Day 2 Recap of the $2,200 Eureka High Roller: Tension Builds for Final Showdown
The atmosphere at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel and Spa was electric as Day 2 of the $2,200 Eureka High Roller unfolded during the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus. After ten hours of intense play, lasting twenty 40-minute levels, the day concluded with fierce competition and a spotlight on four skilled players ready to battle again in the final day.
Mukhtor Nasiradinov Leads the Charge
Emerging as the chip leader going into Day 3 is Mukhtor Nasiradinov from Russia, who boasts an impressive stack of 12,425,000 chips. Nasiradinov, who entered the day with a strong lead, held onto this advantage despite the rising stakes and challenges presented by formidable opponents. This tournament marks a significant milestone for him, as he has already secured a cash that will more than double his total live tournament earnings, further fueled by a cash in the Eureka Main Event just days prior.
The Battle for Second Place
Hot on his heels is Italy’s Michele Guerrini, sitting with 12,025,000 chips, just under a big blind behind Nasiradinov. Following closely is Diogo Coelho from Portugal with 10,625,000 chips. Coelho’s strategic play positioned him well as he heads into the next day, while Ibrahim Ghassan of Lebanon hangs on with 6,225,000 chips. The chip counts reveal a tight race, especially between players like Nasiradinov and Guerrini, setting the stage for a captivating Day 3.
Final Table Chip Counts
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mukhtor Nasiradinov | Russian Federation | 12,425,000 | 25 |
| 2 | Michele Guerrini | Italy | 12,025,000 | 24 |
| 3 | Diogo Coelho | Portugal | 10,625,000 | 21 |
| 4 | Ibrahim Ghassan | Lebanon | 6,225,000 | 12 |
A Day Filled with Action
Day 2 saw a total of 206 players returning to the tables, with Romania’s Mircea Flutur initially holding the largest stack. While every participant had already locked in a minimum cash of $3,260, the coveted top prize was the ultimate focus for all.
Among those who played on Day 2 were renowned figures such as PokerStars Ambassadors Kenny Hallaert and Ramon Colillas, both of whom exited the tournament earlier than anticipated. Other notable mentions included Tom Middleton, the 2013 EPT Barcelona champion, who managed to stave off elimination longer before ultimately falling short of the final table.
Fintan Hand, another PokerStars Ambassador and significant stack holder, advanced well through the ranks before being eliminated in 16th place, a disappointing end after going all-in with ace-three against Guerrini’s pocket kings.
Bubble Boy and Final Table Formation
After nearly twelve hours of play, the bubble boy for this event was Santiago Nadal, who fell victim to Coelho’s overcards in a flip. With Nadal’s departure, the final nine were set, with Nasiradinov leading the pack.
However, the final table wasn’t without its dramatic exits. The first victim was Kostadin Kostadinov, who fell prey to Guerrini’s backdoor straight, after which Leonid Logunov and Gediminas Uselis also exited, finishing in eighth and seventh place, respectively.
Road to the Final Four
As the final five players approached a tense situation, Ali Emre Ozcan became the first to cash out among them, heading to the cashier with his $110,900 prize after a confrontation with Nasiradinov. Eventually, a stalemate initiated discussions around an ICM deal, which were firmly dismissed by Coelho, reflecting the competitiveness and drive among these players to fight for the title.
However, the venue’s time constraints prompted officials to call an end to the day, rescheduling the continuation of the tournament for October 15, at 1 p.m. local time.
Final Table Payouts
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $423,250 | ||
| 2 | $262,390 | ||
| 3 | $187,410 | ||
| 4 | $144,160 | ||
| 5 | Ali Emre Ozcan | Turkey | $110,900 |
| 6 | Roman Timergazin | Russian Federation | $85,310 |
| 7 | Gediminas Uselis | Lithuania | $65,630 |
| 8 | Leonid Logunov | Russian Federation | $50,490 |
| 9 | Kostadin Kostadinov | Bulgaria | $38,820 |
The remaining competitors are locked in for a minimum of $144,160, with the ultimate prize of $423,250 and an EPT trophy on the line. Play resumes with blinds starting at 250,000/500,000 and a big blind ante of 500,000.
Stay Tuned for Day 3
As anticipation builds among fans, players, and commentators alike, stay tuned for more updates on this captivating showdown at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus. The quest for glory continues as skill, strategy, and resilience will be paramount in determining who ultimately triumphs at the final table. The challenge awaits the final four as they prepare to seize their fortune!
