Khayal Abbasov Crushes Final Day to Win Won Poker Cup III Main Event

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“I feel very excited and happy,” Abbasov said shortly after the win. “I have been waiting for this for a long time—maybe since the start of my career. I haven’t won anything bigger than this. I’m really happy.”

In a true display of dominance, Azerbaijan’s Khayal Abbasov captured the Won Poker Cup III Main Event title, overcoming a 415-entry field to earn the $116,500 top prize, the prestigious Won Trophy, and the coveted W Ring, all while marking the biggest win of his career. After taking down the Mini Main in the previous edition, Abbasov heads home this time with a much larger haul and a first major title to boot.

#10 MAIN EVENT ($1,320)

In just four hours of Final Day action, the Won Poker Cup III Main Event crowned a new champion with Khayal Abbasov claiming all the accolades. Abbasov showcased a full display of unwavering composure, sharp decision-making, and relentless pressure throughout the final games, ultimately rising as the last man standing out of a 415-entry field. For his well-earned feat, Abbasov rewrote his career best cash to $116,500, and takes with him the coveted Won Trophy and the exclusive W Ring.

Total Prize

$600,000

Guaranteed

600,000

Entries

415

ITM

#	Payout	Player
1	$116,500	KA Khayal Abbasov Azerbaijan
2	$73,800	AV Armon Van Wijk Australia
3	$53,300	AC Abhijith Cheruku India
4	$43,100	VA Viet An Nguyen Viet Nam
5	$34,100	NT Ngoc Thai Huynh Viet Nam
6	$26,300	MB Mikayel Balabekyan Armenia
7	$19,600	AB Adrian Brion Philippines
8	$14,200	HA Hoang Anh Nguyen Viet Nam
9	$11,500	KB Kyle Bao Diep Viet Nam

Check the 52 Payouts & Results ...

Won Poker Cup III

Held from May 14–21 at the Won Majestic Hotel & Casino in the coastal city of Sihanoukville, Cambodia, the third running of the Won Poker Cup delivered more than just thrilling action on the felt, it also marked a key milestone for the tour. This season’s turnout set a new series record, reflecting growing interest for the budding brand, which now boasts three successful installments since launching just last year. With each stop raising the bar, expectations continue to rise with the tour showing no signs of slowing down, clearly determined to set the stage for even bigger events in the near future.

Main Event Final Table Recap

Only nine players returned to the scene with Abbasov holding a commanding lead. The first casualty came by quickly, as Kyle Bao Diep hit the rails right at the opening level. His compatriot, Hoang Anh Nguyen, followed shortly after, and Adrian Brion soon joined them after failing to win a race for his last few big blinds. Just before the first break, Mikayel Balabekyan met a similar fate, running straight into Abbasov’s pocket aces to end his run in 6th place.

Just two levels in and only five remaining in contention, Abbasov kept his momentum rolling, moreso following a decisive double knockout which propelled him further ahead. In a three-way showdown with Viet An Nguyen and Ngoc Thai Huynh, Abbasov’s run good continued as he tabled yet another pair of aces, busting both opponents simultaneously.

“I played my game and got very lucky.. Aces, kings, what more could you ask for, just very lucky.”

From there, the chips continued to fall in Abbasov’s favor, eliminating Abhijith Cheruku in third just shortly to eventually land a seat in the final duel against 2024 Runner Up Armon Van Wijk with an 8:1 chip advantage. It only took half a level for Abbasov to secure the victory with the final hand seeing his pocket kings reign supreme over Van Wijk’s top pair, leaving his Australian foe yet with another close finish.

Khayal Abbasov Crushes Final Day to Win Won Poker Cup III Main Event

“I will definitely be back, I won the Mini Main last time and the Main Event this time.” Abbasov added. “Actually, I think I can say that this is the best organization I have ever played in around Asia. Having played a lot of series, I think so far, this has been the best venue.”

As for what comes next?

“I plan on celebrating for about two weeks to a month,” he laughed. “Drink with friends, just have fun, and celebrate all of this. After that, I’ll find a series to play.”