The Poker Heaven.com and Mermaid Poker.com €75,000 GTD Deluxe Challenge broke records at the Montesino club in Vienna for the largest field ever for a buy-in tournament in Austria – when 909 players paid the €220 entry, to create a total prizepool of €181,800. The entry field was also the most diverse ever seen at the Montesino with players from over 20 countries competing in the largest Deluxe Challenge ever.
With 20,000 starting chips and 40 minute levels – all players enjoyed the opportunity to play a tournament with a great structure and the chance of an amazing return on their €220 investment – with a first prize of €36,200 to be won.
90 players made the money, although it was won by one of the tournaments youngest entries, 19 year old Matthias Johansson, who bested the 909 entries for his biggest ever win. With 6 players left – a deal was made based on chip counts with Johansson a clear chip leader and declared the tournament victor. Johansson who qualified via online satellites at Poker Heaven.com was actually playing his first ever major live event and is normally a Heads-up cash game specialist only, but his aggression and fearless approach triumphed despite playing against many far more experienced players.
Having proven to be so popular amongst players all across Europe, the Deluxe Challenge will return in 2012, with more records set to be broken!
Full list of prize winners can be found HERE
