In January of 2009, Full Tilt Poker signed Michael Tureniec to their stable of Full Tilt pros. Full Tilt knew that Michael was a diamond and didn't even need polishing to prove his merit as a poker pro and a winning poker player. Michael did, however, fill the spot of being the first Swede listed on Full Tilt Poker's pro roster and now he's filling the spot of "Winner!"
Tureniec has been playing poker since he learned the game from friends in 2003; turning pro in 2006 - a self taught, online grinding machine, he's now storming the live tournament world by adding another score to his spread sheet. He just took down the EPT Copenhagen and scooped DKK 3.7 Million ($685,000) for his first prize finish.
It always sound so easy when the last card has turned and the winner is declared but Tureniec entered the final table holding fifth place in chips and when he went to war in heads-up play against compatriot Per Linde, he held over two thirds of the chips. But it didn't end in a hurry. The two Swedes fought hard for the prestigious title and a marathon three hour and 29 minute battle followed.
Per survived twice after moving his entire chip stack into the middle (all-in) and hung on trying to beat Michael's chip advantage. The third time Per went all-in it was calling a shove from Michael who was holding 
and Per was holding pockets 7s. The board ran out 
. The Jack on the turn gave Michael the biggest tournament victory of his career to date.
Tureniec is no stranger to final table tournament poker having finished runner-up in 2008 in the EPT London Main Event and winning tournaments across Europe, including a € 2.000 No Limit Holdem side event at last year’s EPT Barcelona. His latest win takes his career tournament earnings beyond $2.5 Million.
Look for Michael to be headlined in more 'winning' tournaments reports in the future and look for him at the tables at Full Tilt Poker.
*Photo Courtesy of PokerStars Blog*