The Thrilling Finale of the PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus
A week ago, the idyllic backdrop of the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa transformed into an electrifying arena for poker enthusiasts. Over 1,284 players from 70 different countries converged on this island paradise, united by a single aspiration: to become the next European Poker Tour (EPT) champion. As the dust settles, that dream remains very much alive for six players who are set to take their seats at the final table of the PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus today at 12:30 p.m. local time. The stakes are high, with the coveted Golden Shard EPT trophy and a staggering top prize of $1,030,000 up for grabs.
Dominance of Oliver Weis
Leading the charge is Oliver Weis, a German poker professional whose rise through the ranks has been nothing short of remarkable. Weis boasts an impressive chip count of 18,505,000, more than three times that of his closest competitor. This year alone, he has achieved considerable milestones, including a victory at the EPT Paris High Roller event in February, amassing over $1.7 million prior to this tournament. However, today could redefine his career should he emerge victorious, lifting the prestigious EPT trophy and securing a spot in poker history.
Final Table Chip Counts
Here’s how the players stack up as they head into the final showdown:
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oliver Weis | Germany | 18,505,000 | 185 |
| 2 | Mikhail Shalamov | Russia | 6,050,000 | 61 |
| 3 | Bobby James | United Kingdom | 5,215,000 | 52 |
| 4 | Andriy Lyubovetskiy | Ukraine | 3,295,000 | 33 |
| 5 | Anton Wigg | Sweden | 3,190,000 | 32 |
| 6 | Georgios Tsouloftas | Cyprus | 2,255,000 | 23 |
The Challengers
Weis’s nearest rival is Mikhail Shalamov, an established poker streamer from Russia now based in Slovenia. Shalamov, with a chip count of 6,050,000, holds a rich history in the poker community, famously setting a world record by playing 40,000 hands in a single day. Known for his charismatic streaming on Twitch, where he has nearly 90,000 subscribers, Shalamov also has EPT cashes dating back to 2010 but is poised to make his first appearance at an EPT final table.
The UK’s Bobby James comes to the table with a captivating story of ups and downs. He was the chip leader at the end of Day 3 but found himself battling from a short stack by Day 4. Now, he sits comfortably in third place with 5,215,000 chips. James has already claimed a Spadie trophy in Cyprus, winning the $1,000 8-Game event earlier in the series, yet his journey to this final table surpasses all of his previous career earnings combined.
Established Stars
Andriy Lyubovetskiy, another noteworthy contender, starts in fourth position with 3,295,000 chips. The Ukrainian is no stranger to high-stakes competitions, holding multiple WCOOP and SCOOP titles alongside two WSOP bracelets. A victory today would allow him to add an illustrious EPT title to his storied poker career.
Anton Wigg, who previously clinched the EPT Copenhagen Main Event title in 2010, seeks to make history again. Now 37, Wigg can become only the fourth player to win multiple EPT titles. He currently holds 3,190,000 chips, positioned to prove that experience can still hold its ground against the new generation of players.
Rounding out the final table is Georgios Tsouloftas, the sole native Cypriot among the finalists. He enters with 2,255,000 chips, bringing with him a wealth of experience from local Merit Poker events, and a recent third-place finish in a WSOP Europe event—a testament to his rising prowess in the poker world.
The Payouts
As they sit down at the final table, all six players are guaranteed a minimum payout of $208,720, but all eyes are on the grand prize:
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,030,000 | ||
| 2 | $642,300 | ||
| 3 | $459,000 | ||
| 4 | $353,100 | ||
| 5 | $271,400 | ||
| 6 | $208,720 | ||
| 7 | Anton Kraous | Bulgaria | $160,500 |
| 8 | Andrea Dato | Italy | $123,400 |
The Road Ahead
With the action set to resurface at Level 29, featuring blinds of 50,000-100,000 and a 100,000 big blind ante, the tension is palpable as the final table commences. The tournament will be streamed live on PokerStars’ YouTube and Twitch channels, providing poker fans worldwide an opportunity to witness the drama unfold as these elite competitors vie for the title of EPT champion.
As we stand on the cusp of an unforgettable day in poker history, it’s clear that while six remain, only one can emerge as the victor. Stay tuned for real-time updates and insights as PokerNews follows every heart-pounding moment until a champion is crowned.
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