Seat 2: Derk van Luijk, 43, The Hague, Netherlands – 3,200,000
Derk van Luijk, a 43-year-old semi-professional poker player and investor, has already surpassed his previous best performance in an EPT Main Event.
Earlier this year, he reached 28th place in Paris, but has gone even further in Monaco, now making it to the final day. A dramatic moment defined his tournament when he drew two jacks on the turn and river, allowing his ace-jack to beat a pair of aces. This crucial hand occurred while they were nine-handed, propelling him with the momentum needed to continue.
Throughout the tournament, Van Luijk has had the support of his partner, who is expecting their third child and was present to witness the pivotal hand from the rail. With his performance in Monte Carlo, he is set to earn the largest prize of his poker career, already securing his first six-figure score. Additionally, Van Luijk has previously claimed a PokerStars spade for winning a €2,100 side event at EPT Barcelona in 2022.