Thrilling Day 4 at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus Main Event
As anticipation continues to build, the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus Main Event has reached a thrilling crescendo with Day 4 held at the stunning Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa. Among the 1,284 entries, only 45 players returned for the day, culminating in an electrifying round of poker that ultimately saw the field reduced to just 16 contenders. Leading the charge as play pauses is Georgios Tsouloftas, who has amassed a staggering 7,970,000 in chips, translating to an impressive 159 big blinds when action resumes.
Homegrown Hero: Georgios Tsouloftas Takes the Chip Lead
Hailing from Cyprus, Tsouloftas is not merely a poker enthusiast; he finds himself in the fourth position of the Cypriot all-time money list, boasting over a million dollars in live tournament earnings, almost entirely accrued in his homeland. Yet, entering this tournament, he had not secured a significant run in an EPT event, with a previous best of 26th place in the recent $1,100 Eureka Main Event. That seems to have changed dramatically, as Tsouloftas now holds the largest stack heading into the final stretch, embodying the hope of a nation eager for a local champion.
Challengers in the Shadows
Trailing behind Tsouloftas, the competition remains fierce. Oliver Weis stands as his closest competitor, with a stack of 4,540,000, which showcases both skill and strategic acumen. Notably, Weis has accumulated over $2 million in live tournament earnings, with a significant portion stemming from his recent victory in the €10,300 High Roller at EPT Paris.
In third place is the experienced Andriy Lyubovetskiy, who commands a chip count of 3,970,000. With nearly $2.5 million in live earnings, Lyubovetskiy is familiar with the stakes at this level, making him a formidable adversary in the upcoming rounds.
Day 4 Action: A Rollercoaster of Emotions
The action of Day 4 commenced with an explosive atmosphere as players returned to the felt, eager to capitalize on their existing chip stacks. The excitement was palpable, and within moments, the field quickly dwindled as tactical plays and unfortunate hands led to rapid eliminations. The first casualty was Diogo Coelho, who departed the tournament in particular frustration, leaving with an $18,240 payout. He was followed closely by Victoria Livschitz, both players facing the harsh reality of competitive poker.
Some Notable Eliminations
The day saw many other notable players bid farewell:
-
Taago Tamm (37th – $20,980): Eliminated through a brutal "flip" in which his opponent flopped quads.
- Fahredin Mustafov (32nd – $20,980): The Day 2 chip leader made an unfortunate call with trips against a rivered straight, leading to his exit.
As the tension rose, Miquel Munoz left her mark by eliminating both Daniel Jackson (28th – $24,160) and Roeland Peeks (26th – $27,780) in rapid succession, showcasing her skill and determination to be the last woman standing.
The Down to Final 16
After a grueling day of highs and lows, players continued to jockey for position amid the relentless back-and-forths typical in tournament play. The surviving 16 players ended the day with chip counts that not only represent their prowess but also set the stage for tomorrow’s action, where they will each return with a guaranteed payout of $42,280. A final megajump in winnings lies just one elimination away, with the next pay jump of $50,760 awaiting the 15th-place finisher.
Remarkable Payout Structure Ahead
The tournament is heavily incentivized, with the stakes only rising as players edge closer to the final table. The prize pool swelled to a staggering $6,227,400, including:
- 1st Place: $1,030,000
- 2nd Place: $642,300
- 3rd Place: $459,000
- 4th Place: $353,100
- 5th Place: $271,400
The Road Ahead
As we look towards Day 5, excitement escalates with the prospect of a final table looming. The remaining players will return to the felt at noon local time, aiming to navigate the tension and strategy necessary to secure one of the top spots. With 52 minutes left in Level 26 where the blinds are set at 25,000/50,000 and a 50,000 ante, the pressure will be palpable.
Poker fans worldwide are urged to tune into PokerNews to catch every thrilling moment as the 2024 EPT Cyprus Main Event unfolds, culminating in the crowning of a possible new champion. Who will seize the moment and etch their name in poker history? The answer awaits.
1
20
20
