Excitement Builds at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus
The vibrant Mediterranean island of Cyprus has become the focal point for poker enthusiasts as the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) approaches the thrilling climax of its $5,300 EPT Main Event. As play resumes today at 12 p.m. EEST at the luxurious Merit Royal Diamond Hotel and Spa, the atmosphere is charged with competitiveness, strategy, and anticipation. Out of an impressive 1,284 entries, 45 contenders are back on the felt, each vying for a shot at the coveted title and a share of the lucrative prize pool.
A Look at the Contenders
One player who has captured attention is the legendary Anton Wigg from Sweden. As the last former EPT Main Event champion remaining in the field, Wigg carries a weight of past glory on his shoulders. He clinched his title back in 2010 at EPT Copenhagen, and despite coming tantalizingly close to repeating that success—most notably finishing 14th in Berlin in 2012 and 18th in the inaugural EPT Cyprus—he is determined to make a deeper run this time. Starting Day 4 in tenth place with 1,195,000 chips, Wigg is in a solid position to chase the final table.
Top Ten Chip Counts
As players gear up for Day 4, here’s a look at the top ten chip counts:
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bobby James | United Kingdom | 2,605,000 | 174 |
| 2 | Damir Zhugralin | Kazakhstan | 2,410,000 | 161 |
| 3 | Philip Joyce | United Kingdom | 2,175,000 | 145 |
| 4 | Daniel Jackson | United Kingdom | 1,560,000 | 104 |
| 5 | Lander Lijo | Spain | 1,490,000 | 99 |
| 6 | Roeland Peeks | Netherlands | 1,350,000 | 90 |
| 7 | Adrien Quetelart | France | 1,275,000 | 85 |
| 8 | Artsiom Lasouski | Belarus | 1,240,000 | 83 |
| 9 | Christopher Nguyen | Germany | 1,200,000 | 80 |
| 10 | Anton Wigg | Sweden | 1,195,000 | 80 |
Notable players still in the mix from last year’s final table include Andrea Dato and Halil Tasyurek. Dato secured the runner-up position against Simon Gilles in 2023’s Main Event, while Tasyurek finished fourth after a commendable performance. The returning duo aims to repeat their impressive showings and compete for the top prize.
Bobby James: The Current Leader
Leading the way is the United Kingdom’s very own Bobby James, who enters Day 4 with a commanding chip stack of 2,605,000. His run at this year’s EPT has been nothing short of stellar, following solid finishes earlier in the festival, including 19th in the Eureka Main Event and 12th in the High Roller event. Additionally, his triumph in the $1,100 8-Game earned him a Spadie trophy and $11,200, adding to his burgeoning reputation.
The Race for the Prize Pool
With the competitive field, the pressure intensifies as players not only battle for prestige but also for a slice of the $6,227,400 prize pool. Each remaining player is guaranteed at least $18,240, with escalating rewards as they climb the leaderboard. The coveted seat at the final table holds a minimum value of $123,400, while the champion will be crowned with a hefty $1,030,000 and the illustrious EPT trophy.
Day 4: What to Expect
As play kicks off at noon local time, the stakes rise with Level 21 beginning at blinds of 10,000/15,000 and a 15,000 big blind ante. The average stack size rests at around 60 big blinds, a comfortable amount that allows for strategic play. Today’s agenda includes playing until 16 players remain or a maximum of six levels, with breaks scheduled after each round.
For those following the action, PokerNews will be providing updates throughout the day, while cards-up coverage of the feature table can be caught on PokerStars’ live streaming channels starting at 12:30 p.m. EEST.
Remaining Payouts
Bakced by the excitement, the remaining payouts ensure that advancing players will be adequately rewarded:
| Place | Prize | Place | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,030,000 | 12-13 | $60,900 |
| 2 | $642,300 | 14-15 | $50,760 |
| 3 | $459,000 | 16-17 | $42,280 |
| 4 | $353,100 | 18-20 | $36,740 |
| 5 | $271,400 | 21-23 | $31,940 |
| 6 | $208,720 | 24-27 | $27,780 |
| 7 | $160,500 | 28-31 | $24,160 |
| 8 | $123,400 | 32-39 | $20,980 |
| 9 | $94,940 | 40-45 | $18,240 |
| 10-11 | $73,100 |
As Day 4 gets ready to unfold, keep your eyes glued to PokerNews for real-time updates and insights. With thrilling plays and unexpected turns on the horizon, the excitement at the 2024 EPT Cyprus is just beginning to intensify!
