WSOP Latest & Bulgarian Wins MPNPT’s First Event

Esfandiari to Miss WSOP Opening

Despite this year’s World Series of Poker getting off to a flying start and welcoming virtually all of the world’s top players, one high profile pro has been notable by his absence.

Antonio Esfandiari recently told his Twitter followers that he’s been sidelined from the opening action because of a mystery illness.

Just a few days after meeting Bruno Mars in Los Angles, Antonio was forced to visit the doctor after falling ill.

Although the reigning One Drop champion is keen to join the action, Antonio explained that a “nasty bug” will keep him away from the felt for a few days yet.

However, regardless of whether he’s sick or not, Antonio is determined to get into the action as quick as possible and ante-up in the $1 million event and defend his title.

Katsarov Wins the MPNPT Opener

The MPN Network’s first live event recently took place in London and when the betting was over it was Bulgaria’s Antoan Katsarov who was left to celebrate after banking £9,500.

The inaugural MPN Poker Tour Main Event saw a slew of European grinders ante-up in the €550 Main Event and when the final table got underway Katsarov was the second shortest stack.

However, after a series of well-timed coups, including a triple up with pocket aces, the Bulgarian was able to bulldoze his way to the chip lead.

After taking control of proceedings he was able to oust Ben Passantino in third before dispatching with Antonio German heads-up.

Within a single hand the action was brought to a close after Katsarov called an all-in with A-T and the board failed to turn the tide in favour of German’s dominated T-4.

With the remainder of German’s chips now in Katsarov’s possession the match was brought to a close and the £9,500 top prize was pushed into the lap of the triumphant Bulgarian.