2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus: A Day of Dramatic Moves and Classy Performances
The 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) in Cyprus has kicked off in style, showcasing the blend of skill, strategy, and high stakes that fans of the game adore. As competitors congregated at the opulent Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa, the bustling atmosphere hinted at the high drama that lay ahead. After an exhilarating Day 4, the tournament has whittled down from 1,284 entries to just 16 players, all vying for the top honors in the flagship $5,300 Main Event.
A Look Back at Day 4: The Players and The Action
On Day 4, 45 players returned, but the game’s volatility soon made its mark, swiftly reducing the field. The day was defined by fierce confrontations and strategical showdowns, culminating in a final group that represents a mix of local heroes and seasoned champions.
Georgios Tsouloftas: A Local Hero Takes Charge
Leading the pack is Georgios Tsouloftas, a notable Cypriot grinder who bagged an impressive 7,970,000 in chips, equivalent to 159 big blinds. Tsouloftas, who now sits in fourth place on the Cypriot all-time money list, boasts over a million dollars in live tournament earnings, the majority of which he has amassed while competing domestically. Despite his impressive resume, a deep run in an EPT tournament had previously eluded him—until now.
Tsouloftas has shown remarkable skill throughout the tournament, particularly evident during clashes with fellow competitors like Artsiom Lasouski, culminating in his advancement to Day 5 with a commanding stack.
The Challengers: Mounting Competition
Tsouloftas faces tough competition, particularly from Oliver Weis, who ended the day with a stack of 4,540,000. Weis carries just over two million in live tournament earnings, including significant success in the €10,300 High Roller event at EPT Paris 2024. Another key competitor is Andriy Lyubovetskiy, with 3,970,000 in chips, a player well-versed in navigating high-stakes tables, as reflected in his own nearly $2.5 million in live earnings.
The competition does not end there, as notable players like Andrea Dato, Eleftherios Sinnos, and last woman standing Marta Miquel Munoz are also in the mix, eager to challenge for the title.
The Top Ten at the End of Day 4
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Georgios Tsouloftas | Cyprus | 7,970,000 | 159 |
| 2 | Oliver Weis | Germany | 4,540,000 | 91 |
| 3 | Andriy Lyubovetskiy | Ukraine | 3,970,000 | 79 |
| 4 | Damir Zhugralin | Kazakhstan | 3,160,000 | 63 |
| 5 | Mikhail Shalamov | Russia | 2,600,000 | 52 |
| 6 | Andrea Dato | Italy | 2,575,000 | 52 |
| 7 | Eleftherios Sinnos | Cyprus | 2,295,000 | 46 |
| 8 | Marta Miquel Munoz | Spain | 2,235,000 | 45 |
| 9 | Philip Joyce | UK | 1,650,000 | 33 |
| 10 | Anton Wigg | Sweden | 1,555,000 | 31 |
Day 4 Highlights: A Rollercoaster of Emotions
As Day 4 unfolded, the competition was fierce right from the start. Many notable exits occurred in quick succession, each leaving an impact on the remaining players. Among them was Diogo Coelho, who made a brief but significant mark by cashing out as the first exit of the day. His pursuit of victory was echoed by other departures, including well-known players like Victoria Livschitz and Taago Tamm.
Throughout the day, many players experienced the extremes of poker: from elation to despair, as hands played out in unexpected ways. For instance, the dramatic downfall of fan-favorite Santhosh Suvarna in 21st place marked the end of his memorable run in his first EPT Main Event.
The Penultimate Day: What Lies Ahead
With 16 players left and significant payouts already secured, the dynamics will only grow more intense as play resumes. Each returning player is guaranteed at least $42,280 from the prize pool, with the promise of bigger prizes looming as they continue to battle it out. The next player sent to the rail will receive a jump in pay to $50,760, while reaching the final table guarantees a six-figure payout.
As the tournament progresses, players must navigate the intensified pressure of high-stakes poker, balancing aggression and caution as they chart their course toward the coveted title. The final battle looms large, with a prestigious first-place prize of $1,030,000 awaiting the champion.
Conclusion: Join Us for the Final Chapters
Don’t miss the excitement tomorrow at noon local time as the remaining 16 players dive into an action-packed Day 5, fighting not just for chips but for glory in one of poker’s most prestigious tournaments. The stage is set, and anticipation mounts as spectators and players alike await what promises to be a thrilling chase to the final table at the 2024 EPT Cyprus Main Event. Tune in to PokerNews for all the live updates and action!
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