Daniel “Jungleman” Cates delivered one of the most remarkable performances in modern poker history, winning three consecutive heads-up matches for a staggering $15 million profit at the Onyx Super High Roller Series in Cyprus.
A Record-Breaking High-Stakes Showdown
The action unfolded at the Merit Royal Diamond during the Onyx Super High Roller Series, where blinds reached as high as $30,000/$60,000. Thousands tuned in via the Onyx Live YouTube stream to witness what has been described as the largest public poker game ever played.
Cates faced off against Finnish challenger Ossi “Monarch” Ketola, a former Counter-Strike professional who has made a bold transition into the world of nosebleed poker. The two battled across six heads-up matches with buy-ins ranging from €1 million to €6 million.
Jungleman vs. Monarch: The Matches
The duel began with Cates taking the opening €1 million match, before Ketola bounced back to win two straight—including a €3 million game where he coolered Cates in back-to-back hands. But momentum shifted dramatically from Match 4 onward.
Cates fought back, winning two consecutive €5 million buy-in matches with a mix of sharp reads, well-timed bluffs, and fearless river calls. The deciding stretch came in Match 6, a €6 million showdown at $30,000/$60,000 blinds, where Cates sealed the series with dominant play, including a Royal Flush that left viewers stunned and his opponent frustrated.
Final Results
| Match | Buy-In | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | €1,000,000 | Jungleman |
| 2 | €1,000,000 | Monarch |
| 3 | €3,000,000 | Monarch |
| 4 | €5,000,000 | Jungleman |
| 5 | €5,000,000 | Jungleman |
| 6 | €6,000,000 | Jungleman |
In total, Jungleman secured four wins out of six, finishing with a €13 million net profit (around $15.1 million USD).
Monarch’s Relentless Spirit
Despite ending the series down millions, Ketola showed impressive resilience. Even after losing heavily to Danish high roller Kayhan Mokri earlier in the week, Monarch continued to challenge one of poker’s most seasoned professionals on the biggest stage. His willingness to battle at such astronomical stakes has earned him attention well beyond the poker world.
Jungleman’s Legacy Grows
For Daniel Cates, already a two-time WSOP bracelet winner and long-time high-stakes regular, this victory further cements his reputation as one of the game’s elite heads-up players. Beyond the eye-popping sums, the matches showcased his adaptability, patience, and ability to recover from early setbacks—qualities that have defined his career.
With €13 million added to his bankroll in a single series, Cates’ performance at the Onyx Super High Roller Series Cyprus will be remembered as one of the most extraordinary feats in the history of high-stakes poker.
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