Exciting Action at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus: Day 1 of the $10,300 EPT High Roller
The picturesque backdrop of the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa has been buzzing with excitement as the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus unfolds. At the forefront of thrilling poker action is the $10,300 EPT High Roller event. Day 1 drew a remarkable crowd, with 405 players eager to stake their claim on the prestigious tournament. As the dust settled after ten intense levels of play, only 164 players remained in contention, all vying for a share of the lucrative prize pool.
Day 1 Highlights
Leading the Charge: Parahat Nurmuhammedov
Emerging from the fray as the chip leader is Parahat Nurmuhammedov, who ended the day with an impressive stack of 524,000 chips.
Nurmuhammedov, hailing from Turkmenistan, is poised for potential EPT success after recording just shy of $100,000 in live tournament earnings. His remarkable performance today places him in an enviable position with a staggering 349 big blinds. With two cashes already in this series, he’s looking to build on his momentum as he heads into Day 2.
Following closely is Berthold Winz from Germany, with a respectable stack of 391,000 chips, and Ray Qartomy from the United States, rounding out the podium with 378,000 chips.
Top 10 Chip Counts – End of Day 1
Here’s a snapshot of the top 10 chip counts after Day 1:
| 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 in Contention
Among the key players re-emerging for Day 2 is the seasoned professional Roberto Romanello, known for his significant contributions to the game, boasting nearly $5 million in live tournament earnings. The Welshman’s experience shines, especially considering his historic win at the EPT Prague Main Event in 2011. With a stack of 231,500, Romanello remains a formidable presence to watch as the tournament progresses.
Other notable names that secured their spots for Day 2 include Jelle Moene (218,500), Masashi Oya (199,000), and Steve O’Dwyer (198,500). The talent pool is rich, and the competition remains fierce as these players gear up for another exciting day on the felt.
Ambassadors and Fan Favorites
The tournament also featured a sprinkling of PokerStars Ambassadors, including Fintan Hand, who regrettably did not advance past Level 3 after a clash with Simon Mattsson’s pocket aces. Fellow ambassadors Parker Talbot and Sam Grafton met similar fates, but with the opportunity for re-entry, fans anticipate seeing them return for another shot at glory.
Challenging Day for Some
It wasn’t all smooth sailing for every player, as several high-profile names could not make it through the day. Players such as Teun Mulder, Mustapha Kanit, and Andrey Pateychuk will have to regroup and consider their options as they evaluate their chances of re-entering the tournament.
Looking Ahead: Day 2
As the action resumes on Day 2, the stakes are higher than ever. The players will return at 12:30 p.m. local time, with the plan to play until the money is reached, followed by sessions that may go deep into Level 22. Blinds will kick off at 1,000/1,500 with a 1,500 big blind ante, and the level duration will now be shortened to 50 minutes.
Stay tuned to PokerNews for the latest updates and continued coverage as the $10,300 EPT High Roller unfolds through the high-stakes world of competitive poker at the 2024 EPT Cyprus stop. Will Nurmuhammedov maintain his lead, or will another player rise to the occasion? The stakes are set, and the excitement is palpable as Day 2 promises to deliver even more thrilling poker action.
