of the Main Event at the Costa Rica Poker Festival.
With four players remaining, the tournament entered its most tense phase. Finally, upon reaching the Top 3, with Marek Ohnisko, Paul Tacsan, and Luis Arce very close in chips, the protagonists reached an agreement to divide the total prize money for the podium equally. Thus, each secured US$33,640, leaving the decision solely for the trophy.
The deal at the 3-handed
Marek Ohnisko — US$33,640 Paul Tacsan — US$33,640 Luis Arce — US$33,640
After the deal, the blinds were adjusted to 500,000 / 1,000,000, accelerating the pace of the final showdown. First, Ohnisko eliminated Paul Tacsan, setting up the final heads-up.
Thus, Luis Arce closed a solid performance from start to finish and was crowned champion of a tournament that featured great hands, outstanding players, and a conclusion worthy of the festival.
