Vicente Delgado Dominates Day 1 of the EPT Cyprus $50,000 Super High Roller
The glitz and glamour of high-stakes poker has captivated players and fans alike at the European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus $50,000 Super High Roller. Day 1 has concluded, and it was none other than Vicente Delgado who stormed to the top of the leaderboard, amassing an impressive chip count of 1,880,000, more than double that of his nearest competitor. As we gear up for an exciting Day 2 showdown, an elite group of poker professionals will attempt to dethrone Delgado from his commanding position.
A Competitive Field
The EPT Cyprus Super High Roller attracted a prestigious lineup, with some of the biggest names in the poker world vying for the title. Among the 36 players who entered so far, Artur Martirosian, a seasoned EPT champion boasting nearly $16 million in live earnings, emerged as Delgado’s nearest challenger, holding 910,000 chips. Other notable players rounding out the top five include Daniel Rezaei (780,000), Biao Ding (741,000), and Alexander Zubov (660,000).
Day 2 Top 10 Chip Counts
Here’s a look at the top contenders as we head into Day 2:
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vicente Delgado | Spain | 1,880,000 | 313 |
| 2 | Artur Martirosian | Russia | 910,000 | 152 |
| 3 | Daniel Rezaei | Austria | 780,000 | 130 |
| 4 | Biao Ding | China | 741,000 | 124 |
| 5 | Alexander Zubov | Russia | 660,000 | 110 |
| 6 | Jamil Wakil | Canada | 644,000 | 107 |
| 7 | Santhosh Suvarna | India | 601,000 | 100 |
| 8 | Ognyan Dimov | Bulgaria | 584,000 | 97 |
| 9 | Vladimir Korzinin | Estonia | 553,000 | 92 |
| 10 | Morten Klein | Norway | 342,000 | 57 |
Delgado’s Journey
Vicente Delgado, who spectacularly finished second in this event last year, has successfully transformed a disappointing memory into a strong motivation for this year’s competition. Notably, he broke the defending champion Juan Pardo, who later re-entered the tournament with 262,000 chips and aims to fight his way back into contention.
The resilience exhibited by players like Delgado sets an intense tone for the remainder of the tournament, and with his vast experience, he appears ready to fend off the competition.
The Road Ahead
As play resumes at 12:30 p.m. local time, anticipation builds. The remaining players, including notable professionals like Adrian Mateos and Dimitar Danchev, find themselves in a challenging position with chip counts in the lower end, at 192,000 and 182,000, respectively.
Adding to the excitement, late registration remains open until the start of Day 2, allowing even more players to join the fray. With blinds starting at 3,000-6,000 and a 6,000 big blind ante, the action unfolds as players begin with a substantial stack of 250,000, still translating to more than 40 big blinds—a comfortable position to mount an aggressive strategy.
What to Expect in Day 2
The ultimate goal for all participants is to reach the final table, which is scheduled to be streamed live on PokerStars’ YouTube channel tomorrow. With so much on the line, including a hefty prize pool, players will need to navigate carefully what is sure to be a minefield of tension and strategy as they claw their way toward the coveted championship.
Stay tuned to PokerNews for live updates and coverage throughout Day 2 as this star-studded field battles for supremacy at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel and Casino in beautiful North Cyprus, where fortunes can change in the blink of an eye—or the turn of a card.
Conclusion
With Vicente Delgado setting the pace, Day 2 promises to be nothing short of thrilling. Fans and players alike are eager to see whether he can maintain his lead or if one of the many talented challengers will rise to the occasion and seize their moment in the spotlight. As the stakes increase and tensions mount, the EPT Cyprus Super High Roller continues to deliver the intensity and excitement that makes poker one of the most engaging spectacles in the sporting world.
