The OlyBet Showdown tournament series is a well-known name in the Baltics, and this month it expanded its reach. For the first time, players had the chance to enjoy this event at the Olympic Park Casino in Tallinn. The players did not disappoint, amassing 210 entries and creating a prizepool of €199,950.
Entering the final day, Kyösti Isberg led the last 17 players, while his compatriot Andreas Backlund held the third spot. From the outset, it was clear the Finnish duo would be the driving force at the final table. As others gradually fell, Isberg and Backlund maintained control and eventually faced off in the decisive duel for the title.
In the heads-up, it looked like Isberg's coronation was imminent. At the start of the final duel, he held an advantage of more than 8:1. However, Backlund refused to accept defeat. He gradually closed the gap, and once the stacks evened out, a friendly deal was reached—both players secured an identical prize of €34,148, leaving only the title, trophy, and an extra €3,000 to play for.
It was at this point the turning moment arrived. Backlund first doubled up with aces against A-10 on a rainbow J-10-4 board, and then finished off his opponent when his T s 9 s held strong against A9o. For Backlund, Tallinn provided an unforgettable evening. Starting as one of the favorites, he found himself on the brink of defeat, but ultimately it was he who raised the trophy high.
Final Table Results:
| Position | Player | Country | Winnings |
| 1. | Andreas Backlund | Finland | €37,148 |
| 2. | Kyösti Isberg | Finland | €34,148 |
| 3. | Henrik Jeppsson | Sweden | €20,365 |
| 4. | Mateusz Dabkowski | Poland | €15,525 |
| 5. | Kristoffer Winterstein | Sweden | €11,845 |
| 6. | Helge Bjorlow | Norway | €9,040 |
| 7. | Egidijus Matonis | Lithuania | €7,275 |
| 8. | Janis Apinis | Latvia | €6,025 |
| 9. | Jukka Juvonen | Finland | €4,945 |
| 10. | Albert Ostrovskij | Lithuania | €4,260 |
Source – Poker.Pro, OlyBetEvents, Photo Credits Elena Kask
