$25,000 Second Chance: A High-Stakes Showdown at the European Poker Tour Cyprus
The high-stakes excitement of the European Poker Tour (EPT) continued at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa with Day 1 of the $25,000 Second Chance event. While the day’s action was brisk, lasting just four hours, it set the stage for an intense battle among some of the game’s best minds as players sought to capitalize on their last opportunity in the 2024 EPT Cyprus.
A Brief Overview of Day 1
As the cards were dealt, 31 players took to the felt, with many more expected to join as late registration remains open until Day 2 kicks off. By the end of the day, 38 entries had been counted, signaling a healthy participation that promises to grow even more. With competitive spirits high, players were eager to prove themselves in this final event of the series.
When the dust settled, Albert Daher emerged as the chip leader, closing Day 1 with an impressive stack of 885,000 chips. Right on his heels was Elias Gutierrez, a PokerStars Team Pro who recently clinched victory in the $25,000 SHR Warm Up, bagging 808,000 chips. Completing the top three was Hassan Nashar, who navigated through three reentries to accumulate 805,000 chips.
Notable Player Profiles
Albert Daher
Daher is no stranger to the EPT High Roller events, having notched three titles in the past few years, including a recent victory in Cyprus against the formidable Mikita Badziakouski. Known for his deep strategic play, Daher has a knack for thriving under pressure, and his experience will surely be a significant advantage as play advances.
Elias Gutierrez
Gutierrez not only showcased his skill in capturing the $25,000 SHR Warm Up, but he also demonstrated resilience as he maneuvered through Nashar’s aggressive style on the field. His ability to capitalize on opponent mistakes will be critical if he intends to vie for the top honors in this event.
Hassan Nashar
Nashar’s aggressive gameplay, which sometimes diverted into wild territory, marked him as a player to watch. His unique style of utilizing large bet sizes and even playing cards without looking reflects a deep understanding of risk and reward, making him a formidable competitor.
Action of the Day
The day unfolded with thrilling hands, starting with Masashi Oya, who capitalized on a significant clash against Juan Pardo, showcasing his slow-play strategy with pocket aces. As the day progressed, Jelle Moene found himself in the lead, benefiting from a major pot in a brutal cooler against Jérémie Zouari. However, Nashar soon entered the fray with reckless abandon, using substantial chip sizes that kept opponents on their toes.
Interestingly, it was Gutierrez who shrewdly maneuvered around Nashar’s reckless plays, doubling through him at one point and eliminating him later in the game. Nashar displayed his resilience, quickly reentering the event and continuing to apply pressure on the remaining players.
Daher’s rise was marked by a notable hand where he cracked Simone Andrian’s ace-king with an ace-five, hitting a five on the river to take a hefty pot. Such turning points are what make tournament poker both fascinating and unpredictable.
Looking Ahead: Top Chip Counts
As Day 2 approaches, these players are poised for further action:
| Rank | Name | Country | Chips | Day 2 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 |
What’s Next?
As Day 2 unfolds on Thursday, October 17, at 12:30 p.m. local time, the players will resume at Level 9, with blinds set at 3,000/6,000 plus 6,000 ante. With the excitement of late registrations anticipated, one can expect thrilling stakes and intense battles on the green felt as players vie for the prestigious title.
With the glittering backdrop of the Mediterranean and the thrill of high-stakes poker, the upcoming days at the $25,000 Second Chance promise to be exhilarating. Make sure to follow PokerNews for the latest updates as the drama unfolds and the stakes rise in this eagerly anticipated event!
