Mukhtor Nasiradinov Leads Final Four into Day 3 of the $2,200 Eureka High Roller at EPT Cyprus
After an intense Day 2 filled with strategic plays and fierce competition, the $2,200 Eureka High Roller at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour in Cyprus has narrowed down to its final four players. The event, which comprised a grueling twenty 40-minute levels, culminated in an unscheduled extension into Day 3, a testament to the fierce competition and the high stakes involved. Leading the pack is Russia’s Mukhtor Nasiradinov with an impressive chip count of 12,425,000, aiming for both victory and the coveted EPT trophy.
The Final Four Contenders
Nasiradinov entered the final round as the chip leader and managed to hold on to that coveted position as eliminations occurred around him. With a solid performance throughout the tournament, he is well-positioned for a significant payday, having already guaranteed a prize that will more than double his total live tournament earnings. His previous cash at this EPT was in the Eureka Main Event just days before, showcasing his upward trajectory in the world of professional poker.
Following closely behind is Italy’s Michele Guerrini, with a stack of 12,025,000, just one big blind off Nasiradinov’s lead. Next in line is Portugal’s Diogo Coelho, boasting 10,625,000 chips, while Lebanon’s Ibrahim Ghassan rounds out the final four with a count of 6,225,000—still within striking distance but seated at the bottom of the chip leaderboard.
Final Table Chip Counts
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mukhtor Nasiradinov | Russia | 12,425,000 | 25 |
| 2 | Michele Guerrini | Italy | 12,025,000 | 24 |
| 3 | Diogo Coelho | Portugal | 10,625,000 | 21 |
| 4 | Ibrahim Ghassan | Lebanon | 6,225,000 | 12 |
Recap of Day 2 Action
Day 2 kicked off with an impressive field of 206 players, with Romania’s Mircea Flutur sitting atop the leaderboard following the initial flights. Each player had already secured a minimum cash of $3,260, but the desire for the ultimate prize was palpable among the competitors.
A few notable names graced the tables on this day, including PokerStars ambassadors Kenny Hallaert and Ramon Colillas, both of whom exited the tournament within the first few hours. The former EPT Barcelona champion, Tom Middleton, fought valiantly but fell short of the final table threshold.
Fintan Hand, another PokerStars ambassador, started strong but met his fate in sixteenth place after an ill-fated four-bet jam with ace-three against Guerrini’s pocket kings.
The Final Table Battle
The quest for the title intensified, with Santiago Nadal facing off against Coelho, eventually earning the title of final table bubble boy. The final nine players emerged with Nasiradinov holding the chip lead, while Leonid Logunov found himself at the bottom.
The final table claimed its first victim shortly as Kostadin Kostadinov made an early exit after his pocket aces were shattered by Guerrini’s pocket kings making a backdoor straight. Other eliminations followed, including Logunov in eighth place and Gediminas Uselis in seventh, both unable to capitalize on their dwindling stacks.
Final Table Eliminations
- Santiago Nadal – Final table bubble boy
- Kostadin Kostadinov – 9th place
- Leonid Logunov – 8th place
- Gediminas Uselis – 7th place
- Roman Timergazin – 6th place
As the final five players prepared for their big payouts, Ali Emre Ozcan was first to cash out, falling victim to Nasiradinov’s bottom pair when he shoved all-in with ace-queen.
After a lengthy deliberation regarding an ICM deal, the final four came up against time constraints imposed by the venue, compelling the floor staff to announce a halt in play. They will reconvene today, October 15, at 1 p.m. local time, to battle it out for the title.
Upcoming Stakes and Prizes
The remaining players have secured at least $144,160, but all eyes are on the grand prize of $423,250 and the prestigious EPT trophy. With the blinds set to begin at 250,000/500,000 and a big blind ante of 500,000, the odds will be stacked in favor of aggressive play leading to an exhilarating showdown.
Stay tuned for our continued coverage of the final day, capturing the excitement of this thrilling event at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel and Spa in Cyprus.
