8 Max Survivor 2K Bounty to ITM ($1,000)

The WPT Cambodia 2025 festival delivered high-stakes action and thrilling moments with the 8 Max Survivor 2K Bounty event standing out as one of the most exciting tournaments. Featuring a bounty structure, the tournament attracted 482 entries across three Day 1 flights, with 61 players advancing to Day 2.

In the end, it was Hongru Zhang of China who emerged victorious, securing the title and a payout of US$ 46,188, along with six bounties collected throughout the event. Runner-up Manuel Carvalho of Portugal played an outstanding game as well to earn US$ 31,442 and seven bounties. Slashing the most number of players was Yongjia "Gary" Lin with a total of nine collected until he was downed in 5th place.

Champion Zhang, shared some insights after the event:

How does it feel to win this event?

I’m very happy. I feel lucky. It’s been a year and a half since my last win.

Your last victory was in August 2023, also in an 8-Max event. Why do you excel in this format?

I play a lot of online poker, and most online tables are 8-Max. So, I’m very comfortable with this structure.

How did you adjust knowing that each knockout was worth $2,000?

On Day 1, I had a chance to knock out two players for $4,000 in bounties, but I folded. It turned out to be the right decision. On Day 2, I started with a short stack, dropping to 150,000-200,000 chips, but I stayed patient and made a comeback.

What was your strategy at the final table?

Honestly, I think I was just very lucky. I haven’t run well in the last two years, but this final table felt like a turning point for me.

At the start of heads-up play, you asked for an ICM deal, but Manuel declined. Why did you make the request?

Manuel is a strong player. I had 11 million chips, and he had 7 million. I thought an ICM chop would be a fair deal.

What was your heads-up strategy?

Just playing my game. I had strong hands, and Manuel tried to bluff me multiple times, but I called correctly.

The WPT Cambodia 2025 - 8 Max Survivor 2K Bounty featured three intense starting flights for a total of 482 entries. The prize pool reached US$ 230,813, with 61 players qualifying for Day 2.

For a majority of the final table, Abhishek Paul was the player to catch until Manuel Carvalho landed a double up that sent him skyrocketing to over 40% of the chips in play with four players remaining. After Hongru Zhang eliminated Paul in 4th place, he gained momentum, successfully grinding to amass a big lead. When Carvalho eliminated Tuan Hung Nguyen in 3rd place, the Portuguese still could not penetrate Zhang's big stack to eventually settle for 2nd place. On a side note, moments before entering the final flight of this event, Carvalho finished 2nd at the Super High Roller Warm-Up.

8 Max Survivor 2K Bounty

Dates: February 11-13, 2025

Buy-in: $1,000

Total Entries: 482

Total Prize Pool: $230,813

Shmuel Bechor comitted the entire stack of 210,000 preflop holding A♠ 2♠ and Manuel Carvalho responded with a three-bet of 350,000 holding K♥ 4♥ . The board 3♥ 7♥ 3♦ Q♥ 2♦ handed Carvalho a flush knocking out Bechor.

Shmuel Beehor brought 145,000 to the pot preflop, and Tom Maguire raised 300,000. Beehor called all-in with Q♥ 9♣ while Maguire held A♣ J♥ . The board, 6♥ 8♦ 7♦ J♦ Q♦ gave a much needed pair of queens for Beehot.