| Level 18: | 10,000/15,000 (15,000) |
| Entries: | 2/12 |
| Prizes: | €10,700 + VIP football trip |
Juha Helppi took an early lead in the heads-up battle after scooping a few pots, but it was short-lived. Johan Karlsson swung momentum back in his favor with a bluff in a sizable pot, holding J♣9♥ against Helppi’s Q♠2♣ on a Q♣10♣7♣4♥ board.
From that point on, Karlsson maintained control, and apart from some smaller pots, it felt like a one-way street.
The final hand saw Helppi push all-in for 227,000 with 2♦2♣ from the button. Karlsson had a decision to make, looking down at A♣ first and hoping to see a good kicker as well. He squeezed a 9♥, which needed a brief consideration, but eventually made a call, putting the 2018 Kings of Tallinn champion at risk.
The dealer exposed an ace right away on the Q♦5♥A♦ flop, and Helppi needed a lot of help. The 5♣ turn offered no backdoor possibilities, and the 10♦ river sealed the deal.
Johan Karlsson is the 2025 Royal Showdown Invitational champion! He takes home a €3,000 tournament ticket, €1,000 in prize money, and an exclusive VIP football trip! Congratulations!
Johan Karlsson – 603,000
Juha Helppi – 0
