$25,000 Second Chance Event Kicks Off at EPT Cyprus
As the lights dimmed and the cards were shuffled, the stakes were high at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa in Cyprus, where the much-anticipated $25,000 Second Chance event of the 2024 European Poker Tour (EPT) commenced. This prestigious high-stakes tournament drew 31 participants on its opening day, and within just four hours of action, excitement and strategy filled the air as players navigated their paths toward a potentially life-changing victory.
Robust Attendance and Dynamic Competition
The day began with a hearty turnout of 31 players, and as the clock ticked on, the action heated up with several players re-entering the tournament. By the end of Day 1, the total number of entries had soared to 38, with late registration still open until the start of Day 2. The $25,000 buy-in attracted some of the best players in the world, who were eager to compete for a share of the lucrative prize pool.
At the conclusion of the day, Albert Daher emerged as the chip leader among the remaining 25 players, amassing a staggering stack of 885,000 chips. Hot on his heels was Elias Gutierrez, a member of the esteemed PokerStars Team Pro, holding 808,000 chips after recently clinching victory in the $25,000 SHR Warm Up. Meanwhile, Hassan Nashar secured the third spot with a count of 805,000, having fired three bullets into the competition before finding his groove.
Daher, a familiar face in high roller events, has already claimed three titles in the EPT’s illustrious history. His previous success in Cyprus, where he triumphed in a 29-player field and defeated Mikita Badziakouski heads-on for a prize of $264,690, sets the stage for his current aspirations.
Top Five Chip Counts
Here are the top five chip counts leading into Day 2:
| Rank | Name | Country | Chips | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Albert Daher | Lebanon | 885,000 | 148 |
| 2 | Elias Gutierrez | Spain | 808,000 | 135 |
| 3 | Hassan Nashar | Senegal | 805,000 | 134 |
| 4 | Johannes Straver | Netherlands | 624,000 | 104 |
| 5 | Teun Mulder | Netherlands | 616,000 | 103 |
Highlights from Day 1
The day was marked by intense action, unexpected twists, and strategic plays. Masashi Oya wasted no time making his mark, quickly leaping into the foreground after slowplaying pocket aces against Juan Pardo, who held ace-king on a king-high board. Although he played a conservative game afterward, Oya closed Day 1 with an average stack of 356,000.
One pivotal moment came as Jelle Moene took the lead in a brutal cooler against Jérémie Zouari, with both players making straights but differing in strength. Following the initial break, the dynamic shifted rapidly thanks to Hassan Nashar, who adopted a wild and aggressive style, making bold moves and employing large bet sizes that kept his opponents on their toes.
Notably, Gutierrez capitalized on Nashar’s erratic play, first doubling through him and later eliminating him from the tournament, although Nashar re-entered immediately to keep vying for the top spot.
Daher’s Comeback and Other Notable Players
As the evening progressed, Albert Daher found his rhythm, notably doubling up with a river miracle against Simone Andrian, who held a commanding hand with ace-king. Thus, Daher’s fate turned in his favor as he built momentum leading up to his chip-lead.
Several other prominent players made their presence felt, including Duco ten Haven (115,000), Leonard Maue (174,000), Steve O’Dwyer (200,000), and Recep Aydemir (244,000), all of whom will return for Day 2 with their own strategies and ambitions.
Looking Ahead: Day 2 and What’s Next
The excitement continues as Day 2 is set to commence on Thursday, October 17, at 12:30 PM local time. Players will return to Level 9, with blinds set at 3,000/6,000 and a 6,000 big blind ante. As the interest continues to mount with impending last-minute entrants, the drama is far from over.
Fifteen-minute breaks will take place after every four levels, with a 75-minute dinner break at the conclusion of Level 20, providing players time to recalibrate strategies. As seasoned professionals and ambitious newcomers alike engage in fierce competition, the potential for thrilling upsets and miraculous comebacks remains tantalizingly high.
Stay tuned to PokerNews for continuous updates, insights, and live coverage as we unravel the layers of strategy and emotion in this high-stakes arena, all leading to the crowning of the next champion in high roller poker!
