In a stunning display of resilience and skill, Maxime Parys emerged victorious at the Unibet Open Marrakech, despite facing the daunting challenge of having just five blinds at the final table. The French poker player rallied to dominate the Main Event, ultimately securing a prize of 1,375,000 MAD following a heads-up deal that showcased his strategic prowess and determination.

The vibrant city of Marrakech set the stage for yet another captivating poker narrative, where the thrill of competition intertwined seamlessly with camaraderie and emotion. Following the recent victory of Idir Haïche in the UDSO, where two long-time friends vied for the championship title, the Unibet Open Main Event captured the attention of poker enthusiasts. This time, the spotlight shifted to Parys, whose journey to the trophy was marked by sheer survival in the tournament.

With a buy-in of 12,000 MAD, the tournament attracted 853 participants, culminating in a substantial prize pool of 8,845,000 MAD. After four intense days of competition, it was Maxime “Dabou” Parys who emerged as the last player standing at Casino de Marrakech, ready to claim his victory.

Unforeseen Revelations and Critical Moments

One of the most peculiar incidents during Parys' final table appearance occurred against a Spanish competitor known as Hammer. Parys initiated the action from the button with a bet of 1.7 million using a hand of K♥7♥, committing nearly half of his chip stack. Hammer, misunderstanding the situation, mistakenly believed it was an all-in and prematurely revealed his cards, K♦J♠, before quickly attempting to conceal them. Although the revelation was unintentional, it provided Parys with an invaluable glimpse into his opponent's hand.

Following a brief intervention from the floor staff, the hand resumed. With a flop showing 6♣3♦8♠, Hammer pushed all-in, prompting Parys to fold and lose a significant portion of his stack yet remain in the tournament. As a consequence of his premature reveal, Hammer received a penalty of one orbit, while Parys seized the opportunity to regain momentum with an all-in holding A♥4♥ in the subsequent hand.

A crucial turning point arrived during an encounter with the Dutch player, Moneyhunter. After calling an all-in bet of 5.05 million from the button, Parys found himself in a precarious position with A♥T♥ against Moneyhunter’s T♠T♣. The flop of 5♠Q♥2♥ provided Parys with a flush draw, which he completed with a river card of 6♥, allowing him to stay in contention for the championship.

From Near Defeat to Heads-Up Glory

Parys secured his position in the heads-up showdown after a critical hand against Redwan Ferman. After opening from the button, Ferman defended his big blind and subsequently shoved his remaining seven million into a pot of 2.75 million on a flop of 9♠9♠9♦. Parys made the call with A♥K♠, while Ferman revealed Q♠6♥. A turn card of 5♠ maintained Parys' lead, and the river card of 9♣ granted him a quartet of nines, clinching the pot and propelling him into the final heads-up.

Before the climactic showdown, Parys and Benjamin Hammann struck a deal, ensuring each player secured 1,125,000 MAD, with an additional 250,000 MAD and the coveted trophy still up for grabs. This pivotal decision occurred early in the heads-up match. Parys opened the round with a bet of 1.2 million, to which Hammann responded with a call. On the flop of Q♠3♠Q♥, Parys bet 750,000, only to face a check-raise to 1.95 million from Hammann. Following a call and a subsequent all-in after the turn of 7♥, Parys found himself in a showdown with J♠3♦ against Hammann's 3♣2♣. Both players had two pairs, but Parys' higher kicker sealed the deal, leading him to a well-deserved victory.

This triumph marks Parys' first significant win in a live tournament, aside from an early freeroll competition. He credited the unwavering support of his friends, who cheered him on throughout the grueling eleven-hour final day. With the trophy in hand, a winner’s belt, and a total of 1,375,000 MAD to take home, Parys celebrated what is officially recognized as the second-largest live win of his poker career.

Final Table Results of the Unibet Open Marrakech 2026:

  • Position - Player - Country - Prize in MAD - Prize in $
  • 1. Maxime Parys - France - 1,375,000 MAD - $138,738
  • 2. Benjamin Hammann - France - 1,125,000 MAD - $113,513
  • 3. Redwan Ferman - France - 670,000 MAD - $67,603
  • 4. Hammer - Spain - 450,000 MAD - $45,405
  • 5. Moneyhunter - Netherlands - 335,000 MAD - $33,802
  • 6. Abdullah Akbarpoor - Turkey - 265,000 MAD - $26,739
  • 7. Mounim Kaddouri - France - 215,000 MAD - $21,694
  • 8. Tunisianking - Tunisia - 180,000 MAD - $18,162
  • 9. Ryan Abed - France - 150,000 MAD - $15,135

As reported by spadepoker.com.