The EPT High Roller: A High-Stakes Showdown in Cyprus
The PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) is where the world’s best poker players converge to test their skills against each other, and the $10,300 EPT High Roller is a crown jewel of this prestigious series. This year, the event is set to take place at the breathtaking Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa in Northern Cyprus, an idyllic backdrop that adds to the thrill of competition. Players will have the chance to battle not only for bragging rights but also for a life-changing share of the massive prize pool.
A Look Back: Last Year’s Champion
Last year’s EPT High Roller was nothing short of dramatic. Russian player Ilia Pavlov emerged victorious in a fiercely competitive field of 407 entries, walking away with an impressive $787,400 and the coveted trophy. His triumph marked an incredible milestone in a career that has seen him accumulate a total of $122,142 in live cashes up to that point. The tournament boasted a staggering prize pool of $3,947,900, illustrating the high stakes involved and the allure this event holds for poker professionals worldwide.
2023 EPT Cyprus High Roller Final Table Results
The intensity and excitement of last year’s final table are memorable, with the following players making it to the top:
| Rank | Player | Country | Prize (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ilia Pavlov | Russia | $787,400 |
| 2 | Selahaddin Bedir | Turkey | $492,400 |
| 3 | Hwany Lee | South Korea | $351,700 |
| 4 | Sergi Reixach | Spain | $270,600 |
| 5 | Martin Diaz | Argentina | $208,100 |
| 6 | Danil Rafikov | Russia | $160,100 |
| 7 | Dmitrii Nazarov | Russia | $123,100 |
| 8 | Markkos Ladev | Estonia | $101,500 |
| 9 | Nariman Yaghmai | Iran | $84,600 |
With such fierce competition, the 2023 edition aims to draw even more elite players and provide thrilling poker action.
Structure and Gameplay for 2023
This year, the EPT High Roller will kick off with players defending their $10,300 buy-ins, starting with 50,000 in chips. Late registration remains open until the start of Day 2, allowing players to enter the fray even if they miss the initial rounds. The blinds will begin at a modest 100/200 with a 200 big blind ante, ensuring ample opportunity for strategic play.
The structure features 60-minute levels, providing a balanced pace to blend aggressive strategies and calculated risk-taking. After every two hours of play, there’s a 20-minute break, and players will enjoy a 65-minute dinner break after Level 6. The first day culminates in ten levels of intense competition before players bag their chips for Day 2.
Time Bank and Clock Dynamics
In modern high-stakes poker, pace is crucial, and the EPT High Roller adopts a shot clock mechanism to keep the game flowing. Players will earn four time bank cards at the start and gain an additional card at the beginning of every odd level. This rule ensures players maintain a dynamic and engaging pace, enhancing the tournament’s overall energy.
Expectations for This Year’s Tournament
With an estimated 13% to 15% of players making the money, the race for cash prizes and the title will be fierce. Could we witness another breakout star like Ilia Pavlov? As competitors prepare to showcase their skills, the EPT High Roller promises to deliver high-octane action, strategic flair, and perhaps even stunning upsets.
Conclusion: Follow the Action
As the excitement builds for the $10,300 EPT High Roller at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa, players and fans alike eagerly await the showdown of poker talents. Stay tuned to PokerNews for live updates, detailed hand analyses, and to see who will emerge as the next champion in one of poker’s most prestigious events. The stakes are high, the competition fierce, and the experience—unforgettable.
EPT Cyprus 2024
Tags:
Danil Rafikov
Dmitrii Nazarov
Hwany Lee
Ilia Pavlov
Markkos Ladev
Martin Diaz
Nariman Yaghmai
Selahaddin Bedir
Sergi Reixach
The stage is set—let the games begin!
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