Yakiv Syzghanov emerged triumphant from a competitive field of 758 players at the 2024 World Poker Tour Prime Aix-en-Provence €1,100 buy-in no-limit hold’em main event, seizing the top prize of $144,612.
Hailing from Ukraine, Yakiv Syzghanov navigated through the bustling competition at the Pasino Grand in the South of France to claim the six-figure purse, along with the prestigious title and a coveted $10,400 seat at the 2024 WPT World Championship in Wynn Las Vegas.
Reflecting on his victory, Yakiv Syzghanov expressed profound gratitude, describing the experience as a dream realized after enduring six consecutive days of intense twelve-hour sessions. This monumental win far surpasses his previous live tournament earnings, notably exceeding the $13,353 he earned from a 13th-place finish at the 2022 World Series of Poker Europe festival. With this latest triumph, Syzghanov’s total tournament earnings now exceed $163,000.
The final day of the tournament commenced with eight players vying for victory, with Laurent Michot leading the pack and Syzghanov tied for second place with Frederic Normand. Syzghanov’s strategic prowess was evident as he swiftly eliminated opponents, including Andre Volpi and David Sacksick, to advance to the final four.
In a dramatic showdown, Syzghanov emerged victorious in a heads-up battle against Michot, despite initially facing a chip disadvantage. The final hand saw Syzghanov’s A♣️3♦️ triumph over Michot’s 5♥️5♣️, securing kings full of aces and clinching the title. Michot was awarded $88,892 as the runner-up, concluding an exhilarating tournament that showcased Syzghanov’s skill and determination on the poker stage.
Here is a look at the payouts and POY points awarded at the final table:
| Place | Player | Earnings | POY Points |
| 1 | Yakiv Syzghanov | $144,612 | 912 |
| 2 | Laurent Michot | $88,892 | 760 |
| 3 | Frederic Normand | $66,127 | 608 |
| 4 | Dylan Cechowski | $48,782 | 456 |
| 5 | David Sacksick | $36,858 | 380 |
