Seat 5: Barak Oz, 36, Tel Aviv, Israel – 4,500,000
Originally from Ramat Gan, Barak Oz lives near the beach in Tel Aviv, Israel, a sweet spot for an avid wakesurfer. Oz calls himself a semi-professional poker player, who used to play more frequently during his student years but now combines the game with his job as a data analyst.
The 36-year-old said he typically makes three or four poker trips every year. The Czech Republic has treated him especially well in 2024. He picked up his career-biggest prize of €73,850 11 months ago in Rozvadov and now he's already guaranteed a six-figure score here at EPT Prague.
"I love Prague," Oz said, praising the city, the EPT Main Event structure, and the tournament organization.
Oz admits he feels a little nervous when thinking of the final table payouts, but he puts it to the back of his mind immediately when he takes his seat at the table. He is then entirely in the zone. He's also well aware that only Uri Gilboa has won an EPT title for Israel but is doing his best not to think that far ahead.
Any prize from the final table will come in handy for a man planning his wedding. He doesn't have a date confirmed just yet, but said it will take place sometime in the next few months in Israel. Oz confirmed he's ready to spend some winnings to make it spectacular.