Recap of Day 1 of the $25,000 Second Chance at EPT Cyprus
The European Poker Tour (EPT) is renowned for its high-stakes contests, and the $25,000 Second Chance event is the final allure at the 2024 EPT Cyprus. On its opening day at the magnificent Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa, 31 players brought their game, responding to a late surge of interest that wrapped up Day 1 after just four hours of exhilarating poker action.
Overview of the Day
Despite the succinct duration, Day 1 witnessed a flurry of chips exchanging hands and players coming and going. The total entries reached 38, with many competitors opting to reenter the tournament. With late registration still open until Day 2, the numbers are expected to rise sharply, promising an even more dynamic second day.
The Leaders After Day 1
When the dust settled, Albert Daher emerged as the chip leader with a staggering 885,000 chips, effectively positioning himself as a strong contender for the title. Daher, a familiar face in high roller events, is no stranger to the EPT circuit, having claimed three high roller titles in the past few years.
Trailing closely behind him was the seasoned Elias Gutierrez, representing PokerStars Team Pro, who brought 808,000 chips. Just a few days prior, Gutierrez clinched victory in the $25,000 SHR Warm Up, showcasing his skill and tenacity at the felt.
Completing the top three was Hassan Nashar, whose aggressive play led him to accumulate 805,000 chips despite needing to fire multiple bullets before finding his footing.
Notable Returns and Performances
With illustrious players and thrilling dynamics playing out, the following summarized rankings provide insight into the top contenders leading into Day 2:
| 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 |
Noteworthy Hands and Players
Action filled the room right from the outset. Masashi Oya capitalized on an early lead, leveraging a clever slow-play of pocket aces against Juan Pardo, only to finish the day with a respectable stack of 356,000. This strength in play set the tone for a showdown of skill and strategy.
The first level also witnessed an extraordinary clash between Jelle Moene and Jérémie Zouari, turning the tide dramatically in Moene’s favor until Nashar, who entered post-break, took charge with larger bet sizes and wild plays. His unique style quickly turned heads and resulted in several pivotal moments throughout the evening.
Another significant hand occurred when Daher scored a defining moment against Simone Andrian—a perfect demonstration of timing and execution where Daher flipped ace-five preflop against Andrian’s ace-king. A dramatic river brought the victory that ignited Daher’s ascent on the leaderboard.
Looking Ahead: Day 2 Expectations
As we await Day 2, scheduled for Thursday, October 17, at 12:30 p.m. local time, there is palpable excitement in the air. The action resumes at Level 9, featuring blinds of 3,000/6,000 with a 6,000 big-blind ante. Players and fans alike are eager for the tournaments to unfold, with expectations for more big-money entrants vying for the coveted title.
Half-time breaks will punctuate the high-energy play every four levels, with a significant 75-minute dinner break slated at the conclusion of Level 20. Prepare for a thrilling experience as the chips fly and strategies unfold in spectacular fashion.
Stay tuned to PokerNews for ongoing updates and live coverage as this prestigious event continues and we rally toward the crowning of the next high roller champion!
