Russian player Vladislav Shuravin battled through a tough field of 163 other players to win the third European Masters of Poker (EMOP).  This prestigious event was held in Prague at the Spearmint Casino. His stellar playing snagged him just under €40,000, and, of course, world-wide recognition.

The final table included EMOP Bulgaria winner Reuven Dayan, who was doubtlessly disappointed not to take the title once again. The first to be knocked out of the final table was Sweden’s Kim Frolander, after which Dayan took out Henrik Johansson. Ted Magnusson then ran A8 into Jukka Ylinen’s KK.

Unfortunately for Dayan, his winning streak was cut short when he crashed out in fifth, his KQ dominated by the AQ of Finnish Ylinen.

It was at this point the remaining players took an intermission and decided on a deal with each player guaranteed fifth place and the rest of the payouts determined by the size of their chip stacks.

The final table payouts were as follows:

1. Vladislav Shuravin - €39,675
2. Petr Pesko - €29,819
3. Martin Hjorth - €41,146
4. Jukka Ylinen - €28,837
5. Emil Westman - €23,021

Congratulations to Shuravin, champion of the 2009 European Masters of Poker tournament!