Oliver Weis Crowned Champion at the European Poker Tour in Cyprus

The prestigious European Poker Tour (EPT) made a stunning return to the picturesque backdrop of the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino and Spa in Northern Cyprus, transforming the resort into a bustling hub of strategy, suspense, and triumph over a thrilling ten-day poker extravaganza. This year’s EPT Cyprus Main Event, with a substantial $5,300 buy-in, drew a remarkable 1,284 participants and generated an eye-watering prize pool of $6.2 million.

After an intense final day of play, German professional Oliver Weis emerged as the champion, clinching his first-ever EPT title from an electrifying final table comprising players from eight different nations. Weis’s victory highlighted not only his exceptional poker skills but also the competitive spirit and global nature of the event.

Italian’s Jacks Lose to the Ladies

The action throughout the tournament was nothing short of electrifying, especially as the field narrowed down on the final table. Among the significant eliminations was Timo Kamphues, who finished ninth but pocketed $94,940. His exit came after a dramatic showdown against Weis, where Kamphues’ ace-eight was outdone by Weis’ jack-nine on a board showing Q-9-3-J-A.

As the stakes rose, the fearsome Italians seemed poised to make their mark. Andrea Dato faced a perilous moment when his pocket jacks clashed against Weis’s pocket queens. With a queen flopping on the board, Dato’s hope faded, and he left the tournament in eighth place, garnering $123,400. The day’s events would prove that in the intense atmosphere of high-stakes poker, even the best hands can falter.

Bobby James Picked Off in Fifth

The tension escalated with the sudden exit of Bulgarian player Anton Kraous in seventh for $160,500. He thrust his chips in with king-jack, only to find himself at a disadvantage against British player Bobby James, who held ace-jack. As the board revealed no miraculous straight for Kraous, he found himself out of the running.

As the six remaining players settled in for the final day, Weis commanded an impressive lead with 18.5 million chips over James, who had 5.2 million. However, it was Anton Wigg who would make the first exit of the day when his pocket tens couldn’t compete against Russian player Mikhail Shalamov’s ace-king. Wigg departed in sixth place, taking home $208,720.

James would soon follow, finishing in fifth place after he risked it all with a king-queen against Georgios Tsouloftas’ ace-jack. The board remained unyielding, and James left with $271,400, taking the tournament one step closer to its final showdown.

Weis Gets There in the End

After the dust had settled, it was clear that the final four consisted of some of the tourney’s most skilled players. Ukrainian pro Andriy Lyubovetskiy exited in fourth place for $353,100, as Weis expanded his chip stack by defeating Lyubovetskiy with a two-pair on a board of T-5-4-7-2.

In a riveting three-handed battle, Weis demonstrated resilience despite losing some chips to Ukrainian competition. The chip lead changed hands before Mikhail Shalamov busted in third place for $459,000, an elimination that put Tsouloftas at an advantageous 3:1 chip lead heading into heads-up play.

Weis found himself at a significant disadvantage going into heads-up action, falling to 5:1 in chips against Tsouloftas. Yet experience shone through as he played strategically and patiently, eventually getting back into the fray. After calling a significant bluff, Weis turned the tide in his favor.

In the final hand, Tsouloftas pushed all-in with king-deuce only to find Weis calling with a suited queen-seven. A much-celebrated seven landed on the flop, with a subsequent five on both the turn and river sealing the fate of the tournament. Weis claimed victory, earning a life-changing prize of $1,030,000 and etching his name into the annals of EPT history.

Conclusion

The thrilling action, expert plays, and unforeseen twists of the 2024 EPT Cyprus Main Event showcased the captivating essence of tournament poker. From the fall of celebrated players to the rise of Oliver Weis as the crowned champion, this event solidified its legacy as a centerpiece of the international poker circuit. As players and fans alike reflect on the excitement of the past days at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino and Spa, they eagerly await the next opportunity to return to its vibrant tables once again.

Photo by Manuel Kovscar for PokerStars, the home of the European Poker Tour.

Final Table Results of EPT Cyprus $25,000 Second Chance High Roller

As the poker landscape continues to evolve, this EPT event in Cyprus will undoubtedly be remembered for the exceptional plays, camaraderie, and sheer unpredictability that only the world of professional poker can deliver.

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