Day 2 Highlights: $10,300 EPT High Roller at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus
As the sun sets over the stunning Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa, a remarkable chapter of poker history is being written at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus. Day 2 of the $10,300 High Roller event has drawn to a close, leaving behind a thrilling narrative that has seen the starting field of 215 entries whittled down to a mere 24 players advancing to the final day.
A Day of Frantic Action
The day kicked off with great anticipation as players from all corners converged to battle it out across twelve grueling 50-minute levels. The stakes were high, not just in terms of the entry fee but also the prestige associated with emerging victorious in one of poker’s most respected tournaments.
Steve O’Dwyer, a name synonymous with excellence in the poker world, concluded the day at the top of the chip counts, amassing an impressive stack of 2,235,000. O’Dwyer, ranked 13th in the all-time money list with over $44,000,000 in winnings, is on a quest to secure his eighth EPT trophy. Hot on his heels is Diogo Coelho of Portugal, who ended the day with 1,995,000 chips, followed closely by Shankui Li of China at 1,725,000.
Key Highlights from Day 2
O’Dwyer and Coelho exhibited exceptional skill throughout the day, steadily increasing their chip count. Coelho, in particular, surged toward the two-million mark after his top pair held against Michel Molenaar, showcasing both fortune and finesse. Meanwhile, Shankui Li caught some favorable cards late in the session, notably benefitting from a significant cooler against Aliaksandr Shylko, propelling him into podium contention.
Coelho is no stranger to success either, sitting seventh on Portugal’s all-time money list with nearly $2,300,000 in live winnings. He’s riding a wave of momentum after winning the $2,200 Eureka High Roller for over $350,000 just earlier in the week.
Li, too, is on a remarkable journey at EPT Cyprus, having already secured his two largest live cashes in the Main Event and the Eureka Main. With aspirations to achieve his first six-figure score, Li is one to watch as the final day approaches.
Dangerous Contenders Lurking
While O’Dwyer, Coelho, and Li lit up the leaderboard, several formidable adversaries remained tucked within the top ten, including Niklas Astedt, Andras Nemeth, and Stoyan Madanzhiev. Each has their reasons to believe they can mount a challenge for the coveted title and the substantial first-place prize of $865,700.
End of Day 2 Top Ten Chip Counts
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Steve O’Dwyer | Ireland | 2,235,000 | 89 |
| 2 | Diogo Coelho | Portugal | 1,995,000 | 79 |
| 3 | Shankui Li | China | 1,725,000 | 69 |
| 4 | Andras Nemeth | Hungary | 1,550,000 | 62 |
| 5 | Stoyan Madanzhiev | Bulgaria | 1,370,000 | 54 |
| 6 | Lars Kamphues | Austria | 1,335,000 | 53 |
| 7 | Niklas Astedt | Sweden | 1,200,000 | 48 |
| 8 | Adrian Cazacu | Romania | 1,000,000 | 40 |
| 9 | Jelle Moene | Netherlands | 915,000 | 36 |
| 10 | Sebastian Malec | Poland | 910,000 | 36 |
A Day of High Drama and Eliminations
The action on Day 2 was both fast-paced and ruthless. Following a late registration period that added 51 players to the existing field, it soon became evident that this was a tournament where every hand mattered. The initial casualties began early, with notable players such as Sonny Franco, Dimitar Danchev, Artur Martirosian, Nicholas Palma, and PokerStars Ambassador Parker Talbot exiting before the first break.
As the day progressed, familiar faces continued to fall, including Jessica Teusl, who charged up the leaderboard, only to see her fortunes reverse as others gained steam. Meanwhile, some significant confrontations occurred, with Niklas Astedt surviving a tense cooler against Aleksejs Ponakovs, showcasing his resilience.
The Prize Pool and Final Stakes
With a staggering prize pool of $4,423,200 created by 456 entries, the competition only intensifies. The minimum cash is valued at $18,300, escalating to a substantial payout of $92,400 for those lucky enough to make it to the final table. But all eyes will be on the colossal prize of $865,700 that awaits the eventual winner.
Looking Ahead: Final Day on the Horizon
As players prepare to return for Day 3 on Sunday, October 20, excitement is palpable. The final day kicks off at noon local time, resuming at Level 23 with blinds of 10,000/25,000 and a mandatory 25,000 big blind ante.
Poker enthusiasts are advised to stay glued to PokerNews for live updates as this thrilling competition reaches its zenith, where only one player will emerge as the victor of the EPT High Roller trophy—a testament to their skill, resilience, and perhaps a bit of luck.
Conclusion
With outstanding poker talent on display and a substantial prize pool at stake, Day 2 of the $10,300 EPT High Roller has set the stage for a riveting conclusion. Fans around the world will eagerly await the final day, hoping to witness the crowning of a champion amid the beautiful backdrop of Cyprus.
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