Thrilling Day 4 Action at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus Main Event
As the sun set over the stunning Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa, Day 4 of the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) in Cyprus set the stage for intense poker action. The $5,300 Main Event drew a remarkable 1,284 entries, and after a dramatic day, only 16 contenders remained in the hunt for poker glory.
Georgios Tsouloftas Takes the Lead
Hailing from Cyprus, Georgios Tsouloftas emerged as the chip leader at the end of Day 4, bagging a staggering 7,970,000 chips, equivalent to 159 big blinds. Tsouloftas boasts over a million dollars in live tournament earnings, primarily accrued through local competitions. Until this deep run, a significant placing in an EPT event had eluded him, with his closest near-miss being a 26th place finish in the $1,100 Eureka Main Event just days earlier.
Tsouloftas is no stranger to the poker scene, and his confidence was palpable as he navigated through Day 4, showcasing exceptional skill and strategic play that enabled him to build an impressive stack.
Challenging Rivals
Trailing Tsouloftas in second place is Oliver Weis, with 4,540,000 chips. Weis, a German player with just over two million in live earnings, found success last year at EPT Paris, where he claimed victory in a €10,300 High Roller tournament. Following Weis is Andriy Lyubovetskiy from Ukraine, another formidable player with 3,970,000 chips and a record of impressive finishes in high-stakes tournaments.
The competition is fierce, with seasoned players like Damir Zhugralin from Kazakhstan and Mikhail Shalamov from Russia also making strong showings in the top ranks.
End of Day 4 Top Ten 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 | United Kingdom | 1,650,000 | 33 |
| 10 | Anton Wigg | Sweden | 1,555,000 | 31 |
The Roller Coaster Ride of Day 4
The day began with excitement as 45 players returned to the felt. However, the first level quickly saw the field reduced to 34 players, indicating a day full of action and eliminations. Notable early exits included Diogo Coelho, the Eureka High Roller winner, and Victoria Livschitz, both taking home $18,240.
Players faced fierce competition, and eliminations came thick and fast throughout the day. The likes of Guillermo Gordo and Fahredin Mustafov also fell victim to the relentless pace of play. Notably, Marta Miquel Munoz continued to make her mark as the last remaining female contestant, showcasing her skill amidst the male-dominated field.
Final Showdown and Future Implications
As the players approached the final moments of the day, Tsouloftas’s aggression and skill shone through. After a series of successful confrontations, he eliminated multiple players, culminating in his decisive actions against Chakib Mhiri and Yisha Chen, who became the final player to leave before the end of the night.
With 16 players remaining, Day 5 promises to be even more electrifying. Each player is ensured a payout of $42,280, with escalating amounts for those who continue to advance. The champion will walk away with a life-changing $1,030,000.
Remaining Payouts Overview
| Place | Prize | Place | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,030,000 | 9 | $94,940 |
| 2 | $642,300 | 10-11 | $73,100 |
| 3 | $459,000 | 12-13 | $60,900 |
| 4 | $353,100 | 14-15 | $50,760 |
| 5 | $271,400 | 16 | $42,280 |
Looking Ahead
As the tournament resumes tomorrow at noon local time, players will return with heightened stakes and strategies. The action will continue with a focus on crafting the official final table, setting the stage for thrilling play and unforgettable moments. You won’t want to miss the live commentary and updates on PokerNews as the 2024 EPT Cyprus unfolds!
