The 18th edition of the PokerStars Sunday Million saw ‘Sunday Melon’ nearly clinch the victory, in an event that drew 39,226 entries with a $215 buy-in, just shy of the $8 million guarantee. Ultimately, Brazil’s Mateus ‘CrossBreed17’ Mendes emerged triumphant, bagging $1,000,000 after a heads-up battle against ‘Sunday Melon’.
Throughout the three-day online event from April 7th to 9th, the top eight players secured six-figure payouts. Poland’s ‘Sunday Melon’ claimed $733,959 for the second-place finish.
Among the finalists, Jans ‘Graftekkel’ Arends, a World Series of Poker bracelet holder, showcased his skills, finishing fifth for $270,961, despite his A-8 suited falling short against Mendes’ K-Q.
Mendes also eliminated another notable contender on the third day, Bert ‘girafganger7′ Stevens, who placed 25th. Stevens’ 10♠️5♦️ couldn’t match up against Mendes’ K♦️K♣️ on a 10♣️8♠️6♥️ flop, settling for $13,600.
During three-handed action, Mendes surged ahead by winning a crucial pot. With Q♣️10♥️, Mendes called ‘Sunday Melon’s’ 4x raise with J♠️5♠️, eventually securing a massive pot and a significant chip lead.
Mendes further solidified his position by eliminating ‘FcProto10’ in third place for $526,523, entering the heads-up battle with a substantial lead. Despite offering a deal, Mendes engaged in a 90-minute heads-up duel with ‘Sunday Melon’, ultimately sealing the win.
In the final hand, ‘Sunday Melon’ called all-in with 5♠️5♣️ against Mendes’ 9♦️7♦️. The board ran out A♠️K♠️2♣️9♥️K♦️, securing Mendes’ victory.
PokerStars Sunday Million 18th Anniversary Final Table Results
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mateus “CrossBreed17” Mendes | Brazil | $1,000,000 |
| 2 | “Sunday Melon” | Poland | $733,959 |
| 3 | “FcProto10” | Czechia | $526,523 |
| 4 | “themasteryan” | Canada | $377,713 |
| 5 | Jans “Graftekkel” Arends | Netherlands | $270,961 |
