Online Poker News » November 2004
» November 18, 2004.
Finns Win Upset Victory Against Americans At 2004 Monte Carlo Millions tournament.
(Monte-Carlo, Monaco) - Day Three of the Prima Poker Monte Carlo Millions proved to offer one surprise after another as play at the final table got under way. The world's most exclusive poker tournament attracted the world's top eighty professional players and satellite winners to luxurious Monte-Carlo on the French Riviera. The final table began at 3 PM with Phil Ivey in a commanding lead, having nearly double the chips of Chris "Jesus" Ferguson and Vince "Vinny Nap" Napolitano in second and third place. It would seem that at least one American at the first Monte Carlo Millions tournament was intent on taking home the $400,000 first prize. But as all things go in poker, nothing is predictable. Phil Ivey, had dominated the tournament since Day One and was the odds-on favorite among players and spectators alike. Phil kept to his relaxed yet focused style as players including Kevin O'Connell, Victor Ramdin and Chris Ferguson were eliminated. Following the dinner break, Daniel Larsson and Krister Hanson of Sweden and Vinny Nap would also leave the table, leaving Phil Ivey to battle 2 Finns: Juha Helppi and Jani Sointula.
Phil Ivey, who at one point had amassed $1.1 million of the $1.58 million in chips, continued to dominate the final table until the table was down to the final three. In a key hand, Phil made a move on Jani with an A
6 and Jani raised from the small blind with a pair of 9s. Phil moved all-in over the top and Jani called. The 9's held up and Jani doubled up for nearly $300,000. The next hand brought more action between the two when Jani called on a pre-flop raise by Phil. When J, J, 10 came out on the flop, Phil bet $100,000 and Jani moved all-in for $405,000 more. Phil contemplated his move for more than five minutes before calling with a 10, 6 off-suit. Jani showed an 89 for a possible open straight. The turn card helps no one and a 7 came on the river giving Jani the straight. Phil thought he had more chips than Jani but the count came out exactly even and Phil Ivey was eliminated. In the final hand Jani had a 5, 7 off-suit and Juha had A
7. When the flop came down 4, 8, 10 both checked. The turn was a 6 giving Jani the straight and Juha a double gut straight draw and a nut flush draw. Jani bet $50,000 and Juha went all-in for $360,000. Jani called and when an A
came on the river Jani took the championship and $400,000 first prize. 
Final standings of the Monte Carlo Millions
| 1. | Jani Sointula | $400,000 |
| 2. | Juha Helppi | $200,000 |
| 3. | Phil Ivey | $100,000 |
| 4. | Krister Hansson | $60,000 |
| 5. | Vincent Napolitano | $45,000 |
| 6. | Daniel Larsson | $35,000 |
| 7. | Chris Ferguson | $30,000 |
| 8. | Victor Ramdin | $25,000 |
| 9. | Kevin O'Connell | $20,000 |
Jani Sointula and Juha Helppi are long standing poker rivals who often play live games together at the Grand Casino in Helsinki, Finland and regularly play online at Gaming Club Poker on the Prima Poker network. Jani summed up his experience at the Monte Carlo Millions in this way, "It was an honor to play and win against the best poker players in the world. We Finns attribute our victories to what we call "SISU" or the 'fighting spirit." The Monte Carlo Millions was an experience of a lifetime, players were first class on all levels, the play was exceptional and Monte Carlo was amazing."
The 2004 MCM culminated in a glorious champagne cocktail party attended by all players, spectators and invited guests at the Salon Francois Blanc in the Sporting d'Hiver.
About Monte Carlo Millions
Monte Carlo Millions is the world's most exclusive poker tournament and the very first poker tournament to be held in the Principality of Monaco. Monte Carlo Millions is sponsored exclusively by PrimaPoker.com, the world's largest online poker network that is dedicated to sending players to the best tournaments around the globe. The $20,000 package includes round-trip airfare for two, a seven-night stay at the Hotel Hermitage, private helicopter transportation from Nice to Monte-Carlo, a tour of the French Riviera, gourmet meals, lavish cocktail parties and the $14,000 buy-in to the event. With an estimated prize pool of $1 million, Monte Carlo Millions guarantees that every player will win a minimum of $1,000.
Source: Monte Carlo Millions Press Release (www.montecarlomillions.com)
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