Stoyan Madanzhiev, winner of the WSOP’s $5,000 summer Main Event, is willing to play Damian Salas heads-up, even if it’s just for bragging rights.
The Bulgarian came under attack from WSOP commentator Norman Chad last night after staking his claim as the true 2020 World Champion.
Madanzhiev stated some facts, Chad likened him to Donald Trump, and, eventually, all hell broke loose.
Madanzhiev is Ready to Play
We spoke to Madanzhiev to get his reaction. He told CardsChat that he doesn’t feel there is much more to say on the subject.
WSOP 10k Main:
Announced in the last moment
Two finalists missing the FT's
Event finishes in 2021
Winner takes 2.5m with 1.4k entries
95% online
2 heads ups
freezeout
Winner had 20 days to prepareWSOP 5k Main:
3.9m first
streamed
6k entries
classic structure
equal conditions— Stoyan Madanzhiev (@Stoyan_Mad) January 5, 2021
In his view, all the arguments have been made regarding who should be called the 2020 WSOP Main Event champion. The topic was even the subject of two point and counterpoint articles on CardsChat.
For his part, Madanzhiev is happy to settle the debate with a straight shootout: champion vs. champion.
“I would play Salas! Even if it’s not an official match, I would love to do it in the name of the game,” Madanzhiev told CardsChat.
The summer champion also said, despite searching online, he hasn’t been able to contact Salas. If, however, he can speak to the Main Event 2.0 winner, Madanzhiev is more than willing to arrange something.
WSOP Main Event Debate Rages On
Regardless of whether it was for the unofficial title or something sanctioned by the WSOP, a match between Madanzhiev and Salas would generate some interest.
Chad’s January 5 tweet (see below) not only triggered his critics but reignited the Main Event debate.
Uh, @Stoyan_Mad, it's as if you've become the Trump of the poker world, trying to reverse results.
You impressively won the 5k WSOP online Main.
That is NOT the WSOP Main Event.
You are comparing apples and oranges; actually, you are comparing apples to cans of chicken soup. https://t.co/AhL7XgTjvE
— Norman Chad (@NormanChad) January 5, 2021
Madanzhiev’s position is clear, as is that of fellow “mad” man, Jeff Madsen.
Your tweets about Stoyan are complete garbage, yes that is a fact
— ⚡️Jeff Madsen (@JeffMadsenobv) January 5, 2021
Rafał Gładysz also took exception to Chad’s comments. He believes the WSOP considered Madanzhiev the World Championship before creating an unexpected second Main Event. Others believe 2020 should be a wash and everyone should see Madanzhiev and Salas as winners under unique circumstances.
Whatever position you take, there’s still life in the debate. Executives at the WSOP were trying to do their best in a tricky situation but, on reflection, postponing the Main Event may have prevented some of the recent backlash.
„That is NOT the WSOP Main Event” – really Norman? Really? In September, the WSOP stated otherwise…@Stoyan_Mad you are one and only World Champion, greetings from Poland! pic.twitter.com/HcbDXMDsfV
— Rafał Gładysz ♠️♥️♣️♦️ (@JD_poker) January 5, 2021
Alternatively, hosting two Main Events may have been a masterstroke. If there’s enough interesting in a showdown between Madanzhiev and Salas, the WSOP could parlay that into a televised match.
We know that Madanzhiev is ready to play. The question now is whether Damian Salas is willing to accept the offer of one final match?
If Mr. Salas or anyone that knows him is reading this, Madanzhiev (@Stoyan_Mad) is waiting to hear from you on Twitter!
