Exciting Action at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus: Day 1 Recap of the $10,300 EPT High Roller
The backdrop of Cyprus has turned into a magnetic hub for poker enthusiasts as the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus continues to unfold at the luxurious Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa. Among the most anticipated events is the $10,300 EPT High Roller, which kicked off with an explosive Day 1, seeing 405 players eagerly vying for their chance at glory on the felt. As the dust settled, only 164 players emerged intact, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling tomorrow.
Day 1 Highlights: Who’s in the Lead?
After an intense session spanning ten 60-minute levels, Parahat Nurmuhammedov from Turkmenistan has come out on top with an impressive stack of 524,000 chips, translating to a staggering 349 big blinds. Following him is Germany’s Berthold Winz, who holds a solid stack of 391,000 in chips. Rounding out the top three is Ray Qartomy from the United States, closing the day with 378,000 chips.
Nurmuammedov’s performance is especially noteworthy; although he’s yet to break through the $100,000 mark in live tournament earnings, his two cashes in this series hint at his rising prominence. With the largest chip stack, he enters Day 2 as a formidable competitor, poised to chase that elusive EPT success.
End of Day 1 Top 10 Chip Counts
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Parahat Nurmuhammedov | Turkmenistan | 524,000 | 349 |
| 2 | Berthold Winz | Germany | 391,000 | 261 |
| 3 | Ray Qartomy | United States | 378,000 | 252 |
| 4 | Simeon Spasov | Bulgaria | 324,000 | 216 |
| 5 | Umberto Ruggeri | Italy | 314,500 | 210 |
| 6 | Aleksei Gortikov | Russian Federation | 310,500 | 207 |
| 7 | Nichan Khorchidian | Lebanon | 306,000 | 204 |
| 8 | Boris Kuzmanovic | Croatia | 286,000 | 191 |
| 9 | Xiaosheng Zheng | China | 276,000 | 184 |
| 10 | Belarmino De Souza | Brazil | 268,000 | 179 |
Notable Players and Stories
Among the high-stakes players, the presence of Roberto Romanello, a name synonymous with EPT, garners attention. With nearly $5 million in live tournament earnings, Romanello made his mark at EPT Prague in 2011, winning the main event. He ended Day 1 with a stack of 231,500, continuing his legacy as one of the sport’s veterans.
Other prominent names making it through to Day 2 include Jelle Moene (218,500 chips), Masashi Oya (199,000), and Steve O’Dwyer (198,500). Each player carries their unique narrative, from recent champions to veterans with a storied history in the EPT.
PokerStars Ambassadors and Notable Exits
Several PokerStars Ambassadors took center stage, including Fintan Hand, who was unfortunately eliminated early in the day. Hand faced a tough break by running his Big Slick into Simon Mattsson‘s pocket aces. Alongside him, fellow ambassadors Parker Talbot and Sam Grafton couldn’t find the luck needed to progress but may return to the felt for another chance.
Day 1 saw its share of disappointments as well, with notable exits such as Teun Mulder, Mustapha Kanit, and Jessica Teusl. The tournament’s structure permits one reentry per player, which allows those eliminated to have a shot at redemption when Day 2 resumes.
Looking Ahead to Day 2
As the timing for Day 2 approaches, players will be granted an opportunity to regroup and strategize. The action will kick off at 12:30 p.m. local time, with play set to resume at Level 11 featuring blinds of 1,000/1,500 and a 1,500 big blind ante. Levels will shorten to 50 minutes, maintaining the pace of the game.
The goal remains clear; players will aim to reach the money and continue battling through to Level 22, all while striving for the prestigious title of EPT High Roller champion.
Conclusion
Stay tuned to PokerNews for comprehensive coverage as we follow the unfolding drama at the 2024 PokerStars EPT Cyprus. Whether cheering for the chip leaders or following seasoned veterans, the excitement is palpable, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Get ready for an exhilarating continuation of the $10,300 EPT High Roller as the world of poker witnesses another gripping chapter unfold!
