Thrilling Day 2 at the $10,300 EPT High Roller: O’Dwyer and Coelho Lead the Way
The excitement continues to unfold at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus held at the sumptuous Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa. Day 2 of the highly anticipated $10,300 EPT High Roller drew to a close after twelve intense 50-minute levels, leaving 24 skilled players in competition for the prestigious title. The day commenced with a robust starting field of 215 entries, showcasing the depth of talent in the room, and ended with a lean but fierce group of contenders vying for a piece of the $4,423,200 prize pool.
Leading the Charge: Steve O’Dwyer
At the end of Day 2, it was Steve O’Dwyer who stood out as the chip leader, boasting an impressive stack of 2,235,000 in chips. Hailing from Ireland, O’Dwyer is no stranger to high-stakes poker and currently ranks 13th on the all-time money list with over $44 million in recorded cashes. His goal? To snatch an unprecedented eighth EPT trophy, further solidifying his legacy in the world of professional poker.
O’Dwyer steadily built his stack throughout the day, exhibiting a masterclass in chip management and aggression. His strategic play has positioned him as a formidable opponent heading into the final day.
Rising Star: Diogo Coelho
Close on O’Dwyer’s heels is Diogo Coelho from Portugal, who ended Day 2 with 1,995,000 chips. Coelho demonstrated remarkable skill on the felt, particularly during a critical hand where his top pair held firm against Michel Molenaar. Coelho is currently seventh on Portugal’s all-time money list, with nearly $2.3 million in live winnings, and he looks poised to capture his second trophy of the week following his victory in the $2,200 Eureka High Roller earlier.
Coelho’s consistent performance throughout the tournament has proven that he is not just a rising star in the poker world, but a serious contender for the title.
Shankui Li: A Competitor to Watch
Completing the podium for Day 2 is Shankui Li from China. With a chip count of 1,725,000, Li has been on a remarkable ascent throughout the event, already having secured his two largest live cashes earlier in the week. As players prepare for the final day’s action, Li will aim to achieve his first six-figure payout, adding further excitement to the high-stakes environment.
Li’s rise to prominence in this competitive field highlights the increasing globalization of poker, where talent emerges from various corners of the world.
Quick Look at the Competition
The top ten chip counts at the close of Day 2 are as follows:
| 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 |
As the tournament progresses, dangerous players like Niklas Astedt, Andras Nemeth, and Stoyan Madanzhiev lurk in the top ten, all capable of turning the tide in their favor with strategic plays.
Day 2 Highlights and Action
Day 2 kicked off with a total field of 215 players, bolstered by the late registration of 51 hopefuls. This brought the total entries to 456 and generated an impressive prize pool, with 63 players set to cash out. A minimum payout of $18,300 awaits the lower-tier finishers, while the coveted first-place prize stands at a staggering $865,700.
The intensity was palpable as players such as Sonny Franco, Dimitar Danchev, and Parker Talbot succumbed to the ruthless competition early on. The comprehensive elimination process saw players drop like flies, culminating in dramatic moments, including unfortunate bubble situations for notable players like Stephen Song, who was eliminated after his kings were outmatched.
What Lies Ahead
With just 24 players left in contention, they will return on Sunday, October 20 at noon local time for the concluding showdown. The players will start the final day at Level 23 with blinds set at 10,000/25,000 and a 25,000 ante, setting the stage for a thrilling finale.
As poker enthusiasts eagerly await the next chapter in this high-stakes drama, PokerNews will provide live updates and comprehensive coverage of the final day. Who will rise to the top and capture the coveted EPT High Roller trophy? Only time will tell. Stay tuned!
This captivating event underscores the high level of competition present in the poker community and the thrill of high-stakes tournaments, making it a must-watch for fans and players alike.
