Romanian Pro Outlasts 692 Players for €100,350 and Another Title in Rozvadov
Darius Neagoe has done it again. Nearly a year after winning his first bracelet at King’s Resort, the Romanian pro captured his second World Series of Poker title in Event #12: €1,500 No-Limit Hold’em Mystery Million, outlasting a 692-entry field to take home €100,350 and the coveted gold bracelet. His win came at 4:30 a.m. in Rozvadov after an intense 14-hour final day — one filled with laughter, adrenaline, and a loud rail of Romanian supporters who never stopped cheering.
“I’m Chasing Moments, Not Bracelets”
For Neagoe, the moment wasn’t just about another trophy. Surrounded by close friends and fellow Romanian pros Adrian State and Traian Stanciu, he said the real reward was the experience.
“Well, it’s nice. But I’m not chasing bracelets. I’m chasing these moments with my friends. We have fun. We play good poker. And that’s what it’s all about.”
With the win, Neagoe became only the sixth player in WSOP Europe history to win multiple bracelets — and the second Romanian to do so, joining Alexandru Papazian. His total live earnings now exceed $400,000, boosted by a €40,000 mystery bounty pulled earlier in the event.
Final Table Payouts
| Rank | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Darius Neagoe | Romania | €100,350* |
| 2 | Rene Schnitzler | Germany | €70,850* |
| 3 | Matthias Gude | Germany | €51,350 |
| 4 | Elia Salerno | Italy | €38,950 |
| 5 | Josef Gulas | Czechia | €30,650 |
| 6 | Georgios Tsouloftas | Cyprus | €25,050 |
| 7 | Scott Reynolds | United Kingdom | €10,850 |
| 8 | Antonio Fragale | Italy | €8,200 |
*Includes a €10,350 Main Event seat.
Heads-Up Fireworks
The final duel was as unpredictable as it was entertaining. Neagoe faced Germany’s Rene Schnitzler — a fast-playing, chain-smoking amateur who kept the table laughing with constant chatter and bold all-ins. Despite Schnitzler’s unorthodox style, Neagoe stayed composed through the swings.
The lead changed hands several times. Schnitzler spiked lucky rivers to survive with pocket fours and ace-eight, but Neagoe fought back, doubling up with ace-five before his pocket fours held against ace-eight to regain control. The final hand saw Schnitzler shove with top pair, only for Neagoe to call with a flush draw — and hit the queen of hearts on the turn to clinch victory.
“Okay, that dude is amazing. I love him. He was very aggressive. He was very fun,” Neagoe said with a laugh. “He needs to take a break from smoking, though!”
A Marathon Win in Rozvadov
The final day started with 104 players already in the money. Along the way, notable eliminations included Ian Simpson (24th), Urmo Velvelt (31st), and Manig Loeser (28th). Neagoe’s momentum began late on Day 2, when his pocket tens beat Simpson’s sixes and his trip kings scored a crucial triple-up.
As the night wore on, he continued to stack up — knocking out Antonio Fragale, Scott Reynolds, and Matthias Gude before finally sealing the deal against Schnitzler. The victory came after a grueling 14-hour session that stretched into the early morning chill outside King’s Resort.
“I try to eat well, sleep well, and do sports with my friends,” Neagoe said afterward. “You need to be in shape to get through the long hours of playing.”
What’s Next
Neagoe plans to enter the WSOPE Main Event, but he’s not rushing to the tables just yet.
“I’m really tired,” he admitted. “I’m looking forward to it, but I’m going to take it a little bit slow and see what happens.”
As dawn broke over Rozvadov, the Romanian rail celebrated long into the morning — another unforgettable moment in what’s becoming a remarkable run for Neagoe and Team Romania.
