Igor Kurganov wins 2013 $25,000 Aussie Million Challenge

Monday February 4,2013 : RUSSIAN POKER PRO TAKES THE $25,000 AUSSIE MILLIONS CHALLENGE
 
Kurganov unstoppable in Melbourne
 
Online and land Russian poker pro Igor "Lechukpoker" Kurganov is A$275,000 wealthier today after taking down the 2013 $25,000 Aussie Million Challenge event at the Crown Casino in Melbourne, Australia.
 
Kurganov faced a final table led by Fabian Quoss as chip leader and comprising aces Philipp Gruissem, Erik Seidel and Niklas Heinecker on the final day over the weekend, but emerged the winner after a tense heads up against Gruissem.
 
The two friends faced off with Kurganov holding a 200,000 chip lead, but that did not last long as Gruissem stormed back into contention and then overtook his opponent to take a substantial lead at one point.
 
Just when it appeared that Gruissem had it in the bag, Kurganov pulled off a big-chip double to forge ahead and eventually claim the main prize of A$275,000, leaving his opponent with a second placing take-home of A$187,000.
 
The win takes the Russian's career earnings to well over $3.5 million.