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MERIT POKER CARMEN SERIES 2025 : Nenad Dukic makes history in Cyprus - $401,000
2025-03-24 - RICHARD Fabien
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The Serb clinches the finest title of his career at the end of an intense and spectacular marathon.

Serbian player Nenad Dukic achieved a remarkable feat by winning the Main Event of the 2025 Merit Poker Carmen Series, claiming the prestigious trophy and a prize of $401,000.

The Main Event, with a $3,300 buy-in, attracted 881 participants over four starting flights, far exceeding the initial $1.5 million guarantee and creating a total prize pool of $2,431,560. From the start of the final table, Dukic made his mark by eliminating Leonid Orman in 9th place, strengthening his position as chip leader. He continued to dominate the table by knocking out several opponents and maintaining his lead throughout.

A world-class poker festival

The Merit Poker Carmen Series, held at the Merit Crystal Cove Hotel and Casino in Kyrenia, Cyprus, is recognized as one of the most prestigious poker festivals in the region. With 22 events on the schedule and guaranteed prize pools exceeding $4.5 million, the series attracts top players from around the world every year. The 2025 Main Event once again confirmed its popularity, with a record turnout and an exceptional level of competition.

In a Main Event that was both intense and unpredictable, Nenad Dukic remained composed and strategically sharp to defeat 758 opponents. He leaves Cyprus with the title and $401,000 in prize money—a rare achievement for a player who has shaken up the international hierarchy.

Dukic’s victory in the Main Event marks a turning point in his career. Prior to this, his best result was a 5th-place finish in a €3,000 Mystery Bounty event at the EPT Prague in 2022. With this win, his total live tournament earnings now approach $723,000. He also earned 1,368 Player of the Year points, propelling him into the global top 60 rankings.

The final table featured several key confrontations. After Leonid Orman exited in 9th place, Daniil Kiselev followed in 8th, then Maher Achour in 7th. Chady Ojeil finished 6th, Han Han took 5th place, and Soraya Estrada—the last woman remaining—was eliminated in 4th after a decisive hand against Dukic. Mikhail Zavoloka claimed 3rd place.

The heads-up battle pitted Nenad Dukic against Akin Tuna of Turkey. Dukic maintained his lead and secured the coveted title.

Nenad Dukic's triumph at the 2025 Merit Poker Carmen Series highlights the growing dominance of Serbian players on the international poker scene. His impressive run will be remembered as a landmark moment in European poker history and an inspiration to aspiring champions.

The Merit Crystal Cove Hotel and Casino continues to stand out as a premier destination for poker enthusiasts, offering top-tier events and attracting elite players from across the globe. The 2025 Merit Poker Carmen Series once again showcased the excellence of the organization and the unwavering passion of competitors for this game of strategy and skill.

Final Table Results – 2025 Merit Poker Carmen Series Main Event:

1. Nenad Dukic (Serbia) – $401,000

2. Akin Tuna (Turkey) – $265,000

3. Mikhail Zavoloka (Russia) – $185,250

4. Soraya Estrada (Spain) – $132,100

5. Han Han (San Marino) – $99,050

6. Chady Ojeil (Lebanon) – $80,500

7. Maher Achour (Tunisia) – $65,700

8. Daniil Kiselev (Russia) – $52,200

9. Leonid Orman (Russia) – $39,600

Live chip counts and results available on the Google Play app HERE or AppStore HERE
(Photo credits: PokerNews)

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