A Showdown of Titans: Day 2 of the $50,000 Super High Roller at EPT Cyprus
Some days, you’re the predator; other days, you’re the prey. These words encapsulate the thrilling dynamics at play on Day 2 of the $50,000 Super High Roller event at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) in Cyprus. Elite players clashed in a fierce competition, and at the forefront was the Spanish powerhouse, Adrian Mateos, who turned a rocky start into an impressive resurgence, positioning himself firmly at the top of the chip counts.
From Struggles to Survival
Mateos entered Day 2 with one of the shortest stacks after a tumultuous first day where he fired three bullets just to remain competitive. However, showcasing his resilience and skill, he adeptly navigated the shark-infested waters of high-stakes poker. By the day’s end, Mateos not only rebounded but established himself as the chip leader, outmaneuvering the remaining elite of the 47-player field, leaving six finalists battling for the significant top prize of $786,570.
Joining him at the final table are some of poker’s finest: Roman Hrabec, Mikalai Vaskaboinikau, Artur Martirosian, Alexander Zubov, and Jamil Wakil. Each player now has secured at least $159,600 after the bubble burst on the very last hand of the night.
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 |Big Moments: Quads and Set-Over-Set Coolers
The action on Day 2 unfolded at a breakneck pace, leading to exhilarating moments etched into the memory of all who witnessed them. The combined 27 players brought the prize pool to a staggering $2,279,970. Among the notable departures were former EPT champions like Dimitar Danchev, Ognyan Dimov, and defending champion Juan Pardo.
While Spain’s Vicente Delgado maintained his chip lead early in the day, Roman Hrabec soon snatched control in a gripping showdown against Nikita Kuznetsov. After a tense pre-flop maneuver that unfolded with Zubov raising and Kuznetsov moving all-in with ace-king, Hrabec cold-four-bet with pocket tens. The board’s eventual run yielded quads for Hrabec, propelling him up the chip ladder.
Meanwhile, Mateos began his ascent with crucial doubles, first against Delgado with a set of tens and then eliminating Manuel Fritz with a straight. Following a series of strategic plays, he found himself in a critical confrontation against Delgado, which ultimately saw him securing a third of the chips in play by the time Day 2 came to a close.
Final Table Action: The Bubble and Beyond
As Day 3 approaches, excitement builds around the final table’s potential. One of the earliest notable pots involved Mikalai Vaskaboinikau and Daniel Rezaei, with Vaskaboinikau ultimately triumphing despite Rezaei’s dire situation against an all-in.
The bubble period also presented strange turns, as Thomas Eychenne, after a series of aggressive plays, ended up on the wrong side of a crucial hand with Martirosian, marking the closing of the day amidst high stakes and greater ambitions.
Looking Ahead: Day 3 and High Roller Payouts
With just six players remaining, all eyes will be on the livestream of the final table set to begin at 12:30 p.m. local time. The players will resume with only 41:19 left in Level 18, blinds at 25,000/50,000, and a 50,000 big blind ante. The tournament structure guarantees each finalist a six-figure payout, but the real prize—honor and prestige within the poker world—awaits the ultimate champion.
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1 | $786,570 |
| 2 | $513,000 |
| 3 | $353,400 |
| 4 | $262,200 |
| 5 | $205,200 |
| 6 | $159,600 |
As the drama unfolds, tune in to PokerNews for live updates and analysis of each pivotal hand, as the stage is set for a dramatic conclusion to this elite poker showdown in Cyprus. The stakes are high, the players are sharper, and the anticipation is palpable. Will Adrian Mateos continue his dominance, or will one of the other champions claim the crown? Only time will tell.
