Guo Liang Wei Triumphs at the 2024 PokerStars EPT Cyprus: A Journey to Victory
When the dust settled at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus, it was Guo Liang Wei who emerged as the last man standing in the $3,000 Mystery Bounty tournament. The road to victory was far from easy, as Wei navigated through a competitive field that began with 894 entries, ultimately securing a cash prize of $265,972 and his first coveted PokerStars silver Spadie.
A Close Call the Week Before
Just days before his monumental win, Wei faced disappointment at the $1,100 Eureka Main Event, where he finished in sixth place, taking home $78,770. This near-miss fueled his determination as he entered Day 3 of the Mystery Bounty. With a fresh mindset and the goal to surpass his previous performance, Wei rebounded spectacularly, demonstrating his skill and resilience at the felt.
Final Table Results
The final table of the $3,000 Mystery Bounty was a gathering of skilled players, all eager for their slice of the substantial prize pool:
| Rank | Player | Country | Prize | Bounties Won | Total Winnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Guo Liang Wei | China | $265,972 | $10,000 | $275,972 |
| 2 | Boris Kolev | Bulgaria | $166,330 | $4,000 | $170,330 |
| 3 | Matthias Lipp | Austria | $118,810 | $161,000 | $279,810 |
| 4 | Valeriu Rosca | Romania | $91,390 | $4,000 | $95,390 |
| 5 | Nicolae Paunescu | Romania | $70,310 | $7,000 | $77,310 |
| 6 | Karen Nazarian | Russia | $54,090 | $8,000 | $62,090 |
| 7 | Marius Kudzmanas | Lithuania | $41,590 | $4,000 | $45,590 |
| 8 | Uladzimir Zhyharau | Belarus | $31,990 | $49,000 | $80,990 |
| 9 | Ryhor Karapanau | Latvia | $24,610 | $13,000 | $37,610 |
The Thrill of the Bounty Action
Day 2 of the event introduced the thrill of mystery bounty tokens, which significantly raised the stakes. For each elimination, players earned prizes beginning at $1,000, while the ultimate prizes of $75,000 generated a palpable buzz around the auditorium at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa.
Among the players who struck gold in the bounty section was Alik Zazian, who made the most of his opportunity amidst the bubble and eventually finished in 116th place but still managed to pocket $3,400. Furthermore, Matthias Lipp made headlines by capturing two $75,000 bounties, showcasing an extraordinary run that contributed to his eventual podium finish.
The Turning Point: Day Three Action
After the major bounties had been claimed, the focus shifted entirely to the final table and the possibility of a first-place victory. As eliminations occurred and the field narrowed, Wei made his mark. Notable exits included Morten Klein, a prominent figure in high-stakes poker circles, and Karen Nazarian, who had an impressive run but ultimately finished in sixth place.
Seemingly poised for victory, Wei capitalized on his chip advantage as he progressed to heads-up play against Boris Kolev, who proved to be tough opposition. However, Wei’s strategy and skill prevailed in the end.
Concluding Moments: A Well-Deserved Victory
With the heads-up battle heating up, Wei maintained his edge over Kolev, who initially secured a double-up. Yet, the decisive hand saw Wei’s king-queen overpower Kolev’s king-four, clinching the title for Wei along with the prestigious trophy and the final mystery bounty token of the tournament.
In this high-stakes competition, Guo Liang Wei not only demonstrated his poker prowess but also solidified his place in EPT history, making him a player to watch in future tournaments. His journey from a near-miss to a championship showcases the thrill of poker, where each hand can turn a story in unexpected ways. As Wei reflects on his victory, the future looks undeniably bright.
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