Vicente Delgado Shines as Chip Leader on Day 1 of EPT Cyprus $50,000 Super High Roller
In the glamorous backdrop of the European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus, rising star Vicente Delgado has made headlines with a stellar performance on Day 1 of the $50,000 Super High Roller event. Known in the online poker realm as "vicenfish," Delgado demonstrated his formidable skills and resilience, securing the chip lead with an impressive stack of 1,880,000 – more than double that of his nearest rival.
From the Brink to the Top: Delgado’s Journey
Delgado faced adversity early on, needing two bullets to remain in the competition. His determination was palpable as he navigated through tense moments, ultimately capitalizing on his second chance. The day was pivotal for him as he eliminated several notable players, solidifying his position at the top.
One of the most notable hands involved defending champion Juan Pardo, where Delgado’s nines flipped against Pardo’s ace-queen, leading to a significant knockout. This hand was followed by an audacious hero call on the river against Samuel Mullur, where Delgado confidently competed with just second pair. The resulting massive pot fueled his ascent in chip count, creating a gap between him and the rest of the field.
Delgado’s domination continued as he played ambitiously against Morten Klein, eventually taking down Klein with a set of fours against his two pair. Such plays not only displayed Delgado’s poker savvy but also left his opponents reeling and respectful of his game.
A Record of Success
Vicente Delgado is no stranger to high-stakes poker, with career live tournament earnings amounting to $1.7 million. Last year at EPT Cyprus, he finished in second place behind Pardo, earning $583,400. This experience at such esteemed events showcases his capacity to perform under pressure, making the chip lead he claimed on Day 1 a promising indicator for his potential outcome in this series.
His impressive online presence is also known, highlighted by a final table appearance in the Spring Championship of Online Poker (SCOOP) Main Event last year. These accolades affirm Delgado’s reputation as a serious contender among poker’s elite.
The Day’s Rankings: Who’s Chasing Delgado?
While Vicente Delgado emerged as the formidable chip leader, several other players made their mark on Day 1. Following him was Russian pro Artur Martirosian, who bagged 910,000 chips after making a set of jacks to eliminate Lewis Spencer in a significant pot.
The top five chip counts featured a diverse group of players:
- Vicente Delgado (Spain) – 1,880,000
- Artur Martirosian (Russia) – 910,000
- Daniel Rezaei (Austria) – 780,000
- Biao Ding (China) – 741,000
- Alexander Zubov (Russia) – 660,000
As the competition heated up, it was clear that these players would challenge Delgado in the upcoming days. Other players who advanced to Day 2 include Santhosh Suvarna (601,000), Ognyan Dimov (584,000), and defending champion Juan Pardo who survived with 262,000 after needing two entries.
Looking Ahead: Day 2 and Beyond
With a total of 36 entries by the end of Day 1, the competitive atmosphere is electrifying as many players look to chase Delgado’s stack. The excitement continues as late registration remains open until the start of play on Monday at 12:30 p.m. The action on Day 2 will begin at Level 9 with blinds of 3,000/6,000 and a 6,000 big blind ante, ensuring plenty of play with starting stacks still worth over 40 big blinds.
The official prize pool will be revealed at the opening of Day 2, where players will vie not only for prestige but also for a substantial cash reward. Key matchups and rivalries will unfold, and PokerNews will be on-site to cover every riveting hand as the elite field battles for a coveted spot at the final table.
Conclusion
Vicente Delgado’s impressive Day 1 performance sets the stage for an exhilarating continuation of the EPT Cyprus $50,000 Super High Roller event. As he leads an exceptional lineup of talented players, poker fans are on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next chapter of this high-speed battle of wits and skills.
Stay tuned, as the action unfolds and players jockey for position in a tournament where every decision counts and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
