Inspired to play by his son, Victor Ilyukhin takes down his first major title – the GUKPT London – at the Vic last week
The first GUKPT of the year was played out in London last week and 289 players turned out to ensure the £200k guarantee was smashed. The tournament attracted big names like John Duthie, James Dempsey and Neil Channing, with all three members of The Mob cashing and Ross Boatman making the final table.
When the dust had settled though it was 63-year-old Victor Ilyukhin who won one for the old guys. Poker might be an increasingly young game, but Ilyukhin proved that age is no barrier to success when he won the trophy and his biggest cash to date – £82,000.
His son, Victor Ilyukhin Jnr, is the most successful poker player in the family. He has winnings of $431,867 and a top cash of £45,000, which he got for coming third in the GUKPT Grand Final in 2012. His dad’s now gone one better – helped by some enthusiastic railing, and his son couldn’t be prouder. Talking after his father’s win, Ilyukhin Jnr said that his dad hadn’t put a step wrong on the final table.
The final hand was full of drama. Ilyukhin got it in good with pocket Queens against Alex Spencer’s A-J, only to see a J-J-2 flop leave him crushed. However, the dealer put a third Queen on the turn and when the river bricked Ilyukhin had won his first ever heads-up encounter.
Spencer was representing the other end of the age spectrum. At 21 he’s one to look out for in the future – he’s already won $362,719 in just over two years at the tables.
GUKPT London final table
- Victor Ilyukhin – £82,600
- Alex Spencer – £54,050
- Zahari Petrov – £33,800
- Niall Murray – £21,950
- Vladimir Swaton – £15,050
- Adrian Memed – £11,250
- Charlie Combes – £8,950
- Ross Boatman – £7,250
- Jerome O’Shea – £6,050
Next stop for the GUKPT
The next GUKPT festival takes place at Grosvenor G Casino Manchester New Bury Road from Sunday March 8-15. The action packed week of poker culminates in the £1,000+£90 main event with a £200,000 guarantee. You can find the full GUKPT Leg 2 schedule here and get online satellite details here.
25/25 Series
GUKPT’s sister tour, the 25/25 Series, is also busy touring the UK. This weekend the 25/25 Series will be in Newcastle and Thanet. To take part in the £200+20 buy-in Main Event, £25,000 guarantee you can either buy-in directly at the venue or win your seat online. Get more information on the 25/25 Series here.
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