Thrilling Showdown at the PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus: The Eureka Main Event Finalists Revealed
After nearly a week of intense competition at the prestigious PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus, the lush setting has witnessed a remarkable journey as a sprawling field of 2,803 entrants has now been distilled to just eight formidable competitors vying for the esteemed Eureka Main Event title. With a total prize pool of $2,662,850, excitement is palpable as the final table approaches.
Meet the Contenders: Chip Counts of the Final Eight
Leading the charge is Yuan Xu, an up-and-coming player making his EPT debut. Having amassed a staggering 15,100,000 in chips, Xu stands in an enviable position, holding a commanding lead with 38 big blinds. Following closely is French contender Samuel Fournier, who has made waves throughout the tournament, finishing Day 3 with 13,725,000 chips and 34 big blinds.
The remaining players, each bringing their unique skills and strategies to the felt, are as follows:
| Rank | Player | Country | Chips | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yuan Xu | China | 15,100,000 | 38 |
| 2 | Samuel Fournier | France | 13,725,000 | 34 |
| 3 | Guoliang Wei | China | 12,350,000 | 31 |
| 4 | Aleksandr Razinkov | Russia | 11,125,000 | 28 |
| 5 | Frederick Anastasiades | Cyprus | 11,050,000 | 28 |
| 6 | Leo Worthington-Leese | United Kingdom | 10,775,000 | 27 |
| 7 | Recep Aydemir | Turkey | 7,550,000 | 19 |
| 8 | Alexey Badulin | Russia | 2,400,000 | 6 |
Yuan Xu’s Breakthrough Moment
For Yuan Xu, this marks not only his first recorded cash in an EPT event but also the largest live cash of his poker career to date. As the field dwindles and the stakes rise, Xu is eyeing the coveted $386,210 first-place prize that comes with the prestigious title. His remarkable performance thus far indicates that he is a player to watch closely in the upcoming final showdown.
Recap of Day 3 Action: Players Hit the Rail
Day 3 was a tumultuous ride featuring high drama and swift eliminations. Over a third of the remaining players fell before the first break, with notable exits including Michael Wang (51st, $5,780), Martin Zamani (39th, $6,660), and Marle Spragg (35th, $6,660), who narrowly missed a deeper run after a preflop clash with pocket kings against pocket jacks.
Entering Day 3 as the chip leader, Marian Virlanuta faced early struggles despite holding over 100 big blinds at one point. As the day progressed, his stack diminished dramatically, culminating in a disappointing 29th place finish after running queens into kings.
Other renowned players such as Andrey Pateychuk, the 2011 EPT Sanremo champion, started strong but met their match as they navigated through treacherous waters, ultimately finishing 14th for $19,120.
A Slow Grind Towards the Final Table
As the day drew on, the action slowed dramatically, particularly with ten players remaining. With substantial pay jumps at stake, players were increasingly cautious. Tensions mounted, and after nearly two full levels passed without an elimination, Sebastian Ting made a critical stand, only to find himself up against Xu’s powerful ace-king.
The excitement crescendoed towards the end of the evening with the final eliminations, including Lavrentiy Ni, who tried to make a stand with pocket queens against Recep Aydemir’s ace-king, ultimately leading to his exit.
The Final Table Payouts: Stakes Set High
As the final table is set, the payouts have been confirmed, guaranteeing substantial rewards for the remaining players:
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | – | – | $386,210 |
| 2 | – | – | $241,290 |
| 3 | – | – | $172,060 |
| 4 | – | – | $132,120 |
| 5 | – | – | $101,390 |
| 6 | – | – | $78,770 |
| 7 | – | – | $60,850 |
| 8 | Alexey Badulin | Russia | $46,600 |
| 9 | Lavrentiy Ni | Kazakhstan | $35,840 |
The stakes have never been higher; players will return to battle it out for the coveted Eureka Main Event title at 12 p.m. local time, resuming play at Level 35, with blinds at 200,000/400,000 and a 400,000 big-blind ante.
Conclusion: All Eyes on the Final Showdown
As anticipation builds toward the final table, the atmosphere in the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa is electric. Each player at the table possesses the skills and determination to claim victory, making for an exhilarating finale.
Stay tuned to PokerNews as we continue to bring you all the latest updates and in-depth coverage until the final hand is dealt, and the newest champion is crowned at this unforgettable event!
