PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus: Day 3 Midway Update
The stage is set, the chips have been flying, and the tension is palpable as the PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus reaches its halfway point in the highly anticipated $5,300 EPT Main Event. This spectacular event is currently unfolding at the luxurious Merit Royal Diamond Hotel and Spa, where hundreds of players have gathered to compete for a piece of an impressive prize pool of $6,227,400.
The Journey So Far: From 1,284 to 144 Players
Initially, 1,284 players took their seats, each vying for glory and riches. As the tournament progresses, only 144 players remain in the hunt for the coveted EPT title, with many notable poker pros eliminated along the way. This competitive landscape promises an exciting and intense Day 3, which will resume today at 12 p.m. EEST.
Frontrunners on Day 3: Meet the Leaders
As players prepare for the next stage of the competition, two frontrunners have emerged from the pack. Fahredin Mustafov from Bulgaria currently leads with an impressive stack of 920,000 chips, closely followed by Ivan Zabiiakin of Russia with 915,000 chips. Germany’s Oliver Weis rounds out the top three contenders with 715,000 chips.
These players have showcased not only skill but also strategic prowess, making them formidable adversaries as they aim for the top spot at the end of the day. The stakes are high, with the eventual champion set to earn $1,030,000, along with the prestigious PokerStars trophy, and, most importantly, the title of EPT champion.
Here’s a look at the top ten chip counts heading into Day 3:
| 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 |
The Prize Pool Breakdown
With a staggering prize pool of $6,227,400, players are keenly aware that every decision counts. The top finishers will be generously rewarded, with the following payout structure set:
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,030,000 |
| 2 | $642,300 |
| 3 | $459,000 |
| 4 | $353,100 |
| 5 | $271,400 |
| 6 | $208,720 |
| 7 | $160,500 |
| 8 | $123,400 |
| 9 | $94,940 |
| 10-11 | $73,100 |
| … | … |
| 144 | $9,100 |
Each of the remaining players is guaranteed at least $9,100, with a pay jump looming just one elimination away, raising the next payout to $10,460.
A New Challenge: The Shot Clock
Day 3 brings with it the introduction of a shot clock, a new feature meant to heighten the excitement and intensity of play. Players will have 15 seconds for their initial decisions and 30 seconds for any subsequent moves. Each participant will receive six time-bank cards, providing additional time in critical moments, allowing for deeper strategy contemplation as the stakes escalate.
Looking Ahead
As the tournament gears up for another thrilling day of poker, fans and players alike are waiting with bated breath to see who will emerge victorious. The combination of skill, strategy, and a little luck will play a critical role in determining the EPT Cyprus champion.
For anyone wishing to keep up with all the action, PokerNews has you covered with live updates and reports from the frontlines. Keep your eyes peeled, as every hand could change the landscape of the tournament!
Whether you’re a die-hard poker enthusiast or a casual observer, the unfolding drama of the PokerStars EPT Cyprus promises excitement, surprises, and a showcase of world-class poker. Who will climb to the top and claim victory? Only time will tell!
