Late Surge By Artur Martirosian Denies Viktor Blom Super High Roller Bowl Freebie

June 1st, 2020 | by Jason Reynolds

All eyes may have been on Viktor Blom heading into the final stages of the Super High Roller Bowl Online series, but it’s Artur Martirosian who stole the show.

Viktor Blom has dominated the Super High Roller Bowl Online but a late surge has netted Artur Martirosian (pictured) the overall title. (Image: Partypoker/Tomas Stacha)

With a seat in the $102,000 finale on offer for the top performer, Blom was a virtual lock for the free pass.

The enigmatic Swede has dominated over the last two weeks with six cashes. However, in a final flurry, Martirosian managed to usurp Blom and steal the Player of the Series title.

Blom Bounced from Top Spot

Prior to the surge, Blom was on top with three victories and $1,570,000 in total earnings. His run included first-place finishes in Event #9, #14 and #21.

The win in Event #14 was the most lucrative, netting the online legend a $407,500. However, it was his performance in Event #21 that proved he’s far from a spent force.

By beating an all-star line-up that included Timothy Adams, Mikita Badziakouski, Steve O’Dwyer, and Isaac Haxton, Blom banked another $195,250. What’s more, it confirmed that legends never die.

However, as the eyes of the poker community were focused on Blom, Martirosian made a late break. Prior to the start of the Super High Roller Bowl Online finale, the Russian was almost $500,000 behind Blom.

By June 1, it was all change at the top. Between Events #23 and 27, Martirosian cashed four times. That run netted him over $700,000 and a place at the top of the series’ leaderboard.

With a final total of $1,795,395 and Blom unable to respond, Martirosian was crowned Player of the Series. His prize, other than the respect of his peers, is a seat in the $102,000 main event.

Super High Roller Bowl Online Set for Glittering Finish

Unlike past Super High Roller Bowl main events, entry to won’t be decided by a ballot. With Partypoker offering unlimited capacity, any of poker’s elite can ante-up and compete for the $3 million guarantee between June 1 and 2.

Martirosian will be one player fight for glory, as will Isaac Haxton, Jason Koon, and Mikita Badziakouski. Given his performance thus far, it’s hard to believe Blom won’t also be in the mix. In fact, with the Swede in red-hot form right now, many will expect to see him making a deep run.

Whoever makes it to the final table on June 2 will have to fight hard. Not only is the event a chance to win a major poker title, it’s the opportunity to earn a place in history. When coronavirus lockdown measures end, we may not see another Super High Roller Bowl Online. For that fact alone, the game’s best will want to seize their opportunity.