2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus: Day 1 Highlights of the $10,300 EPT High Roller
The 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) in Cyprus has been a hotbed of action as one of the most prestigious events in the poker calendar. The excitement surged today with the $10,300 EPT High Roller, attracting a strong field of talent. Hosted at the luxurious Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa, the tournament saw a remarkable turnout of 405 players on Day 1, with only 164 of them making it through to Day 2.
Leadership on the Felt: Parahat Nurmuhammedov Shines
After a grueling day that unfolded over ten 60-minute levels of play, it was Parahat Nurmuhammedov who emerged as the chip leader, boasting an impressive stack of 524,000 chips. This puts him miles ahead of the competition, as he is the only player to surpass the half-million mark, entering Day 2 with a staggering 349 big blinds.
Nurmuammedov’s performance is particularly significant given that he has only accumulated just shy of $100,000 in live tournament earnings prior to this event. Though he has faced ups and downs in previous EPT events, he now finds himself in prime position to turn the tide and make a memorable run in this high-stakes tournament.
End of Day 1 Top 10 Chip Counts
As the dust settled on Day 1, here’s a snapshot of the top ten chip counts:
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Parahat Nurmuhammedov | Turkmenistan | 524,000 | 349 |
| 2 | Berthold Winz | Germany | 391,000 | 261 |
| 3 | Ray Qartomy | United States | 378,000 | 252 |
| 4 | Simeon Spasov | Bulgaria | 324,000 | 216 |
| 5 | Umberto Ruggeri | Italy | 314,500 | 210 |
| 6 | Aleksei Gortikov | Russian Federation | 310,500 | 207 |
| 7 | Nichan Khorchidian | Lebanon | 306,000 | 204 |
| 8 | Boris Kuzmanovic | Croatia | 286,000 | 191 |
| 9 | Xiaosheng Zheng | China | 276,000 | 184 |
| 10 | Belarmino De Souza | Brazil | 268,000 | 179 |
Notable Players in the Mix
Among the star-studded field, several illustrious poker figures made their presence felt. Notably, Roberto Romanello, with nearly $5 million in live tournament earnings, sits just outside the top 10 with 231,500 chips. His expertise, including a win at the EPT Prague back in 2011, makes him a player to watch in the coming days.
Other big names who navigated their way into Day 2 include Jelle Moene (218,500), Masashi Oya (199,000), Steve O’Dwyer (198,500), and Tom Middleton (191,500). Each of these players brings a wealth of experience and exceptional skill to the felt, ensuring that the upcoming days will be electrifying.
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for the Players
Despite a few unfortunate eliminations, including some famous faces like Fintan Hand and Parker Talbot, the chance for re-entries keeps the competitive spirit high. The tournament format allows for one re-entry per player, providing them an opportunity to make a comeback and accumulate more chips.
Day 2 will kick off at 12:30 p.m. local time with blinds starting at 1,000/1,500 and a 1,500 big blind ante. Levels will now shorten to 50 minutes each, with plans to play until the money is reached. The surviving players will return for the final day to battle it out until a champion is crowned.
Conclusion: Stay Tuned for Updates
The $10,300 EPT High Roller at the 2024 EPT Cyprus continues to deliver thrilling poker action that captivates fans and players alike. As we gear up for Day 2, keep an eye on PokerNews for real-time updates and in-depth coverage of the tournament. With so many talented players still in contention, the excitement is only just beginning, and we can expect to see some nail-biting moments as they vie for glory on the EPT stage.
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