A Thrilling Day 1 at the $25,000 Second Chance Event of the 2024 European Poker Tour Cyprus
Introduction
On the scenic shores of Cyprus, the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa buzzed with anticipation as the $25,000 Second Chance event kicked off on October 16, 2024. This event marked the final high-stakes showdown of the 2024 European Poker Tour, drawing a dedicated crowd of poker enthusiasts vying for a cut of a substantial prize pool. Day 1 proved to be an exhilarating spectacle as 31 players came together for some intense gaming, with many opting for reentries, bringing the total number of entries to 38. As the lights dimmed on Day 1, the stage was set for what promises to be a gripping Day 2.
The Chip Leaders
As the dust settled after an action-packed four hours, it was Albert Daher who emerged as the chip leader with a commanding stack of 885,000 chips. The seasoned high roller, known for his aggressive playstyle, takes his seat at the helm with nearly 150 big blinds. Trailing him closely is Elias Gutierrez, a PokerStars Team Pro and recent winner of the $25,000 SHR Warm Up, who bagged 808,000 chips. Hassan Nashar rounds out the top three after bouncing back from an initial struggle, ultimately securing 805,000 chips after firing three entries.
Notable Accomplishments
Daher, recognized for his prowess in EPT High Roller events, has been a force in the poker world, with three notable victories under his belt. His latest triumph came in Cyprus last year, where he defeated Mikita Badziakouski heads-up for a substantial $264,690 prize. With such formidable experience, Daher is well-equipped for the challenges that lie ahead in this fierce competition.
Top Ten Chip Counts
| Rank | Name | Country | Chips | Day 2 Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Albert Daher | Lebanon | 885,000 | 148 |
| 2 | Elias Gutierrez | Spain | 808,000 | 135 |
| 3 | Hassan Nashar | Senegal | 805,000 | 134 |
| 4 | Johannes Straver | Netherlands | 624,000 | 104 |
| 5 | Teun Mulder | Netherlands | 616,000 | 103 |
| 6 | Vladimir Korzinin | Estonia | 587,000 | 98 |
| 7 | Kayhan Mokri | Norway | 541,000 | 90 |
| 8 | Danilo Velasevic | Croatia | 500,000 | 83 |
| 9 | Aleksejs Ponakovs | Latvia | 454,000 | 76 |
| 10 | Vicente Delgado | Spain | 430,000 | 72 |
Action of the Day
The day kicked off energetically with Masashi Oya seizing an early lead, courtesy of a cunning slow play with pocket aces against Juan Pardo, who was sitting pretty with ace-king on a k-high board. Oya’s skillful maneuvering set the stage for a day filled with noteworthy plays. Throughout the evening, Oya maintained a steady pace, ending up with a respectable stack of 356,000.
However, the spotlight soon shifted to Jelle Moene, who experienced a rollercoaster ride of fortunes after a massive confrontation involving a brutal cooler. The heated matchup saw Moene take a significant chip lead before falling to the aggressive tactics of Hassan Nashar, who entered the game post-break like a whirlwind.
Nashar’s Game-Changing Presence
Nashar dominated the latter part of Day 1 with a bold and spontaneous strategy, famously playing hands without peeking, leading to some unpredictable outcomes. His aggressive play inadvertently assisted Gutierrez, who doubled through him before eliminating him from the competition — a momentum-shifting moment that culminated in Nashar’s quick reentry.
As the evening progressed, Daher began to assert his presence, executing a key hand against Simone Andrian, where he spiked a five on the river to take down a significant pot. This pivotal play marked the beginning of his ascent towards the top of the leaderboard.
What Lies Ahead
The excitement is far from over, as Day 2 is scheduled to commence on Thursday, October 17, at 12:30 p.m. local time. Players will return to the tables, ready to fight through Level 9, where blinds are set at 3,000/6,000 with a 6,000 big-blind ante. The competition looks to intensify with the prospect of additional late registrations, especially as several prominent players, including Duco ten Haven, Steve O’Dwyer, and Recep Aydemir, still remain in contention.
As poker fans and players alike await the suspenseful unfolding of events, be sure to stay tuned to PokerNews for live coverage of the thrilling action and to find out who will ultimately be crowned the next high roller champion in this prestigious tournament.
In conclusion, the $25,000 Second Chance event of the 2024 European Poker Tour Cyprus delivered captivating moments and showcased the skills of some of the best players in the world. With dynamic play styles, strategic decisions, and heart-stopping encounters, Day 1 set a high bar for what’s to come. The next chapter awaits as the stakes get higher and competition fiercer on the quest for glory at the poker tables.
