European Poker Tour Cyprus: The Battle for Glory at Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa
A week ago, an exhilarating scene unfolded at the stunning Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa on Cyprus, where an eclectic mix of 1,284 poker enthusiasts from 70 different countries converged to chase a shared ambition—the prestigious title of European Poker Tour (EPT) champion. As the dust settles, the stage is now set for the thrilling conclusion of the PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus, with six determined players vying for victory. Their fate hangs in the balance as they prepare to engage in a culminating showdown that promises to be both captivating and dramatic.
The Final Table
As the clock approaches 12:30 p.m. local time, the six remaining contenders will gather at the final table, where the coveted Golden Shard EPT trophy and a staggering top prize of $1,030,000 await. Leading the charge is the formidable Oliver Weis, who has transformed his considerable chip stack into an astounding 18,505,000, a figure that outstrips his nearest competitor by more than three-fold.
The Chip Leaders
Weis is not merely riding a wave of good fortune. The German poker professional has had an impressive year, highlighted by his victory at the EPT Paris High Roller event in February, which bolstered his earnings to over $1.7 million prior to this competition. Yet, all eyes are now on the imminent possibility of adding the EPT trophy to his already dazzling collection, a feat that would signify perhaps the pinnacle of his poker career.
Challenging Weis is Mikhail Shalamov, a well-known poker streamer and one-time Team PokerStars Online pro. Shalamov, currently holding 6,050,000 chips, is making his debut at an EPT final table despite a wealth of experience that dates back to 2010. With a remarkable backstory that encompasses setting a world record by playing 40,000 hands in a single day, he has become a prominent figure in the poker streaming community, attracting nearly 90,000 followers on Twitch.
In third place is the UK’s Bobby James, who enters the final table with 5,215,000 chips. James has had a turbulent tournament trajectory, having experienced the highs of chip leader status on Day 3 and the lows of a short stack by Day 4. Nonetheless, this journey has already surpassed his prior career winnings, positioning him for a potentially career-defining moment at the final table, especially since he has already secured a Spadie trophy in a recent 8-Game event during this series.
Completing the lineup are seasoned pros Andriy Lyubovetskiy (3,295,000), Anton Wigg (3,190,000), and the local favorite Georgios Tsouloftas (2,255,000), each with their own ambitions and stories. Lyubovetskiy, boasting multiple titles from WCOOP, SCOOP, and two WSOP bracelets, will be seeking to solidify his remarkable career with an EPT title. Meanwhile, Wigg, the 2010 EPT Copenhagen Main Event champion, stands on the brink of making history by becoming only the fourth player to win multiple EPT titles. Tsouloftas, as the sole native Cypriot left in the tournament, carries the pride of local fans as he looks to convert his third-place finishes into a monumental first victory.
Final Table Dynamics
The atmosphere at the final table is charged with anticipation as the stakes couldn’t be higher. The players will commence with 69 minutes remaining in Level 29, battling through blinds of 50,000-100,000 and a 100,000 big blind ante. While all six players are guaranteed a minimum payout of $208,720, the allure of the top prize and championship glory drives this elite group forward.
Payout Structure
| Place | Prize Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,030,000 |
| 2 | $642,300 |
| 3 | $459,000 |
| 4 | $353,100 |
| 5 | $271,400 |
| 6 | $208,720 |
Watch the Action Live
For those eager to witness the culmination of this high-stakes poker event, PokerStars will stream the final table live on its YouTube and Twitch channels, providing a front-row seat to all the action and strategies unfolding in real-time. Updates will be relayed on a 30-minute delay, allowing everyone to savor the suspense and the unfolding drama as the contenders vie for their shot at poker immortality.
Conclusion
As the sun shines over the picturesque island of Cyprus, the clock is ticking down toward the final moments of this enthralling tournament. With six players remaining and only one title to claim, the atmosphere is ripe for unforgettable moments and memories that could define not just a tournament, but their careers. The pursuit of the EPT trophy has never been more competitive or compelling, and PokerNews will be on hand to chronicle every twist and turn until a champion is crowned. Only time will tell who will emerge victorious, but one thing is certain—this final battle at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa will reverberate through the annals of poker history.
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