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CARNIVAL FESTIVAL 2025: Franck Cartigny wins the Main Event in Namur - €53,000
2025-03-03 - RICHARD Fabien
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After a breathless final and an interminable heads-up, Franck Cartigny left his mark on the Carnival Festival.

Facing 1,275 entrants, Franck Cartigny claims victory in style, securing a prize of €53,000 and proving that amateur players can still shine on the biggest stages.

 

A Prestigious Victory for a Determined Player

 

 

It took 4 hours of heads-up play for Franck Cartigny to seal his triumph in the €350 Main Event of the Carnival Festival. With impressive endurance, unwavering determination, and constant adaptation, he dominated this massive field, earning the biggest win of his career along with a €2,200 ticket for the CPS Main Event.

The Frenchman never let go of his destiny. Starting Day 3 as the second chip leader, he navigated his way to the final table before imposing his rhythm. With a prize pool of €368,000, the battle was fierce, but Cartigny showcased his experience, particularly honed within the PokeraLille association, with which he was crowned French champion.

"I had a small moment of doubt when Julien Gillain came back to 25 big blinds, but I managed to adjust. I stuck to my game, and he ended up folding frequently," analyzed the new champion.

Although his talent is undeniable, Franck Cartigny is not a full-time poker player. Married, a father, and working in logistics, he only plays three live tournaments a year, in addition to regularly grinding online. But when he enters a tournament, his goal is clear: to win.

"My first objective was to reach the final, then aim for the Top 4… Then, I got a big lucky break with my eights against kings. I couldn't believe it, but I still had 13 million chips behind in case it went wrong. That hand changed everything."

This success in Namur is not just an anecdote; it is the culmination of years of experience and a sharp strategic approach. With an exemplary endgame strategy, he eliminated his last four opponents in just 80 minutes, never truly in danger.

"I'm very happy with my game. I rediscovered sensations from before. I built a strong image against Firat (Baltaci), and he eventually cracked."

With 1,275 entrants and 191 paid places, the Carnival Festival lived up to expectations. After eight starting flights, 335 players reached Day 2, but only 32 survivors could compete for the title on the final day.

From the beginning, the favorites clashed in fierce battles, leading to a wave of eliminations. JS Denissa, Giovanni Ventura, Patrick Hutsch, Fedele Ricotta, and Eddy Sebastianutti fell one after another, while Firat Baltaci, the chip leader at the start of the day, saw his run come to an abrupt end in 20th place.

As the final table took shape, the pace intensified. Ibrahim Aslan (11th) and Raymond van Gasstek (10th) were eliminated within seconds of each other, leaving Franck Cartigny to dictate the tempo. Only Zhong Chen briefly challenged his dominance, but without success.

With this title, Cartigny cements his status as a formidable contender. He may not be present at the DSO Namur in March, but it's already confirmed that he will return in May for the €1,100 event before closing the year with the CPS.

Until then, it's back to logistics and family life. But one thing is certain: when he returns to the tables, it will be to fight for another title.

 

Final Table Results of the Carnival Festival Main Event:

1. Franck Cartigny – €53,000

2. Julien Gillain – €37,000

3. Zhong Chen – €26,400

4. Twan De Wit – €20,400

5. Ben Despineux – €15,700

6. Raphaël Muller Chataigne – €12,100

7. Bogdan Petrascu – €9,325

8. Manuel Manuelyan – €7,150

9. Olivier Armougon – €5,500

 

All live chip counts and results available on the Google Play app HERE App Store HERE 
(Photo credits: Circus Casino Resort Namur)

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