Exciting Showdown at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus: Day 4 Recap
Cyprus has once again become the epicenter of the poker world as players gather for the prestigious 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus. This year’s $5,300 Main Event has attracted a staggering 1,284 entries, and after an exhilarating Day 4, the tournament has narrowed down to 16 contenders vying for the coveted title. The atmosphere at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa was electric as players battled through intense moments, hoping to secure a place at the final table.
The Rise of Georgios Tsouloftas
Heading into Day 4, Georgios Tsouloftas emerged as the standout performer, finishing the day with a commanding stack of 7,970,000 chips—equivalent to 159 big blinds when play resumes. This local grinder has already etched his name in Cypriot poker history with over $1 million in live tournament earnings, placing him fourth on the Cypriot all-time money list. However, Tsouloftas had previously struggled to make a significant impact in EPT events, with his best result being a 26th-place finish in the $1,100 Eureka Main Event just days prior. His success this time not only reflects his skills but also ignites hope among local fans eager to see one of their own triumph on a grand stage.
Oliver Weis is Tsouloftas’ nearest rival with a respectably deep stack of 4,540,000 chips. The German pro has amassed over $2 million in live earnings, significantly boosted by his victory in the €10,300 High Roller at EPT Paris 2024. Meanwhile, Andriy Lyubovetskiy, hailing from Ukraine, sits in third with 3,970,000 chips, showcasing a fierce determination from seasoned contenders throughout the tournament.
The Battle for Supremacy
As the players settled in for Day 4, they quickly became immersed in the thrill of the game, facing off against one another and testing their strategies. The day began with 45 hopeful players, but a series of intense confrontations saw that number plummet to just 16 by the end of the night. A flurry of eliminations marked the beginning, with notable early exits including Diogo Coelho and Victoria Livschitz, both taking home $18,240.
Tension escalated as other players were knocked out in rapid succession. For example, Ranno Sootla, unable to withstand an aggressive showdown, was eliminated after his aces were cracked, while Fahredin Mustafov, the Day 2 chip leader, fell short of expectations, concluding his run in 32nd place.
Key Players in the Top Ten
By the end of the night, the top contenders have emerged as follows:
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Georgios Tsouloftas | Cyprus | 7,970,000 | 159 |
| 2 | Oliver Weis | Germany | 4,540,000 | 91 |
| 3 | Andriy Lyubovetskiy | Ukraine | 3,970,000 | 79 |
| 4 | Damir Zhugralin | Kazakhstan | 3,160,000 | 63 |
| 5 | Mikhail Shalamov | Russian Federation | 2,600,000 | 52 |
| 6 | Andrea Dato | Italy | 2,575,000 | 52 |
| 7 | Eleftherios Sinnos | Cyprus | 2,595,000 | 52 |
| 8 | Marta Miquel Munoz | Spain | 2,235,000 | 45 |
| 9 | Philip Joyce | United Kingdom | 1,650,000 | 33 |
| 10 | Anton Wigg | Sweden | 1,555,000 | 31 |
Among the notable players still in contention is last year’s runner-up Andrea Dato, as well as Eleftherios Sinnos, another local favorite. The field also retains a strong female presence with Marta Miquel Munoz, who has fought valiantly to become the last lady standing.
Highlights of Day 4
Day 4 unfolded with captivating highs and lows, showcasing the unpredictable nature of tournament poker. Tsouloftas, in particular, had a remarkable run, eliminating key opponents like Chakib Mhiri and Yisha Chen in critical moments. Each elimination not only advanced Tsouloftas closer to the final table but also amplified the excitement of spectators and fellow competitors alike.
Players were on the edge of their seats, with dramatic hands leading to pot-shifting moments that kept everyone enthralled. Santhosh Suvarna, an Indian super high roller, made his mark with a commendable 21st place finish, earning $31,940, before the competition continued toward its climax.
The Road Ahead
As the remaining 16 players bagged their chips for the night, they were aware that each one of them has already secured a payout of $42,280 from the impressive $6,227,400 prize pool. The stakes are much higher as they head into the penultimate day of play tomorrow at noon local time. With the next pay jump just one elimination away, tension will undoubtedly mount as players can see the pot of gold waiting for those who make it to the final table.
The excitement will escalate with every hand dealt, especially knowing that a seven-figure score of $1,030,000 awaits the eventual champion. As poker enthusiasts eagerly await the thrilling conclusion of the 2024 EPT Cyprus Main Event, all eyes will be on those 16 contenders—who will make history on this grand stage?
Make sure to tune back into PokerNews tomorrow for live updates and in-depth analysis as we continue to follow the action-packed journey toward the EPT Cyprus crown.
