2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus: Midway Through an Intense Battle
The excitement is palpable at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus as the tournament unfolds amidst an atmosphere of anticipation. The prestigious $5,300 EPT Main Event has reached a vital juncture, with 45 contenders set to return to the felt at the luxurious Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa. After an initial 1,284 entries, the day promises high-stakes action as players seek their share of the impressive prize pool and, ultimately, the coveted title.
The Champion’s Resurgence: Anton Wigg
Among the remaining players, one name stands out — Anton Wigg, the last former EPT Main Event champion still in contention. Wigg, who made headlines when he clinched the title at EPT Copenhagen back in 2010, is aiming for a comeback following years of near misses. His journey has often been a close one; in 2012, he finished just shy of a final table appearance, landing in 14th place at EPT Berlin. Most poignantly, Wigg’s next significant finish was at this very venue during the inaugural EPT Cyprus, where he exited in 18th place after a pivotal flip on the final level of Day 4.
As Day 4 commences, Wigg is positioned in the top ten chip counts with 1,195,000 chips, setting the stage for a dramatic push toward the final table. His experience and previous achievements may provide him with an edge as he navigates the challenges ahead.
Top Ten Chip Counts
Here’s a look at the top ten chip counts as the action resumes:
| 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 |
Among these players, two will also be looking to make their mark once again: Andrea Dato and Halil Tasyurek. Both connected deeply with the previous year’s tournament, Dato as the runner-up and Tasyurek as the fourth-place finisher. With their experiences fresh in mind, they could be formidable challengers as they push to replicate their past successes.
Bobby James: The Current Leader
Leading the pack is Bobby James from the United Kingdom, boasting an impressive chip count of 2,605,000. His strong performance during the festival includes significant placements such as 19th in the Eureka Main Event and 12th in the High Roller event, capped off by a Spadie trophy for winning the $1,100 8-Game event. James’ successful run on the Mediterranean brings high expectations as he heads into this crucial stage of the tournament.
Day 4 Strategy: What to Expect
Play will resume at noon local time, starting at Level 21 with blinds set to 10,000/15,000 and a big blind ante of 15,000. With the average stack accommodating close to 60 big blinds, strategies will be key in navigating the complexities of each hand.
The plan for the day is clear: play until 16 players remain or six levels, whichever comes first. Players will also benefit from breaks after each level, allowing them to regroup and reassess their positions in the tournament.
Every player remaining is guaranteed at least $18,240 from the significant $6,227,400 prize pool, but the stakes escalate dramatically as they vie for a seat at the final table, which promises a minimum payout of $123,400. The ultimate champion will walk away with the grand prize of $1,030,000 along with the prestigious EPT trophy.
Coverage and Updates
For those unable to attend in person, live updates and exclusive coverage will be available through PokerNews. Viewers can also enjoy cards-up coverage of the feature table, starting at 12:30 p.m. EEST on PokerStars’ streaming channels.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
As the action heats up at the 2024 PokerStars EPT Cyprus, all eyes will be on the players as they navigate challenges and seek to secure their spots at the final table. With a mix of seasoned champions and rising stars, each round will bring exciting moments and unexpected twists that keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Stay tuned and keep following PokerNews for all the latest developments, insights, and highlights from this thrilling poker spectacle.
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