Mukhtor Nasiradinov Leads as Final Four Set for Day 3 of $2,200 Eureka High Roller
In the thriving world of competitive poker, few events draw as much excitement and attention as the European Poker Tour (EPT) High Roller tournaments. The recent $2,200 Eureka High Roller at the 2024 PokerStars EPT Cyprus has certainly not disappointed, culminating in an exhilarating Day 2 that saw the stakes rise and the competition narrow. With a grueling twenty 40-minute levels behind them, the remaining players are gearing up for a decisive Day 3 showdown.
A Look at the Final Four
Leading the way into Day 3 is Mukhtor Nasiradinov from Russia, boasting an impressive stack of 12,425,000 chips. This seasoned player showcased tenacity and skill, maintaining his chip lead throughout the day. Coming into the finale, Nasiradinov was buoyed by the prospect of more than doubling his live tournament earnings, a figure that will only grow as he inches closer to the coveted title. His prior experience in the EPT circuit, having recently cashed in the Eureka Main Event, adds a layer of confidence and ambition to his gameplay.
Just a whisper behind him is Italy’s Michele Guerrini, who claimed the second position with 12,025,000 chips. Not far behind, standing third in chips, is Portugal’s own Diogo Coelho with 10,625,000. Rounding out the final four, and positioned at the bottom of the counts, is Ibrahim Ghassan from Lebanon with 6,225,000 chips. While Ghassan faces an uphill battle, the dynamic nature of poker means fortunes can change in the blink of an eye.
Final Table Chip Counts
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mukhtor Nasiradinov | Russian Federation | 12,425,000 | 25 |
| 2 | Michele Guerrini | Italy | 12,025,000 | 24 |
| 3 | Diogo Coelho | Portugal | 10,625,000 | 21 |
| 4 | Ibrahim Ghassan | Lebanon | 6,225,000 | 12 |
Day 2 Action Overview
Day 2 kicked off with a robust field of 206 players, with the day initially marked by Romania’s Mircea Flutur holding the largest stack following two exciting opening flights. Early eliminations created quite a stir, as notable PokerStars Ambassadors—including Kenny Hallaert and Ramon Colillas—were shown the door within the first hours. Meanwhile, the 2013 EPT Barcelona champion, Tom Middleton, despite showing resilience, was ultimately unable to sustain his momentum and fell short of progressing further.
Fintan Hand, another well-known figure in the competitive poker scene, started the day with one of the largest stacks but met his fate in sixteenth place after a high-stakes clash against Guerrini. Hand’s exit epitomized the unpredictability and tension inherent in such top-tier poker events.
The action escalated as the clock ticked down, leading to the unfortunate fate of Santiago Nadal, who became the final table bubble boy after falling to Coelho. With his elimination, the remaining players settled into the final nine, solidifying Nasiradinov’s position at the top.
The Final Table Showdown
As the final table unfolded, it was Guerrero’s aggressive play that quickly put him into contention, resulting in Kostadin Kostadinov’s exit first. The thinning stack led way to more dramatic eliminations, with Leonid Logunov and Gediminas Uselis following suit shortly thereafter.
With stakes rising, Roman Timergazin next fell victim to Guerrini’s relentless momentum, further establishing the competitive landscape. It culminated in Ali Emre Ozcan securing his payout as the fifth-place finisher, notably all-in with ace-queen but beaten by Nasiradinov’s bottom pair.
In the closing moments of Day 2, the four remaining players found themselves at an impasse regarding an ICM deal but ultimately chose to return to the felt after being informed of time constraints by the floor staff. As the day ended, the players signed off with the promise of returning to play the following day, October 15, at 1 p.m. local time.
Final Table Payouts
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $423,250 | ||
| 2 | $262,390 | ||
| 3 | $187,410 | ||
| 4 | $144,160 | ||
| 5 | Ali Emre Ozcan | Turkey | $110,900 |
| 6 | Roman Timergazin | Russian Federation | $85,310 |
| 7 | Gediminas Uselis | Lithuania | $65,630 |
| 8 | Leonid Logunov | Russian Federation | $50,490 |
| 9 | Kostadin Kostadinov | Bulgaria | $38,820 |
The Road Ahead
With a minimum payout secured, the final four players are set for a highly anticipated Day 3, where strategies and dynamics will come into play for a shot at the coveted EPT trophy and the grand prize of $423,250. The blinds will resume at 250,000/500,000 with a big blind ante of 500,000, as tension mounts for both players and observers alike.
As PokerNews wraps up reporting for Day 2 of the $2,200 Eureka High Roller, anticipation builds for the unfolding drama on Day 3. Tune into the coverage live at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel and Spa, as the battle for poker glory continues!
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