Day 2 Thrills at the 2024 European Poker Tour Cyprus: Mustafov Takes the Lead
As the sun dipped below the horizon at the 2024 European Poker Tour Cyprus, the excitement inside the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa was palpable. Day 2 of the prestigious $5,300 EPT Main Event unfolded with fervor, culminating in a thrilling gaming atmosphere that showcased the skill and determination of 1,284 entrants vying for a substantial share of the prize pool.
A Majestic Comeback
After an intense day of hand rankings and strategic plays, 144 players managed to secure their chips for another day of competition. Dominating the table was Bulgaria’s Fahredin Mustafov, boasting an impressive stack of 920,000 chips. Hot on his heels was Russia’s Ivan Zabiiakin, with 915,000 chips, while Germany’s Oliver Weis rounded up the top three with a respectable 715,000.
Top Ten Chip Counts
| Place | 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 |
Day 2 Action: Rising Stakes and Intense Competition
Day 2 began with a buzz, as registration was still open until noon. A flurry of 55 additional entries came through, boosting the total to 1,284. The prize pool swelled to an impressive $6,227,400, with the winner expected to take home a life-changing sum of $1,030,000. Entries at the tail end of the day would receive a minimum payout of $8,400.
The competitive spirit was evident from the outset, with numerous well-known names among the hopefuls, including Stephen Song, Ren Lin, and Aliaksei Boika.
Notable Eliminations and Dramatic Moments
The day was not without its casualties. Early exits included renowned players such as Barny Boatman, Dimitar Danchev, and Sam Grafton. Tensions ran high as the bubble approached, leading to an electrifying atmosphere around tables.
As play resumed after a much-needed dinner break, the real drama erupted. Samuel Fournier faced off in a tense coin flip against Mihai Niste, holding pocket queens against Niste’s ace-king. Fournier’s leading hand looked secure until a flush draw for Niste turned the tide, eliminating Fournier as the bubble boy—much to the dismay of his supporters.
Mustafov’s Moment of Glory
Fahredin Mustafov seized the momentum afterward, skyrocketing to the top with a remarkable pot worth almost 800,000 after flopping a full house against Ali Al-Kubasi. A formidable player with two EPT titles under his belt, Mustafov is now gunning for a historic third victory—a feat that would elevate his status in the poker community.
As the evening came to a close, several notable players were sent packing, including Hossein Ensan and past champions like Stephen Song. Meanwhile, players like Lucien Cohen emerged exultant, having constructed a sizeable stack of 394,000 chips for Day 3.
Remaining Payouts Overview
For those still in the game, here’s a quick look at the remaining payouts:
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,030,000 |
| 2 | $642,300 |
| 3 | $459,000 |
| 4 | $353,100 |
| 5 | $271,400 |
| 6 | $208,720 |
| 7 | $160,500 |
| 8 | $123,400 |
| 9 | $94,940 |
| 10-11 | $73,100 |
| 12-13 | $60,900 |
| 14-15 | $50,760 |
| 16-17 | $42,280 |
| 18-20 | $36,740 |
| 21-23 | $31,940 |
Moving Forward: Day 3 Awaits
With anticipation hanging in the air, Day 3 will commence at 12 p.m. on Thursday, October 17, featuring blinds at 2,500/5,000 with a 5,000 big blind ante. The average stack stands at 267,500, roughly 53 big blinds, setting the stage for another round of fierce competition.
Stay tuned to PokerNews for all the updates on Day 3 of the Main Event as players strive to push their stacks higher and secure a place among the tournament’s elite!
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