Excitement Unfolds at the PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus: Day 2 of the $3,000 Mystery Bounty
The prestigious PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) is back, and this time it’s lighting up the beautiful landscape of Cyprus. Hosted at the luxurious Merit Royal Diamond Hotel and Spa, the festival is attracting poker enthusiasts from all corners of the globe. As the event reaches its crescendo, all eyes are on Day 2 of the $3,000 Mystery Bounty tournament.
A Thriving Field of Competitors
The adventure kicked off with a bang, with 779 players taking their seats in the only starting flight on Day 1. As the cards were dealt and the chips began to stack, it became clear that the atmosphere was electric. After a hard-fought battle, only 185 players survived the day. However, registration remains open until the start of Day 2, leaving room for even more competitors eager to claim the coveted title.
Chip Leaders and Notable Players
As the dust settled on Day 1, it was Uladzimir Zhyharau who emerged as the chip leader, boasting an impressive stack of 368,000 chips. Hot on his heels was Mohammad Kartomi, who secured 360,000 chips, indicating that the competition for the top spot could be fierce in the upcoming rounds.
Here’s a look at the top 10 chip counts as Day 2 kicks off:
| Name | Country | Chips |
|---|---|---|
| Uladzimir Zhyharau | Belarus | 368,000 |
| Mohammad Kartomi | Jordan | 360,000 |
| Karen Nazarian | Russia | 349,500 |
| Lukas Zaskodny | Czech Republic | 321,500 |
| Morten Klein | Norway | 320,500 |
| Stoyan Obreshkov | Bulgaria | 309,500 |
| Nenad Dukic | Croatia | 303,000 |
| Georges Sultanem | Lebanon | 296,000 |
| Matthias Lipp | Austria | 290,000 |
| Aleksandr Kirichenko | Russia | 285,000 |
This year’s field is packed with familiar faces, including high-stakes regular Morten Klein, who had a standout performance towards the end of Day 1, winning a substantial pot with a formidable full house. Klein’s skilled play saw him capitalizing on a missed flush draw that turned into a massive bluff by opponent Moussa Thibaut, ultimately elevating him into the top tier of players going into Day 2.
Rising Stars and Thrilling Comebacks
Among the returning players, Samuel Ju made a significant impact on Day 1. Known for his resilience, Ju opted to fire multiple bullets during the flight. His skills shone through as he secured a timely double-up on his last attempt just as the tournament was about to close for the day. Sitting with ample chips at the start of Day 2, Ju will undoubtedly be a player to watch.
The Mystery Bounty Twist
In a thrilling twist unique to this variant, each player at the start of Day 2 will receive a Mystery Bounty Token. Eliminating another player allows you the opportunity to collect their token, adding an intriguing layer to strategy and excitement. After the second break at 5:15 p.m., players can present their tokens at the Mystery Bounty desk to draw from a selection of envelopes, with prize amounts determined based on player entries and the number still active in the tournament. This dynamic format ratchets up the stakes and ensures all players remain engaged as they pursue the ultimate prize.
Live Updates and Key Coverage
As the event unfolds, PokerNews will provide continuous live updates, ensuring fans from around the world can keep track of the thrilling action. With the competition heating up and so many talented players vying for the title, you won’t want to miss a moment of the excitement as we move closer to crowning the Mystery Bounty champion.
Conclusion: A World-Class Poker Experience
As Day 2 of the $3,000 Mystery Bounty gets underway, the atmosphere at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel and Spa is charged with anticipation. With a diverse field of players, impressive chip stacks, and the unique Mystery Bounty format to keep things intriguing, this event is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience for both players and spectators alike. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds and follow along with our live coverage!
