PokerStars Baltic Festival Main Event Won By UK's Thomas Partridge

Thomas Partridge (24) has won the inaugural PokerStars Baltic Festival Main Event in Tallinn, Estonia beating a field of 307 players to take down the top prize of €76,750 ($113,000). In an ironic twist, Partridge found himself facing his good friend James Keys, heads-up for the title and it was this very same friend who persuaded him to join the tournament in the first place. He said:
“I haven’t played many live tournaments, apart from in Las Vegas, and that didn’t go very well. But our friend qualified and encouraged us to come along as well. ”
Despite a 2 to 1 chip disadvantage, Partridge played an aggressive game and managed to get his neck out in front when the defining hand was played. All the chips were in the centre of the table on the turn with Partridge’s made flush up against Key’s two pair but the river brought no surprises for Keys who finished the runner-up for €48,505 plus a January PokerStars Caribbean Adventure package worth $15,000. 
Thomas Partridge also took home a PokerStars Caribbean Adventure package, as well as the €76,750 ($113,000) first place prize, and commenting on his victory said:  
“The heads-up at the end went pretty quickly. I had a good run of cards and got the momentum going. I’m very pleased with the way it went. Now I’m going to try to improve my game before going to the Bahamas. I don’t want to look too happy because my friend lost.”
As you would expect Team PokerStars Pros were well represented at the tournament and included  Katja Thater, J.C. Alvarado, Johnny Lodden, William Thorson and Peter Eastgate who finished 23rd and in the money.
PokerStars Baltics country manager Tomas Larsson said: “This is our first Baltic Festival tournament and it’s been a massive success. Players were drawn here by the promise of a beautiful city and world-class poker action – and they have not been disappointed. There have been big attendances at all the events this week, including the High Roller tournament which attracted some of the biggest name in the business. I am sure we will now build on the success of this festival to host many similar tournaments events in the future.”