Predator and Prey: Adrian Mateos Dominates Day 2 of the $50,000 Super High Roller at EPT Cyprus
In the fiercely competitive arena of high-stakes poker, the roles of predator and prey can shift dramatically from one day to the next. Such was the case during Day 2 of the $50,000 Super High Roller at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus. After a tumultuous Day 1 that saw him fire three bullets and enter Day 2 with one of the shortest stacks, the Spanish poker prodigy Adrian Mateos showed his resilience and skill, maneuvering through the shark-infested waters of the Mediterranean to seize the chip lead going into the final table.
The Rise of Adrian Mateos
Starting the second stage of the tournament with a meager chip stack, Mateos exhibited a tactical mastery that has made him one of the most respected players in the game. As the day progressed, he managed to turn his fortunes around. The final table, composed of a shiver of poker’s elite, now contends with Mateos as the frontrunner following his remarkable recovery. With just six players remaining from an original field of 47, Mateos not only secured his spot but established himself as the player to beat.
Joining him at the final table are Roman Hrabec, Mikalai Vaskaboinikau, Artur Martirosian, Alexander Zubov, and Jamil Wakil. As they poised themselves for the live-streamed finale, each of these elite competitors has their sights set on the coveted trophy and a life-changing top prize of $786,570. The six remaining players are also guaranteed a minimum payout of $159,600 after the bubble burst at the last hand of the evening.
Day 2 Highlights: Quads, Sets, and Unforgettable Moments
Day 2 proved to be nothing short of a spectacle, as players navigated through a dynamic, high-pressure environment. The event drew a total of 27 entries that day, bringing the prize pool to a staggering $2,279,970. The action unfolded at a blistering pace, with significant eliminations occurring early on. Notable former champions such as Dimitar Danchev, Ognyan Dimov, and defending champion Juan Pardo faced early exits, a reminder that in poker, fortunes can change within a hand.
Initially, Vicente Delgado, who began Day 1 as the chip leader, maintained control in the early stages. However, as the day progressed, he faced a barrage of pressure, ultimately losing his top position to Hrabec after an unforgettable confrontation.
Key Hands from Day 2
One of the day’s pivotal moments occurred when Hrabec found himself in a precarious situation, calling an all-in from Nikita Kuznetsov while holding pocket tens. With over 140 big blinds in the pot, the flop brought an ace, putting Kuznetsov ahead. Yet fate smiled on Hrabec as he struck gold on both the turn and river, hitting quads to catapult himself into the lead.
Meanwhile, Mateos made significant strides, initially doubling up against Delgado with a set of tens before eliminating Manuel Fritz with a straight. As Mateos’ chip stack grew, he found himself in a high-stakes showdown against Delgado. After a flop of 9-7-5, which gave Delgado the lead with a set of fives, Mateos caught a king on the turn, allowing him to unleash his full poker potential. This pot not only solidified his position as a serious contender but also propelled him to hold approximately one-third of the chips in play by the close of Day 2.
Final Table Preparations: The Stage is Set
As the sun set on Day 2, the final table of the Super High Roller was set to commence. The remaining six players prepared to reconvene, each vying for the top prize and the chance to write their name into poker history. Day 3 is anticipated to be equally electrifying, with the blinds at 25,000/50,000 and a 50,000 big blind ante, catapulting the intensity of every hand.
Scheduled to commence at 12:30 p.m. local time, the live-streamed event will unveil which player can navigate these treacherous waters and ultimately claim the championship title. With at least six figures already locked in for each competitor, the pressure is unmistakable, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Prize Payouts Awaiting the Finalists
The allure of the top prize of $786,570 and the subsequent payouts serve to heighten the thrill. The final payout structure is as follows:
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1 | $786,570 |
| 2 | $513,000 |
| 3 | $353,400 |
| 4 | $262,200 |
| 5 | $205,200 |
| 6 | $159,600 |
As anticipation builds for the final showdown, fans and players alike turn their attention to the live streams, eager to witness the dramatic confrontations and skillful strategies that will surely unfold.
Conclusion: The Fight for Glory
As always, stick with PokerNews to keep up with all the thrilling stories and hands that emerge from the EPT Cyprus. The adrenaline of the game is palpable, and as the players settle in for the final day, they know the predator-prey dynamic will continue to evolve, drawing spectators into the mesmerizing world of high-stakes poker.
Who will emerge victorious in this battle of wits and luck? The suspense is part of the thrill, and the stage is set for a showdown that promises to be memorable.
