Elias Gutierrez Shines on Day 2 of the 2024 European Poker Tour Cyprus
A few short days ago, Elias Gutierrez etched his name into the heart of the poker world by triumphing in the $25,000 SHR Warm Up at the European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus. The talented Spanish player not only defeated a competitive field of 59 entries but also secured his first EPT title along with a remarkable $417,570 prize. Now, as the excitement continues, Gutierrez finds himself in a promising position to capture his second consecutive $25k title, as Day 2 of the $25,000 Second Chance tournament kicks off today.
The Competitive Landscape
As the chips clatter and tension fills the air at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa, it’s important to acknowledge the formidable challenge that lies ahead for Gutierrez. The Day 2 field is a veritable who’s who of poker talent, with a plethora of elite players ready to vie for the prestigious title. With late registration open until just before play resumes at 12:30 p.m. local time, even more heavyweights are expected to join, intensifying the competition further. Thus far, the event has attracted 38 entries and counting, a testament to its status as a high-stakes favorite among professional players.
Standing Tall
Gutierrez, riding the wave of his recent success, managed to amass a stack of 808,000 chips, putting him in a commendable second position among the 25 returning players from Day 1. Leading the charge is high-roller regular Albert Daher from Lebanon, who bagged an impressive 885,000 chips. Daher, a seasoned competitor, will be looking to expand his collection of EPT titles, currently standing at three.
Notable among Gutierrez’s rivals is Hassan Nashar. He exhibited a wild and aggressive play style on Day 1, resulting in two busts before he made a remarkable comeback, finishing with 805,000 chips. This resilient gameplay adds an exciting dynamic to the Day 2 proceedings, as players vie not just for chips but for each other’s strategies.
Day 2 Top Ten Chip Counts
As the tournament progresses, here are the top ten chip counts going into Day 2:
| 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 |
Notable Returning Players
In addition to the chip leaders, many renowned players will also re-enter the arena. Noteworthy returnees include Duco ten Haven (115,000), Leonard Maue (174,000), and Recep Aydemir (244,000). Veteran player Steve O’Dwyer, boasting over $40 million in live tournament winnings, will look to make his mark as he comes into Day 2 with a stack of 200,000 chips. O’Dwyer’s experience in high-stakes environments adds another layer of intrigue to the unfolding tournament.
Tournament Structure and Anticipation
Day 2 will commence on Level 9, with blinds set at 3,000/6,000 and a 6,000 big blind ante. Players will engage in 30-minute levels, with scheduled breaks to allow them to regroup and strategize. A 75-minute dinner break will occur after Level 20, though it remains subject to adjustment based on player and tournament director discretion. The action will continue until a champion emerges, adding suspense to each hand and decision.
As the stakes climb and the action heats up, all eyes will be on the players as they navigate through this high-pressure environment. With so much talent in the mix and a title on the line, every decision, every bluff, and every showdown will be crucial.
Stay tuned to PokerNews for all the latest updates and thrilling moments as we follow the quest for the next high-rolling champion at the 2024 European Poker Tour Cyprus!
