Alex Kulev claimed his first tournament win of 2026 at the Onyx High Roller Series in Cyprus, banking $384,150 after defeating a field of 207 entries in the $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em Opener at Merit Royal Diamond Casino & Spa.
The Bulgarian pro navigated three starting flights and a stacked final table to secure the title, with the victory highlighted by an incredible hero call that shifted momentum during heads-up play.
Tournament Overview: $1.9M Prize Pool Attracts Elite Field
The $10K Opener kicked off the Onyx High Roller Series with a $1,945,800 total prize pool, paying out the top 31 finishers. The tournament featured a deep structure that allowed skilled players to showcase their abilities across multiple days of play.
Key Tournament Stats:
Total Entries: 207
Prize Pool: $1,945,800
Players Paid: 31
Starting Flights: 3
Day 2 Survivors: 31
The international field included top professionals from across Europe, Russia, and Turkey, making this one of the most competitive high roller events of the early 2026 calendar.
Final Table Action: Kulev Dominates Early
Alex Kulev entered the final table as the chip leader, giving him a significant advantage as the tournament moved into its decisive phase. His aggressive play and strategic discipline allowed him to maintain pressure on his opponents throughout the final table.
However, by the time heads-up play began against Damir Gabdullin (Russia), Kulev found himself in a 3:2 chip deficit, setting the stage for one of the tournament’s most memorable hands.
The Hero Call That Changed Everything
Facing a full pot-sized all-in bet on the river with just bottom pair, Kulev went deep into the tank. After several minutes of deliberation, he made the call and was proven right when Gabdullin revealed an airball bluff with no made hand.
This hero call swung momentum back in Kulev’s favor, bringing him back into contention and demoralizing his opponent. Just a few hands later, Kulev sealed the victory when his top two pair held up against Gabdullin’s weaker holding.
The courage to make that river call exemplifies the high-level decision-making required to win at these stakes, where every pot can define the outcome of the tournament.
Final Table Payouts
The top three finishers agreed to an ICM deal during heads-up play, adjusting the final payouts based on chip equity. Here’s how the final table prize money was distributed:
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Alex Kulev | Bulgaria | $384,150* |
| 2nd | Damir Gabdullin | Russia | $315,850* |
| 3rd | Fahredin Mustafov | Bulgaria | $200,000 |
| 4th | Recep Aydemir | Turkey | $154,000 |
| 5th | Uku Vanaaseme | Estonia | $119,200 |
| 6th | Halil Tasyurek | Turkey | $92,300 |
| 7th | Wei Zhao | China | $71,500 |
| 8th | Orhan Ates | Turkey | $55,400 |
*Denotes ICM deal
What’s Next for the Onyx High Roller Series?
The $10K Opener was just the beginning of the Onyx High Roller Series at Merit Cyprus. The festival continues throughout February 2026 with multiple high roller events, including:
$25,000 High Roller
$50,000 Super High Roller
$100,000 High Roller Championship
Merit Royal Diamond Casino has quickly established itself as one of Europe’s premier destinations for high-stakes poker, offering world-class facilities, deep tournament structures, and a steady stream of elite international players.
Final Thoughts
Alex Kulev’s victory in the Onyx High Roller Series opener demonstrates the level of skill and mental fortitude required to succeed at the highest stakes. His ability to make a massive hero call under pressure and then close out the tournament showcases why he’s respected among the international high roller circuit.
For aspiring tournament grinders, Kulev’s win serves as a reminder that courage, patience, and disciplined bankroll management are just as important as technical poker skill when competing for six-figure prizes.
