Navigating the Shark-Infested Waters: Day 2 Highlights of the $50,000 Super High Roller at EPT Cyprus
Some days, you’re the predator; other days, you’re the prey. This adage couldn’t ring truer as Day 2 of the $50,000 Super High Roller event at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus unfolded. The day witnessed fierce competition as players grappled for supremacy in a field packed with some of the brightest stars in poker. Among them, Adrian Mateos emerged as a formidable predator, bouncing back from a harrowing Day 1 filled with ups and downs, ultimately claiming the chip lead as he advanced towards the final table.
The Rise of Adrian Mateos
Adrian Mateos started Day 2 at one of the shortest stacks after battling through three bullets on Day 1. However, he showcased his resilience and tactical prowess, deftly maneuvering through the competitive landscape. As the day progressed, he navigated the table’s shark-infested waters, steadily amassing chips and pulling ahead of the pack. By the end of the day, six players remained in contention for the coveted trophy and a $786,570 top prize, with the finalists already guaranteed at least $159,600 after the bubble burst in dramatic fashion on the last hand.
The finale will feature a remarkable field alongside Mateos, including Roman Hrabec, Mikalai Vaskaboinikau, Artur Martirosian, Alexander Zubov, and Jamil Wakil. These elite players have proven their mettle throughout the tournament and will each have their eyes set firmly on claiming the top spot.
2024 EPT Cyprus $50,000 Super High Roller 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 |
Action-Packed Day 2: Quads, Set-Over-Set, and Intense Confrontations
The excitement on Day 2 reached a fever pitch as 11 new entries joined the fray, swelling the prize pool to a staggering $2,279,970. The day initiated with tempo that was nothing short of blistering—with heavyweights like Dimitar Danchev, Ognyan Dimov, and defending champion Juan Pardo finding themselves eliminated early on.
Initially, Spain’s Vicente Delgado, who ended Day 1 as the chip leader, maintained his dominance until a pivotal confrontation involving Hrabec. After a series of aggressive plays, Hrabec stunned the table when he hit quads with pocket tens, dramatically shifting the tournament dynamics.
The Biggest Pivots of the Day
Mateos began his rise after doubling through Delgado with a set of tens, followed by an elimination of Manuel Fritz with a straight. As the stakes escalated, he took on Biao Ding, earning further chips and establishing himself as a key contender at the table.
One of the most memorable hands saw Delgado and Mateos clash sharply. After Delgado started with pocket fives, the flop fell 9-7-5, putting Delgado in the lead. However, Mateos caught a king on the turn, enabling him to secure a significant portion of the pot and elevate his stack. This pivotal moment saw him holding over a third of the total chips in play by the time the dust settled at the end of the day.
The Final Table Awaits
As the evening reached its climax, the final table’s action rolled in with heightened emotion and intensity. Vaskaboinikau faced off against Daniel Rezaei, setting the stage for a tense encounter as Vaskaboinikau’s pocket nines held firm against Rezaei’s big slick. This clash marked a significant shift in chip dynamics, leaving Rezaei in a perilous position.
Another dramatic confrontation unfolded when Rezaei found himself all-in with kings, only to be met with increased aggression from multiple players at the table, ultimately leading to Zubov’s rivered king-high straight that sent the tournament into its bubble phase.
As bubble play extended, Thomas Eychenne, who initially quadrupled up, saw his promising run come to a halt when he faced off against Martirosian, who rivered a better hand, bringing an end to the day’s action.
Looking Ahead to Day 3: The Final Showdown
The remaining six players will reconvene for a live-streamed final table at 12:30 p.m. local time, with 41:19 remaining in Level 18, featuring blinds at 25,000/50,000 and a 50,000 big blind ante. As the stakes rise, all eyes will be on the players as they vie for the title and the following prizes:
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1 | $786,570 |
| 2 | $513,000 |
| 3 | $353,400 |
| 4 | $262,200 |
| 5 | $205,200 |
| 6 | $159,600 |
Day 3 promises to deliver thrilling moments and high-pressure decisions as these elite players chase their place in poker history. Stay tuned to PokerNews for live updates, stories, and all the action happening at EPT Cyprus!
