2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus: Day 4 Highlights
As the sun rose on the idyllic shores of Cyprus, the excitement among poker enthusiasts at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa reached a fever pitch. The fourth day of the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus $5,300 Main Event kicked off with 45 players returning to battle for a shot at glory among the 1,284 participants. After a thrilling day of high-stakes poker, the field was narrowed down to just 16 contenders, with Georgios Tsouloftas leading the pack with a staggering 7,970,000 chips — equivalent to 159 big blinds.
Georgios Tsouloftas: Hometown Hero on the Rise
Georgios Tsouloftas, already a fixture on the Cypriot all-time money list, had a chip stack that not only reflected his skill but also the hopes of a nation. With over a million dollars in live tournament earnings, Tsouloftas finally found himself in a deep EPT run, having just missed the mark previously at the $1,100 Eureka Main Event, where he finished in 26th place. As a hometown grinder, his success is especially significant; winning this tournament would further elevate his standing in Cyprus’s poker landscape.
A Challenging Field
Following closely behind Tsouloftas was Germany’s Oliver Weis, sitting with 4,540,000 chips. Weis, who claimed roughly half of his live earnings from his €10,300 High Roller victory at EPT Paris 2024, is no stranger to the spotlight but faced an uphill battle against Tsouloftas’s commanding lead. In third place was Ukraine’s Andriy Lyubovetskiy, holding 3,970,000 chips. Lyubovetskiy’s experience in the realm of high-stakes poker makes him a formidable opponent as the tournament progresses.
Other prominent players in the top ten included last year’s runner-up, Andrea Dato, as well as Eleftherios Sinnos, Marta Miquel Munoz (the last woman standing), and the Swedish player Anton Wigg, who is vying for his place in the exclusive club of two-time EPT champions.
End of Day 4 Chip Counts
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Georgios Tsouloftas | Cyprus | 7,970,000 | 159 |
| 2 | Oliver Weis | Germany | 4,540,000 | 91 |
| 3 | Andriy Lyubovetskiy | Ukraine | 3,970,000 | 79 |
| 4 | Damir Zhugralin | Kazakhstan | 3,160,000 | 63 |
| 5 | Mikhail Shalamov | Russia | 2,600,000 | 52 |
| 6 | Andrea Dato | Italy | 2,575,000 | 52 |
| 7 | Eleftherios Sinnos | Cyprus | 2,295,000 | 46 |
| 8 | Marta Miquel Munoz | Spain | 2,235,000 | 45 |
| 9 | Philip Joyce | UK | 1,650,000 | 33 |
| 10 | Anton Wigg | Sweden | 1,555,000 | 31 |
Day 4 Action: A Roller Coaster of Eliminations
The action-packed Day 4 began with 45 players and quickly dwindled to 34 in mere moments, highlighting the intense competition and unpredictability of tournament poker. Early eliminations included Diogo Coelho and Victoria Livschitz, both taking home $18,240 for their efforts.
The drama continued as players like Taago Tamm and Ranno Sootla exited the tournament after relentless confrontations at the tables, with the latter experiencing the misfortune of witnessing his pocket aces cracked. As the field narrowed, players like Guillermo Gordo and Fahredin Mustafov also fell under the pressure, illustrating the high stakes of the tournament environment.
In a noteworthy face-off, Miquel Munoz eliminated Daniel Jackson and Roeland Peeks in swift succession, showcasing her skill and determination to remain a contender.
Ultimately, Tsouloftas’ relentless play sent Chakib Mhiri out in a pre-flop confrontation, further solidifying his chip lead. The day concluded with Yisha Chen being the last to exit during the final minutes, marking the end of an exhilarating Day 4.
The Road Ahead: What’s Next
As the dust settles, the remaining 16 players ready themselves for Day 5, set to commence tomorrow at noon local time. With 52 minutes and 52 seconds left in Level 26 (25,000/50,000 with a 50,000 big blind ante), every chip and decision becomes more critical as players aim for a spot at the final table. Each of these players is guaranteed at least $42,280, but the stakes grow higher as the next pay jump awaits just one elimination away at $50,760. The ultimate prize of $1,030,000 for the champion awaits the victor who will rise above the competition in this high-stakes drama.
Conclusion
The 2024 EPT Cyprus Main Event is unfolding as a thrilling narrative filled with triumphs, heartbreaks, and the relentless pursuit of poker greatness. As we gear up for the next chapter, poker fans will be glued to their screens to witness who will emerge as the champion. Stay tuned to PokerNews for the latest updates and insights as the tournament progresses!
