The PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus: Day 3 with High Stakes and High Intensity
The glitzy atmosphere of the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa buzzes with anticipation as the PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus reaches a thrilling halfway mark in the highly coveted $5,300 EPT Main Event. Today at 12 p.m. EEST, the action is primed to resume, and with it, the hopes of 144 remaining players aiming for a piece of a $6,227,400 prize pool.
The Leaders of the Pack
After an initial turnout of 1,284 participants, only a fraction remain standing. Leading this fierce competition is Fahredin Mustafov from Bulgaria, who currently commands an impressive stack of 920,000 chips. Close behind is Russia’s Ivan Zabiiakin, holding 915,000 chips, while Germany’s Oliver Weis insists on keeping pace with a solid 715,000 chips to round out the top three players. This dynamic trio showcases a blend of skill and strategy that will be essential as they navigate the treacherous waters of Day 3.
Top Ten Chip Counts
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fahredin Mustafov | Bulgaria | 920,000 | 184 |
| 2 | Ivan Zabiiakin | Russia | 915,000 | 183 |
| 3 | Oliver Weis | Germany | 715,000 | 143 |
| 4 | Damir Zhugralin | Kazakhstan | 705,000 | 141 |
| 5 | Shankui Li | China | 693,000 | 139 |
| 6 | Chakib Mhiri | Tunisia | 648,000 | 130 |
| 7 | Georgios Tsouloftas | Cyprus | 620,000 | 124 |
| 8 | Radoslav Stoyanov | Bulgaria | 575,000 | 115 |
| 9 | Boris Kuzmanovic | Croatia | 573,000 | 115 |
| 10 | Mohamad El Rais | Switzerland | 563,000 | 113 |
Stakes and Payouts
The competition is fierce, with every player remaining guaranteed a payout of at least $9,100, and significant jumps in prize money lying just ahead. A single elimination will see the next payout increase to $10,460, motivating players to adjust their gameplay in a bid to secure this financial windfall. As the tournament approaches its climax, the stakes become increasingly prominent.
The eventual champion will not only take home a whopping $1,030,000 but will also earn the prestige of holding the PokerStars trophy and the title of EPT Champion. This combination of financial reward and honor instills a sense of urgency and tension in the air as the day unfolds.
A Closer Look at Gameplay
Day 3 will bring a fresh set of challenges as the blinds are set at 2,500/5,000 with a 5,000 big blind ante. The day’s gameplay includes the shot clock rule, which puts emphasis on time management as players now have 15 seconds for their initial decision and 30 seconds for subsequent moves. Each participant begins with six time-bank cards, allowing them extra time in high-pressure situations—a critical strategy as the tournament progresses toward the final table.
Conclusion: Stay Tuned
As the players gear up for the next leg of the PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus, the fervor around the tables is palpable. With prize pools swelling, strategies unfolding, and fierce rivalries at play, Day 3 promises to deliver intense moments and unforgettable poker action.
Stay tuned to PokerNews for real-time updates and in-depth coverage as interested observers and passionate fans alike continue to follow the electrifying journey of the EPT Cyprus Main Event. The road to becoming an EPT champion is long and arduous, but for those still in contention, each hand dealt brings them one step closer to realizing their dreams.
1
20
20
