The PokerStars EPT main event in San Remo attracted almost 1.200 players, breaking all records for an EPT tournament. At the final table, some atonishing hands and some unpredictable aggression keeped everyone guessing who would finally end up winning the whole stuff.

Finally, a 20-year-old student from Amsterdam, Holland, Constant Rijkenberg, defeatader Kalle Niemi, Finland, heads-up to receive the big paycheck of 1.508.000 € and the title of EPT champion. Another young poker star to add to the recent list of young winners (Dominik Nitsche just won LAPT Mar del Plata at the age of 18).

In fact, Rijkenberg’s win looked obvious. His natural feel for the game, developed not online but in live tournaments around Europe, was there in almost every hand he played. And he had enough confidence:

“I expected it,”- confessed after the final hand.

Constant Rijkenberg

Rijkenberg’s style was really unconventional, he didn’t doubt to make big bluffs and incredible calls, but even those points were put together with some aggression and excellent play that pushed him to the top of the hill. His aces beat Niemi’s top pair of tens late on Thursday night, bringing the tournament to a close.

Congratulations, Constant.

Season 5 EPT San Remo final table results

1 - Constant Rijkenberg, Holland, €1,508,000
2 - Kalle Niemi, Finland, €862,000
3 - Gustav Sundell, Sweden, €480,000
4 - William Reynolds, United States, €377,000
5 - Dragan Galic, Croatia, €314,000
6 - Ovi Balaj, Romania, €229,000
7 - Alex Fitzgerald, USA, €171,000
8 - Danilo D’Ettoris, Italy, €114,000