Blanc Outlasts Marathon Final Day to Win SunBet Poker Tour MonsterStaK Title

The final stop of the SunBet Poker Tour for the year wrapped up in dramatic fashion at the GrandWest Casino by Sun International in Cape Town. A marathon final day stretched well past the 16-hour mark before French contender Alexandre Blanc emerged victorious in the Joe-Boy Rahme MonsterStaK Main Event. The ZAR 15,000 ($850) buy-in tournament attracted 344 entries, creating a robust ZAR 4,334,400 ($251,395) prize pool and delivering one of the most memorable finales in the tour’s history.

This event, a highlight of the SunBet Poker Tour, was played in honour of South African poker pioneer Joe Rahme, who participated in this same event last year. Rahme’s recent passing was acknowledged with a heartfelt tribute video that played throughout the tournament, adding emotional weight to an already competitive festival.

A Marathon Battle Ends with a Comeback Victory

With an unusually deep average of more than 50 big blinds at the start of the final day, the table dynamics were complex and strategic. Blanc, who at one point slipped to just five big blinds, showcased incredible patience and resilience. His disciplined approach and well-timed aggression fueled a remarkable comeback—culminating in a winning hand featuring a premium pocket pair.

For his perseverance, Blanc claimed the top prize of ZAR 908,900 ($52,716), while runner-up Edgar Antezana, a respected veteran on the South African scene, secured ZAR 600,000 ($34,800). Antezana had joined the field late on Day 2 after back-to-back deep runs in the High Roller events earlier in the festival.

Outside of the local contingent, only Norway’s Jon Persent and the United Kingdom’s Alexander Rizvi represented international players at the final table.

Action-Packed Final Day on the SunBet Poker Tour

The last day began with 43 players already in the money, but despite the comfortable stacks, eliminations were initially slow. The action ignited during the final four tables when Mike Cupido hit a miraculous runner-runner to crack Ariel Mazabow’s flopped set. This hand triggered a chaotic series of large pots featuring Cupido, Rayhaan Adam, and Marko Nortje—the latter beginning the day as chip leader.

Nortje experienced a roller-coaster session before busting shy of the final two tables, while Cupido surged ahead, eliminating Sascha Manns and 2024 Cape Town Million champion Muaaz Gani to secure the final table chip lead.

Meanwhile, Blanc quietly doubled up multiple times, staying afloat and gradually rebuilding his stack.

Momentum Shifts Define the MonsterStaK Final Table

Once the final nine players took their seats, the momentum shifted again. Cupido’s early dominance stalled, and short stacks like Zulch and Franco Da Matta quickly hit the rail. Alexander Rizvi, who had played expertly with a short stack throughout the tournament, finally bowed out in 7th.

The biggest threat at the final table became Norway’s Jon Persent, who went on a blistering streak—knocking out Jedd Kossew, Cupido, and Naven Naicker in succession. But his attempt to maintain pressure resulted in a costly five-bet shove straight into Blanc’s waiting hand. That pivotal moment gave Blanc a massive chip lead.

Heads-up play between Blanc and Antezana lasted only a short time. Antezana, struggling to regain momentum, couldn’t shift the tide as Blanc closed out the SunBet Poker Tour finale with authority.

A Fitting End to the SunBet Poker Tour Season

Blanc’s victory provides a storybook ending to an emotional and action-filled stop on the SunBet Poker Tour. The event delivered everything poker fans hope for—deep stacks, dramatic comebacks, international competition, and a legacy tribute to a respected figure in South African poker.

As the tour prepares for its next season, this MonsterStaK finale will be remembered as one of its most intense and inspiring battles.

Final Table Results – SunBet Poker Tour MonsterStaK