Oliver Weis Triumphs at EPT Cyprus: A Year of Remarkable Achievements
German poker professional Oliver Weis has been making waves in the poker community in 2024, and his latest victory at the European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus Main Event only serves to highlight his exceptional skills and determination. With 1,284 players competing in this $5,300 buy-in tournament, Weis emerged victorious, securing a prize of $1,030,000. This triumph not only marks a significant career milestone for the 32-year-old but also adds to an already stellar year, having previously clinched his first World Series of Poker (WSOP) gold bracelet earlier in February.
A Year of Success
The year 2024 has been nothing short of groundbreaking for Weis. His first major accomplishment came in February when he won the EPT Paris event with a buy-in of €10,300, netting him an impressive $1,047,816—the largest payout of his career at that time. His recent win in Cyprus, while slightly less lucrative, further cements his status as one of poker’s elite, elevating his total career earnings to over $5.2 million. During an interview with PokerStars TV’s Joe Stapleton, Weis reflected on his journey, stating, “I’m very happy. This is a tough grind,” demonstrating a sense of satisfaction and relief after navigating through another intense tournament.
The Road to Victory in Cyprus
The EPT Cyprus main event attracted a diverse field that included seasoned professionals and rising stars, resulting in a staggering total prize pool of $6,227,400. Only the top 191 finishers received a payout, showcasing the high level of competition present. Noteworthy players who cashed included two-time bracelet winner Artur Martirosian, EPT champion Nicolas Chouity, and WSOP Online finalist Diogo Coelho.
Weis’s path to the final table was anything but straightforward. Upon entering the heads-up stage against local player Georgios Tsouloftas, he faced an uphill battle, as Tsouloftas held a substantial chip lead of 29,075,000 to Weis’s 9,425,000. Demonstrating his patience and tactical prowess, Weis gradually chipped away at the lead, notably picking off a multi-street bluff that shifted the tournament’s momentum in his favor.
Decisive Heads-Up Play
The heads-up match was a masterclass in strategy, showcasing the skills of both players. Weis initially clawed back from his chip deficit with expert play, eventually taking the lead by executing a thin value bet with a third pair against Tsouloftas’s king-high. As the pressure mounted, Tsouloftas was forced to commit his remaining 12 big blinds.
In the final hand, Tsouloftas pushed all-in with K♥2♣, while Weis called holding Q♥7♥. The board revealed 7♠ 4♦ 3♠ 5♠ 5♥, gifting Weis a winning hand of sevens and fives. Tsouloftas’s admirable run concluded with a cash prize of $642,300, marking the largest payout of his own career.
Strong Performances Throughout the Tournament
The EPT Cyprus event showcased a mix of established professionals and unexpected contenders. High-profile players completed the tournament with varying degrees of success. Artur Martirosian finished in 99th place, while Nicolas Chouity (48th) and Santhosh Suvarna (21st) also put in commendable performances, despite falling short of the final table.
Several players reached the finale, including Timo Kamphues in 9th place and Andrea Dato, who was the 2023 runner-up but finished 8th this year. Their experiences underscore the growing competitiveness of the EPT circuit, which continues to attract talent from around the globe.
Final Table Results 2024 EPT Cyprus Main Event
| Result | Player | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oliver Weis | $1,030,000 |
| 2 | Georgios Tsouloftas | $642,300 |
| 3 | Mikhail Shalamov | $459,000 |
| 4 | Andrey Lyubovetskiy | $353,100 |
| 5 | Robert James | $271,400 |
| 6 | Anton Wigg | $208,720 |
| 7 | Anton Kraous | $160,500 |
| 8 | Andrea Dato | $123,400 |
| 9 | Timo Kamphues | $94,940 |
Conclusion
Oliver Weis’s victory at the EPT Cyprus Main Event is a testament to his significant talent, strategic thinking, and mental resilience. With two major tournament victories already in 2024 and an impressive total career earnings of over $5.2 million, there’s no doubt that Weis is a player to watch in the months and years ahead. As he continues to navigate the world of professional poker, his journey inspires many aspiring players to strive for success on the felt.
1
20
20
