Highlights from Day 2 of the 2024 European Poker Tour Cyprus: A Thrilling Chase for Glory
As the sun dipped below the Mediterranean horizon, another intense day at the 2024 European Poker Tour Cyprus ignited excitement and drama within the elegant confines of the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa. The spotlight was on the $5,300 EPT Main Event, where players pushed the limits of skill and strategy on Day 2. With a staggering 1,284 entries generating a massive prize pool of $6,227,400, the competition was fierce, setting the stage for an exhilarating tournament experience.
Leaderboard After Day 2: Mustafov Takes the Lead
When the dust settled, 144 players walked away with a stack of chips, poised for battle on the road to the coveted victory. At the forefront was Bulgaria’s own Fahredin Mustafov, who triumphed with an impressive chip count of 920,000, placing him at the top of the leaderboard. Right on his heels was Russia’s Ivan Zabiiakin, boasting 915,000, while Germany’s Oliver Weis held a respectable 715,000 in his arsenal.
Top Ten Chip Counts
| Place | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fahredin Mustafov | Bulgaria | 920,000 | 184 |
| 2 | Ivan Zabiiakin | Russia | 915,000 | 183 |
| 3 | Oliver Weis | Germany | 715,000 | 143 |
| 4 | Damir Zhugralin | Kazakhstan | 705,000 | 141 |
| 5 | Shankui Li | China | 693,000 | 139 |
| 6 | Chakib Mhiri | Tunisia | 648,000 | 130 |
| 7 | Georgios Tsouloftas | Cyprus | 620,000 | 124 |
| 8 | Radoslav Stoyanov | Bulgaria | 575,000 | 115 |
| 9 | Boris Kuzmanovic | Croatia | 573,000 | 115 |
| 10 | Mohamad El Rais | Switzerland | 563,000 | 113 |
An Engaging Day of Play
Day 2 commenced with high-stakes energy as registration remained open until noon, allowing for 55 last-minute entries. This influx brought the total number of participants to 1,284, further accentuating the gravity of the competition. The hefty prize for the victor stands at an eye-watering $1,030,000, with a minimum payout of $8,400 for those reaching the money bubble.
Prominent players such as Stephen Song, Ren Lin, and Aliaksei Boika began the day in high spirits, hoping to replicate their past successes.
Despite the promising start, the day quickly turned tumultuous. Renowned player Barny Boatman was among the first to hit the rail, quickly followed by others, including Dimitar Danchev and Kenny Hallaert. The stakes became even higher as the field neared the money bubble, leading to palpable tension at every table.
Bubble Boy Drama
As the tournament progressed towards the critical point of the bubble, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. Samuel Fournier emerged as the unfortunate bubble boy, facing a crucial coin flip with pocket queens against Mihai Niste’s ace-king. A river flush sealed his exit, marking a heart-wrenching end for Fournier while securing the remaining 191 players a share of the prize pool.
Notable Eliminations and Rising Stars
While some heavyweights exited early, other players demonstrated their resilience. Mustafov’s remarkable ascent was highlighted by a significant pot worth nearly 800,000 chips gained through a full house, underscoring his determination to secure a third EPT title after victories in Prague.
However, the day wasn’t without its losses; former champions like Hossein Ensan and Stephen Song also succumbed to the pressures of the event, joining a list of notable casualties that included Steve O’Dwyer and Fintan Hand.
Among those who emerged from the day with a boost to their chip stack was Lucien Cohen, who made quads to finish with 394,000 chips, strategically positioning himself for the days ahead.
Remaining Payouts & What’s Next
With the action ramping up, players now eye their ultimate goal—the coveted first-place prize of $1,030,000. Here’s a quick overview of the top payouts:
- 1st: $1,030,000
- 2nd: $642,300
- 3rd: $459,000
- 4th: $353,100
- 5th: $271,400
The stakes are becoming increasingly high as Day 3 beckons with renewed vigor, set to kick off at 12 p.m. on Thursday, October 17, where blinds will be at 2,500/5,000 with a 5,000 big blind ante. With an average stack of 267,500 chips (approximately 53 big blinds), excitement looms for players and spectators alike.
Stay tuned with PokerNews for real-time updates as we continue to follow the gripping journey of the 2024 EPT Main Event where only the strongest will survive and vie for the esteemed title.
