2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus: The Race for the Super High Roller Title
The buzz surrounding the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) in Cyprus is palpable, particularly as the stakes rise in the elite $50,000 Super High Roller event. With an impressive field of 47 entries, the race has now narrowed down to the final six competitors, each vying for not just the coveted trophy but also a staggering first-place prize of $786,570.
The Chip Leader: Adrian Mateos
Spain’s Adrian Mateos has emerged as the standout player in this high-stakes showdown. Holding nearly half of the chips in play, Mateos is the overwhelming favorite as he leads the pack with a hefty stack of 5,175,000 chips—an equivalent of 104 big blinds. Just last week, he crossed the remarkable milestone of $50 million in live tournament earnings, solidifying his status as one of the top contenders in the professional poker sphere.
Mateos’ journey to the summit was dramatic; he transformed a short-stack predicament into a dominating chip lead thanks to an extraordinary performance on Day 2 of the tournament. With multiple titles already under his belt, including EPT championships and World Series of Poker bracelets, Mateos is not only a formidable opponent at the table but also has the experience to navigate the final stages of such high-pressure contests.
The Challengers: Roman Hrabec and Artur Martirosian
Hot on Mateos’ heels is Czech sensation Roman Hrabec, who enters the finale with 2,630,000 chips (53 big blinds). Hrabec’s pedigree as a formidable player is well-established, especially with his recent triumphs at the Triton Poker Main Event, where he clinched an impressive $4.33 million in South Korea.
Despite his accolades, including a runner-up finish at EPT London in 2022, Hrabec has yet to secure a title under the EPT banner. This may change as he faces off against some of the best in the business; many wonder if fortune will finally favor him at the feature table of the Merit Royal Hotel Casino & Spa.
Completing the top three chip counts is Artur Martirosian, another recognized name in the poker community with a stack of 2,235,000 chips (45 big blinds). Known for his remarkable skills both live and online, Martirosian made headlines in 2021 when he became an EPT Main Event champion at just 22 years old during EPT Sochi. His illustrious career now boasts nearly $16 million in live tournament earnings, making him a formidable contender in this final stretch.
The Final Seat Draw
Here’s a look at the final table composition, detailing each player’s seat number, nationality, chip count, and their corresponding big blinds:
| Seat | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alexander Zubov | Russia | 625,000 | 13 |
| 2 | Adrian Mateos | Spain | 5,175,000 | 104 |
| 3 | Roman Hrabec | Czechia | 2,630,000 | 53 |
| 4 | Artur Martirosian | Russia | 2,235,000 | 45 |
| 5 | Mikalai Vaskaboinikau | Belarus | 660,000 | 13 |
| 6 | Jamil Wakil | Canada | 425,000 | 9 |
While Mateos, Hrabec, and Martirosian have the advantage, players like Alexander Zubov, Mikalai Vaskaboinikau, and Jamil Wakil are certainly not out of the game yet. Boasting less than 15 big blinds, they will need to stage significant comebacks if they want to vie for the top prize.
Final Table Plans and Payout Structure
The final table of this thrilling Super High Roller event is set to recommence at 12:30 p.m. local time, with the live-streamed action commencing shortly after at 1 p.m. The remaining players will battle through Level 18, with blinds at 25,000/50,000 and a 50,000 big blind ante, heightening the stakes with every decision made.
All players have already guaranteed themselves a six-figure payout, with the prize structure reflecting the high caliber of this event:
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1 | $786,570 |
| 2 | $513,000 |
| 3 | $353,400 |
| 4 | $262,200 |
| 5 | $205,200 |
| 6 | $159,600 |
Conclusion
As the final table unfolds, poker enthusiasts await breathlessly to see who will seize the moment and become the next champion of the EPT’s illustrious Super High Roller event. With Adrian Mateos leading the charge and formidable challengers in pursuit, one can expect a captivating display of skill, strategy, and perhaps, a bit of good fortune. Follow the action closely with PokerNews, ensuring you’re updated on all the pivotal moments from this high-stakes finale.
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