The Excitement Heats Up: 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus
As the sun gleams over the stunning Mediterranean coastline, the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus is reaching a thrilling climax. The atmosphere at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa in Girne is electric, with players immersed in the exhilarating chase for glory and a share of the impressive $6,227,400 prize pool. With the $5,300 EPT Main Event now past its halfway mark, all eyes are on the remaining 45 contenders who will reconvene for Day 4 of the tournament.
A Close Look at the Contenders
Among the remaining players, former EPT champion Anton Wigg shines brightly. Hailing from Sweden, Wigg made a name for himself when he claimed his title at EPT Copenhagen in 2010—a feat that established him as a respected figure in the poker community. Despite a series of near-misses since then, including a 14th place finish in Berlin in 2012 and an 18th place exit in the inaugural EPT Cyprus, Wigg is looking to add to his accolades. Starting Day 4 in a promising tenth place with 1,195,000 chips, he is poised and ready to make another shot at the coveted final table.
Top Ten Chip Counts
As the competition intensifies, here’s a glance at the Top Ten Chip Counts heading into Day 4:
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bobby James | United Kingdom | 2,605,000 | 174 |
| 2 | Damir Zhugralin | Kazakhstan | 2,410,000 | 161 |
| 3 | Philip Joyce | United Kingdom | 2,175,000 | 145 |
| 4 | Daniel Jackson | United Kingdom | 1,560,000 | 104 |
| 5 | Lander Lijo | Spain | 1,490,000 | 99 |
| 6 | Roeland Peeks | Netherlands | 1,350,000 | 90 |
| 7 | Adrien Quetelart | France | 1,275,000 | 85 |
| 8 | Artsiom Lasouski | Belarus | 1,240,000 | 83 |
| 9 | Christopher Nguyen | Germany | 1,200,000 | 80 |
| 10 | Anton Wigg | Sweden | 1,195,000 | 80 |
Current chip leader Bobby James from the United Kingdom, with an impressive stack of 2,605,000, is clearly in a strong position as he looks to capitalize on his time spent on the Mediterranean. Having already garnered success at this festival with a 19th place finish in the Eureka Main Event and a charming victory in the $1,100 8-Game tournament, the stakes have never been higher for him.
Previous Finalists in the Mix
Also noteworthy is the presence of players Andrea Dato and Halil Tasyurek, both of whom reached the final table in last year’s event. Dato’s remarkable journey saw him finish as the runner-up, while Tasyurek secured a respectable fourth place. Both players are familiar with the pressures of championship poker and are expected to leverage their experiences as they strive for another success story at this year’s EPT.
What Lies Ahead: Plan for Day 4
Action resumes at noon local time, kicking off with Level 21, where blinds are set at 10,000/15,000 with a big blind ante of 15,000. With the average stack hovering around 60 big blinds, players must engage in strategic maneuvers to maintain their standings and push toward the final table. The plan is to continue until only 16 players remain, or a maximum of six levels, punctuated by well-timed breaks following each level to allow players to regroup before plunging back into the action.
Payout Structure
The stakes are certainly high, with each of the remaining 45 players guaranteed at least $18,240. However, aspirations will soar as they aim for a seat at the coveted final table, where a minimum payout of $123,400 awaits. The ultimate champion will walk away with a substantial $1,030,000, along with the prestigious EPT trophy.
Keeping Up with the Action
For poker enthusiasts eager to follow the unfolding drama at the EPT Cyprus, PokerNews will provide continual updates, with cards-up coverage of the feature table available through PokerStars’ live streaming channels set to kick off at 12:30 p.m. EEST.
Conclusion
As Day 4 promises to be a landmark chapter in the 2024 PokerStars EPT Cyprus saga, players and fans alike are brimming with excitement. With formidable opponents like Wigg, James, and Dato at play, the path to the final table will surely be filled with tension, strategy, and unforgettable moments. Keep your eyes on the action as we witness who will emerge victorious in this thrilling high-stakes competition!
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