Adrian State has etched his name in poker history by winning the inaugural PokerStars Open Main Event. The tournament, which attracted a competitive field of skilled players, saw State outlast them all, showcasing exceptional strategy and composure at the tables.
Adrian State’s Road to PokerStars Open Victory
Throughout the event, State maintained a strong presence, navigating through intense hands and high-stakes decisions. His final table performance was particularly remarkable, where he faced off against experienced contenders and emerged victorious with a well-calculated final hand.
A Landmark Win
Winning the first-ever PokerStars Open title not only cements State’s reputation in the poker world but also sets a high standard for future editions of the tournament. His triumph comes with a substantial prize, recognition, and a place among elite poker champions.
PokerStars Open Main Event Results:
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adrian State | Romania | €363,000 |
| 2 | Giorgio Soceanu | Italy | €225,200 |
| 3 | Barnaba Perone | Italy | €160,880 |
| 4 | Manel Montalban | Spain | €123,760 |
| 5 | Salvatore Russo | Italy | €95,190 |
| 6 | Jakub Sterba | Czechia | €73,210 |
| 7 | Gaspare Sposato | Italy | €56,330 |
| 8 | Andreas Putz | Austria | €43,340 |
State’s triumph not only earned him the top prize of €363,000 but also marked the largest cash of his career, surpassing his previous best of €300,130 from a victory in the €3,000 Mystery Bounty event at the European Poker Tour (EPT) Monte Carlo in 2024.
Winner’s Reaction:
Expressing his elation, State remarked, “It’s a big privilege to win. This tournament was huge, and I have had a difficult period, running under EV. I was preparing a lot for this tournament, so when this win came to me, I was very happy.”
Tournament Overview:
The PSO Campione Main Event commenced with four starting flights, leading into three more days of intense poker action. The massive turnout of 2,423 entries set a new record for a €1,100 event organized by PokerStars, highlighting the growing popularity of the game in the region.
Final Day Action:
The final day began with 26 contenders vying for the title. State started the day in the middle of the pack but quickly gained momentum. He eliminated Christian Andronico in 12th place with a flopped set and continued his ascent by knocking out Friedrich Raez in 10th place, setting the stage for the unofficial final table.
At the final table, State maintained his aggressive play. He eliminated Andreas Putz in eighth place and later sent Jakub Sterba to the rail in sixth place. A pivotal moment occurred during a massive hand against Giorgio Soceanu, where both players rivered full houses, but State’s was superior, allowing him to amass a significant chip lead.
Heads-Up Battle:
The heads-up match between State and Italy’s Giorgio Soceanu was brief but intense. State entered the duel with a substantial chip advantage. Despite Soceanu’s efforts to mount a comeback, State’s momentum was unstoppable. The final hand saw State’s ten-eight making a straight against Soceanu’s ace-nine, sealing the victory.
Implications and Future Plans:
This victory positions State favorably in the newly introduced PokerStars Live League. However, he has expressed a desire to balance his professional commitments with personal life, stating, “I gladly participate when I have free time, but I would like to spend more time at home with my wife and my little daughter.”
The success of the inaugural PSO Campione sets a promising precedent for future events. The next stop on the PokerStars Open tour is scheduled at EPT Monte Carlo, where the PSO will run from April 30 to May 4. Given the record-breaking turnout in Campione, expectations are high for continued massive fields and substantial prize pools in upcoming tournaments.
Adrian State’s victory at the inaugural PokerStars Open Main Event is a testament to his skill, preparation, and resilience. The overwhelming participation and success of the event underscore the thriving nature of the poker community and set an optimistic tone for future PSO events.
