The Thrilling Final Showdown: 2024 EPT Cyprus $50,000 Super High Roller Finale
As the sun sets on the picturesque Mediterranean backdrop of Cyprus, the buzz of excitement in the poker community reaches a fever pitch. The 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus has captivated players and spectators alike with its high-stakes drama, and now it all culminates in the final table of the $50,000 Super High Roller event. With 47 entries, the tournament has now condensed to its elite final six, each vying not only for the renowned trophy but also for a life-changing first-place prize of $786,570.
Front-Runner Adrian Mateos
Leading the pack is Spain’s Adrian Mateos, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise through the ranks of professional poker. With nearly half of the chips in play, Mateos possesses a commanding lead over his competitors. Just last week, he crossed the significant milestone of $50 million in live tournament earnings, further solidifying his status as one of the best players in the world. His journey to the top of the chip counts saw him turn a short stack into a dominant position on Day 2, punctuated by a sensational heater that few can match.
Mateos is no stranger to high-pressure situations and has a prolific history of triumphs at prestigious tournaments. Now, with the momentum of his past victories propelling him forward, he finds himself on the brink of another major title. Can he maintain this leads and crown his stunning poker career with yet another prestigious accolade?
Rising Star Roman Hrabec
In the runner-up position is Roman Hrabec, a promising talent from Czechia. Hrabec is well-acquainted with the bright lights of the feature table at the Merit Royal Hotel Casino & Spa, having previously clinched victory at a $25K event here just months before this Super High Roller. Accumulating recognition and accolades at a young age, Hrabec also scored a staggering $4,330,000 win at a Triton Poker Main Event in South Korea, establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with.
Though he has not yet secured a win within the EPT framework, Hrabec has come agonizingly close. With finishes such as runner-up in the 2022 EPT London £2,200 UKIPT High Roller and a deep run in the EPT London Main Event, there is an air of anticipation among fans and participants alike—could 2024 be the year Hrabec finally leaves the tournament victorious?
The Final Table Line-Up
The final table promises an exciting array of talent, as reflected in the following seat draw:
| Seat | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alexander Zubov | Russia | 625,000 | 13 |
| 2 | Adrian Mateos | Spain | 5,175,000 | 104 |
| 3 | Roman Hrabec | Czechia | 2,630,000 | 53 |
| 4 | Artur Martirosian | Russia | 2,235,000 | 45 |
| 5 | Mikalai Vaskaboinikau | Belarus | 660,000 | 13 |
| 6 | Jamil Wakil | Canada | 425,000 | 9 |
Strong Contenders in a Tight Race
Completing the lineup, Artur Martirosian enters the final table with over 40 big blinds, adding an additional layer of intrigue. Martirosian, another EPT Main Event champion, won his title at EPT Sochi in 2021 and has since seen his live tournament earnings soar to nearly $16 million. Known for his prowess both live and online, he remains a major threat to the leaders.
To round out the table, we have Mikalai Vaskaboinikau, Alexander Zubov, and Jamil Wakil, all possessing less than 15 big blinds. Their chip counts may place them at a disadvantage, but poker is notorious for unexpected turns. A comeback from any one of these players could shift the dynamics entirely, making for an unpredictable and thrilling experience for fans watching at home.
The Road Ahead: Day 3 Plans & Payouts
As the players prepare for Day 3, the atmosphere is electric. The six will reconvene for a livestreamed final table at 12:30 p.m. local time, with play resuming in Level 18, where the blinds are set at 25,000/50,000 with a big blind ante of 50,000. It promises to be a gripping showdown as the clock is winding down and millions of viewers tune in to see who will emerge victorious.
Notably, every player has already guaranteed a six-figure payout, with the coveted prize distribution outlined below:
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1 | $786,570 |
| 2 | $513,000 |
| 3 | $353,400 |
| 4 | $262,200 |
| 5 | $205,200 |
| 6 | $159,600 |
As we watch from afar, anticipation builds: Who will triumph at the final table of the 2024 EPT Cyprus $50,000 Super High Roller? Will it be Mateos adding another trophy to his collection, or could Hrabec finally clinch his long-awaited victory? The poker community waits with bated breath, ready to witness the strategic battles, thrilling bluffs, and shocking turns that await in this gripping finale. Make sure to stick with PokerNews for all the latest updates, highlights, and analysis throughout this exhilarating event.
