The 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus: A Closer Look at the EPT Main Event
As the sun sets on the shimmering Mediterranean coastline, the excitement surrounding the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus reaches a fever pitch. The $5,300 EPT Main Event, which commenced with a staggering 1,284 entries, has now progressed past its halfway point. With the play resuming today at 12 p.m. EEST at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa, 45 players will return to the felt, each vying for the prestigious title and a substantial portion of the pot from the impressive $6,227,400 prize pool.
Anton Wigg: A Former Champion’s Quest for Glory
Among the remaining field, one player garners particular attention—Anton Wigg. The Swedish poker pro is not only the last former EPT Main Event champion left in contention but also possesses a rich history with the tour. Wigg won his EPT title back in 2010 at EPT Copenhagen. Despite a series of close calls—including a 14th place finish at EPT Berlin in 2012 and a heart-wrenching 18th place at the inaugural EPT Cyprus—Wigg is determined to make his mark once again.
As play begins for Day 4, Wigg sits in 10th place with a respectable stack of 1,195,000 chips, ready to mount a serious challenge for a seat at the coveted final table. His illustrious history and close encounters make him a player to watch as the tournament progresses.
Current Standings: The Leaders of the Pack
Leading the charge is the United Kingdom’s Bobby James, who has amassed an impressive 2,605,000 chips, translating to approximately 174 big blinds. James has demonstrated exceptional skill and consistency throughout the festival, earlier securing a 19th place finish in the Eureka Main Event and a 12th place in the High Roller event. Adding to his accolades, he won the $1,100 8-Game, earning him a coveted Spadie trophy and a reward of $11,200.
Trailing James are Damir Zhugralin from Kazakhstan, sitting with 2,410,000 chips (161 big blinds), and fellow Briton Philip Joyce, who has 2,175,000 chips (145 big blinds). The competition is fierce, with only a handful of chips separating the top contenders, setting the stage for an electrifying Day 4.
Top Ten Chip Counts
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bobby James | United Kingdom | 2,605,000 | 174 |
| 2 | Damir Zhugralin | Kazakhstan | 2,410,000 | 161 |
| 3 | Philip Joyce | United Kingdom | 2,175,000 | 145 |
| 4 | Daniel Jackson | United Kingdom | 1,560,000 | 104 |
| 5 | Lander Lijo | Spain | 1,490,000 | 99 |
| 6 | Roeland Peeks | Netherlands | 1,350,000 | 90 |
| 7 | Adrien Quetelart | France | 1,275,000 | 85 |
| 8 | Artsiom Lasouski | Belarus | 1,240,000 | 83 |
| 9 | Christopher Nguyen | Germany | 1,200,000 | 80 |
| 10 | Anton Wigg | Sweden | 1,195,000 | 80 |
Final Table Aspirations: The Road Ahead
The strategy for Day 4 is set to begin at Level 21, with blinds at 10,000/15,000 and a 15,000 big blind ante. The average stack around this time is expected to hold close to 60 big blinds, providing players with ample room to maneuver.
The goal for today is to whittle down the field to 16 players or make it through six levels of play, whichever comes first. Players can expect breaks after each level to strategize and recalibrate. Each competitor remaining is guaranteed a minimum payout of $18,240, but the stakes escalate significantly with a seat at the final table offering no less than $123,400, and a monumental prize of $1,030,000 awaiting the eventual champion.
Remaining Payouts: A Look at the Rewards
Here’s a glimpse at the remaining payouts, illustrating the rewards that await players as they advance through the tournament:
| Place | Prize | Place | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,030,000 | 12-13 | $60,900 |
| 2 | $642,300 | 14-15 | $50,760 |
| 3 | $459,000 | 16-17 | $42,280 |
| 4 | $353,100 | 18-20 | $36,740 |
| 5 | $271,400 | 21-23 | $31,940 |
| 6 | $208,720 | 24-27 | $27,780 |
| 7 | $160,500 | 28-31 | $24,160 |
| 8 | $123,400 | 32-39 | $20,980 |
| 9 | $94,940 | 40-45 | $18,240 |
| 10-11 | $73,100 |
Tune in to the Action
As play resumes today, PokerNews will provide updates on the action as it unfolds at EPT Cyprus. Cards-up coverage of the feature table will be broadcasted via PokerStars’ live streaming channels, starting at 12:30 p.m. EEST.
With the stakes high and excitement in the air, make sure to follow along with the evolving drama of one of poker’s premier events and see who will rise to the occasion and lay claim to the coveted title of EPT champion!
