Russian Poker Tour in association with PokerStars

Vitaly Lunkin crowned Russian Poker Tour Moscow Champion

The final table of the RPT tournament in Moscow was an all-Russian affair, and it was former backgammon player Vitaly Lunkin who came out on top, beating a strong field to take home the title and $445,709 in prize money. Some of Europe’s finest players gathered in the Russian capital for the event, which ran from May 11-17 and featured a $7,000 buy-in.

Two Team PokerStars Pros made it to the nine-handed final table. Alex Kravchenko finished in eighth place collecting $41,745, while his team mate and 2008 World Series of Poker‡ Main Event runner-up Ivan Demidov went a couple of spots better, finishing in sixth for $69,616. Both players were disappointed not to win their home event, but both were able to add to their bankrolls and maintain their positions as the two highest-earning Russian players of all time.

WSOP‡ bracelet winner Lunkin battled back from second last position in the tournament to hold a massive chip advantage over his opponent Vyacheslav Goryachev as play moved to heads-up. With the blinds at an expensive 20,000/40,000, Lunkin was able to push home his advantage and triumph in a matter of minutes, when his tens held-up against Goryachev’s all-in shove with A-6.

RPT Season 1 - Highlights

The first ever PokerStars Russian Poker Tour event went off with a bang in St Petersburg January 25 - February 1, attracting a big field and an electric atmosphere for this historic occasion. In total 201 players put up the $5,000 entry fee and the field featured notable Team PokerStars Pros Alex Kravchenko and Vanessa Rousso, as well as WSOP* Main Event runner-up Ivan Demidov. Local player Oleg Suntsov began the final table as the short stack, but was able to play his way into contention before taking down the tournament and $300,000 in first place prize money.

Visit the PokerStars Blog for full details of the RPT, including reports and results from the tournaments.

If you have any questions about the Russian Poker Tour, contact rpt@pokerstars.com.

‡ WORLD SERIES OF POKER and WSOP are trademarks of Harrah's License Company, LLC ("Harrah's"). Harrah's does not sponsor or endorse, and is not associated or affiliated with PokerStars.com or its products, services, promotions or tournaments.