A heartfelt personal touch and a timely run of cards combined to produce a breakthrough victory for Vladimir Lappo, who emerged victorious in the €880 Merit Poker Cup at the Merit Poker Montenegro Championship. Playing inside the Merit Royal Splendid Casino in Budva, the Belarusian outlasted a 415-entry field to secure the title and a €61,000 top prize, the largest payout of his poker career.
Lappo began the final table with an average stack and spent much of the early action fighting for survival, navigating multiple all-in situations before finding momentum at exactly the right moment. His perseverance paid off as he eliminated key opponents down the stretch and eventually defeated Nikolay Fal heads-up. Italy’s Fausto Tantillo completed the podium in third place, earning €29,000.
After sealing the win, Lappo was characteristically modest. “It’s quite complicated to win this tournament without luck,” he said. “And today, I was a lucky boy.”
A Special Win With Personal Meaning
Reflecting on the achievement, Lappo described the experience as unforgettable. “There were so many interesting hands and very strong opponents,” he said. He also made sure to thank those closest to him. “Thanks to my friends, my family, and the wonderful country of Slovenia, where I’ve lived for the past couple of years.”
One detail stood out above all others. Lappo revealed that he carried an origami talisman made by his daughter as a Christmas gift throughout the final day. “I think that’s why I won,” he said with a smile.
Lappo also spoke fondly of Montenegro, where he previously lived. “It’s a great country — mountains, sea, great people, lots of sun. I love the food and the people here.”
As for the trophy, its destination was already decided. “I’ve lived in Slovenia the last couple of years,” Lappo said. “The trophy goes to this wonderful country.”
Turning the Tide at the Final Table
Lappo’s comeback began with a crucial double-up against Tantillo. The chips went in preflop with Lappo holding ace-king against pocket sixes. An ace on the flop and two pair by the turn brought him back into contention.
Momentum continued when Lappo eliminated Rashad Iskandarov in eighth place, pairing his queen with king-queen against pocket jacks. Shortly afterward, he sent Mikhail Zavoloka to the rail in fifth when his ace-ten improved to two pair against pocket eights.
Ace-Five Delivers the Chip Lead
One of the defining hands came four-handed against Tantillo. After limping preflop and calling bets on the flop and turn, Lappo checked the river on a jack-ten-four-ace-nine board. Tantillo shoved, and after careful consideration, Lappo made the call with ace-five — good enough to eliminate Tantillo’s ten-six and claim the chip lead heading into heads-up play.
A Swift Finish
The final duel was brief, lasting just seven hands. In the decisive moment, Fal raised with ace-eight and Lappo three-bet holding ace-four. After a series of raises, the chips went in preflop. A four on the flop — and trips by the river — sealed the outcome, crowning Vladimir Lappo the €880 Merit Poker Cup champion.
From grinding a short stack to lifting the trophy with his daughter’s Christmas gift by his side, Lappo’s victory was a reminder that poker triumphs are often built on equal parts resilience, timing, and a little bit of magic.
