A Thrilling Conclusion on Day 2 of the $2,200 Eureka High Roller at EPT Cyprus
After an intense day of competition that spanned twenty 40-minute levels, Day 2 of the $2,200 Eureka High Roller has concluded at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour held in the stunning backdrop of Cyprus. The tension-filled atmosphere elevated as players engaged in strategy and skill, but as the dust settled, it was Mukhtor Nasiradinov from Russia who emerged as the dominant force, leading the final four players into Day 3 with a formidable chip count of 12,425,000.
The Leaderboard Shifts
Entering the final table, Nasiradinov maintained his chip lead, a position he fortified throughout the day. An unscheduled extension into Day 3 was declared, necessitating a brief halt to the action due to strict time constraints at the venue. With this cash already secured, Nasiradinov’s total live tournament earnings will more than double—an impressive feat considering his only previous cash in the EPT was mere days prior in the Eureka Main Event. His eyes are now fixed firmly on the top prize and the illustrious trophy that accompanies it.
Following closely behind Nasiradinov is Michele Guerrini from Italy, who with 12,025,000 chips, is positioned just a single big blind away from the lead. In third place is Diogo Coelho from Portugal with 10,625,000, while Ibrahim Ghassan from Lebanon occupies the fourth and last spot on the leaderboard with 6,225,000 chips.
Final Table Chip Counts
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mukhtor Nasiradinov | Russian Federation | 12,425,000 | 25 |
| 2 | Michele Guerrini | Italy | 12,025,000 | 24 |
| 3 | Diogo Coelho | Portugal | 10,625,000 | 21 |
| 4 | Ibrahim Ghassan | Lebanon | 6,225,000 | 12 |
Day 2 Action: The Journey to the Final Table
The day began with a total of 206 players returning to the felts. Romanian player Mircea Flutur entered Day 2 with the largest stack after the initial two flights, with the anticipation and excitement palpable as players clamored for a chance at the significant top prize awaiting the eventual champion.
As the hours progressed, notable names faced early exits, including PokerStars Ambassadors Kenny Hallaert and Ramon Colillas. Both fell within the first few hours, while former EPT champion Tom Middleton fought valiantly, ultimately unable to reach another final table.
Fintan Hand, another well-known ambassador, started the day with one of the largest stacks and remained competitive until falling in sixteenth place after a high-stakes confrontation with Guerrini’s pocket kings.
As night drew on, the competition intensified. In a dramatic turn of events, Santiago Nadal claimed the unfortunate title of being the final table bubble boy, unable to overcome a flip against Coelho’s overcards. This elimination set the stage for the final nine players, with Nasiradinov holding a comfortable lead.
The Intensity of the Final Table
As the final table commenced, players quickly faced a barrage of unpredictable hands and near-misses. Kostadin Kostadinov was the first casualty, eliminated by Guerrini’s backdoor straight, and soon after, Leonid Logunov and Gediminas Uselis quickly followed, securing seventh and eighth place, respectively.
Roman Timergazin provided thrilling moments before felting in sixth after Guerrini’s jacks managed to crack his queens. The tension escalated as the last five players entered a stalemate, leading to whispers of an ICM deal among the contenders. However, Coelho preferred to continue the battle for the title rather than agree to a deal.
Due to time constraints, play was ultimately halted for the evening, with an agreement to reconvene the following day, setting the stage for a gripping showdown set for October 15 at 1 p.m. local time.
Final Table Payouts
- 1st Place: $423,250
- 2nd Place: $262,390
- 3rd Place: $187,410
- 4th Place: $144,160
- 5th Place: Ali Emre Ozcan (Turkey) – $110,900
- 6th Place: Roman Timergazin (Russian Federation) – $85,310
- 7th Place: Gediminas Uselis (Lithuania) – $65,630
- 8th Place: Leonid Logunov (Russian Federation) – $50,490
- 9th Place: Kostadin Kostadinov (Bulgaria) – $38,820
All four remaining players have locked in a minimum payout of $144,160, and as the blinds escalate to 250,000/500,000 with a big blind ante of 500,000, the stakes will become ever higher in an enthralling finale.
Conclusion: The Excitement Continues
With Day 2 wrapped up, fans and followers eagerly anticipate the final showdown of the $2,200 Eureka High Roller. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Cyprus at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel and Spa, the atmosphere is sure to buzz with excitement as these skilled players vie for glory and the lucrative top prize. Be sure to tune in as we continue to bring you updates from what promises to be a spectacular conclusion to this high-stakes event!
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