Elias Gutierrez Shines at the 2024 European Poker Tour Cyprus
A few short days ago, Elias Gutierrez made headlines in the poker world by defeating a competitive field of 59 players in the $25,000 SHR Warm Up, securing his first EPT title and a substantial prize of $417,570. The excitement doesn’t end there, as the PokerStars Team Pro finds himself in a strong position to claim a second consecutive high-stakes title at the ongoing 2024 European Poker Tour Cyprus.
The Road to Day 2
Entering Day 2 of the $25k Second Chance, Gutierrez has managed to carve out a significant lead with a chip count of 808,000, placing him second among the 25 players returning from Day 1. The current chip leader is none other than high-roller stalwart Albert Daher, who has amassed 885,000 chips and is looking to add a fourth EPT title to his impressive list of accolades. Not to be overlooked, the only other player to breach the 800k mark yesterday was Hassan Nashar, whose unorthodox and aggressive play style led to two re-entries before he surged to conclude with 805,000 chips.
While Gutierrez has shown remarkable skill and resilience, the path to victory is anything but simple. The field of seasoned competitors stacked against him is formidable, with late registration open until the start of play at 12:30 p.m. local time, promising more legendary names from the poker realm to join the fray.
A Look at the Top Contenders
The competition is fierce, with notable players set to return for Day 2 action, including:
- Johannes Straver from the Netherlands with 624,000 chips.
- Teun Mulder, also from the Netherlands, boasting 616,000.
- Vladimir Korzinin from Estonia holding 587,000.
- Kayhan Mokri from Norway with 541,000, and
- Danilo Velasevic from Croatia, who has 500,000 in his stack.
The tournament is being held at the luxurious Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa, a fitting venue for such a prestigious event.
Day 2 Chip Counts
Here’s a snapshot of the top ten chip counts as players return to the tables:
| Rank | Name | Country | Chips | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Albert Daher | Lebanon | 885,000 | 148 |
| 2 | Elias Gutierrez | Spain | 808,000 | 135 |
| 3 | Hassan Nashar | Senegal | 805,000 | 134 |
| 4 | Johannes Straver | Netherlands | 624,000 | 104 |
| 5 | Teun Mulder | Netherlands | 616,000 | 103 |
| 6 | Vladimir Korzinin | Estonia | 587,000 | 98 |
| 7 | Kayhan Mokri | Norway | 541,000 | 90 |
| 8 | Danilo Velasevic | Croatia | 500,000 | 83 |
| 9 | Aleksejs Ponakovs | Latvia | 454,000 | 76 |
| 10 | Vicente Delgado | Spain | 430,000 | 72 |
The Stakes of the Tournament
As Day 2 kicks off, play will begin on Level 9, featuring blinds at 3,000/6,000 with a 6,000 big-blind ante. Levels will last for 30 minutes each, with breaks occurring every four levels. A 75-minute dinner break is planned after Level 20 but is subject to change based on players’ choices and the tournament’s flow.
With such a talented roster, it is uncertain who will emerge as the final champion. Players like Steve O’Dwyer, bringing 200,000 chips to the table, are more than capable of turning the tides, especially considering his lifetime tournament winnings exceed $40 million.
Conclusion
While Elias Gutierrez is in a favorable position to continue his winning streak, the competition’s intensity is palpable. As the day unfolds, players will be strategizing meticulously, eyeing the ultimate prize of an EPT title. Be sure to follow PokerNews for continuous updates and live reporting from the tournament floor, as we document every crucial hand and decisive moment leading up to the crowning of the next high-roller champion. It’s a thrilling time for poker fans, with every turn of the card holding the potential for dramatic shifts in fortune.
