Darko Svesko wins the record-breaking Merit Retro Series main event for $567K, and a marker has been placed.

Original Story by HUIDU.IO

Darko Svesko took home a hefty reward of $567,000 as the winner of the amazing Merit Retro Series Main Event. Records were broken, and the ambitious $3 million guarantee was easily surpassed. The Merit Poker Retro Main Event, held on the Mediterranean island, drew an astounding 1,223 participants, each contributing a $3,300 buy-in, setting the stage for the eagerly awaited EPT event scheduled for October 11-22 in North Cyprus.

A fascinating final table with famous players like Oleg Netaliev, Dominic Panka, and David Hu saw Darko Svesko emerge victorious. The largest first prize ever given out in one of Merit’s internal festivals was won by Svesko.

Hadi Khadra won the $2,200 Warm-Up Event before the Main Event, taking home a prize of $264,600, while the $10,300 High Roller event had a field of 153 players and a final table of skilled professionals.

The Merit Diamond poker room may be as busy during the forthcoming EPT event as the smaller Merit Crystal Cove poker room, which saw full occupancy throughout the Retro Series.

The Merit Retro Main Event developed became the festival’s main attraction. The field of 1,223 players was reduced to the final 28, who were all battling for a piece of the $3.5 million prize fund, over the course of four days. The Merit Crystal Cove poker room was at full capacity throughout the Retro Series, suggesting that the larger Merit Diamond poker room may be equally busy during the upcoming EPT event. The final table saw a rollercoaster of fortunes as players strategically maneuvered to maximize their positions.

Darko Svesko pulled off a daring bluff to retake the lead when he and Oleg Netaliev unexpectedly found themselves in a heads-up match. Svesko eventually defeated Netaliev with Kings against Ace-Queen to complete a spectacular triumph.

The upcoming EPT event in North Cyprus, which is expected to be a big highlight on the poker calendar, is generating increasing interest. A wonderful time is guaranteed for visitors at The Merit Resort thanks to its first-rate amenities, which include upscale buffets, sumptuous spa facilities, and all-inclusive bars.

Final Table Payouts for the 2023 Merit Retro Main Event

Darko Svesko – $567,000
Oleg Netaliev – $417,900
Michel Atallah – $257,900
Nenad Dukic – $191,100
David Hu – $142,400
Ruslan Volkov – $115,100
Dominik Panka – $95,900
Thomas Eychenne – $76,300
Ara Melkisetian – $56,700