Seat 4: Igor Kurganov (3,645,000)
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There is no soft spot at this final table, and Igor Kurganov is another very tough competitor remaining. Although he's listed as Russian, everyone considers Kurganov a part of "Team Germany." He's also widely considered as one of the most brilliant tournament poker minds out there today, and he can back that up with over $8.2 million in live tournament earnings.
All of those winnings are nice, but it's when you examine them further that you really see just how well Kurganov performs at the European Poker Tour Grand Final. He has six cashes from this festival, with the earliest coming in 2011 when he took second in the €10,300 Turbo High Roller for €123,000 in Madrid. In 2012, he amplified his EPT Grand Final winnings in a big way by capturing the title and first place in the €25,500 High Roller to the tune of €1.08 million.
In 2013's stop, Kurganov placed 74th in the Main Event for €16,000 and seventh in the €25,500 High Roller for €154,700. He followed those results up the next year with two more — first taking third in this event, the €100,000 Super High Roller, for over €1.128 million and then cashing in 52nd place in the Main Event for €24,400.
All told, Kurganov has hauled in over €2.526 million from the EPT Grand Final.
Ranked No. 1 on Russia's all-time money list, Kurganov has cashed for no less than $1.8 million in the past three years. He'll be adding at least €261,800 to his tally in this event, but with the second biggest stack of 3.645 million, it's highly likely he'll finish in the top three and score much more. If anything will serve as his kryptonite, it could be the table draw he will have to deal with on Day 3.
Seated directly to Kurganov's left is defending champion Max Altergott, followed by the tough Fedor Holz. Specifically speaking to Altergott, he's a good friend of Kurganov, so some extra deceptiveness could be needed if Kurganov is going to outfox him. After all, Altergott will have the power of position. But, if this video is any indication, Kurganov has a plan of attack.