Excitement Builds on Day 2 of the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus High Roller
As the sun rises over the picturesque Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa in Cyprus, poker enthusiasts brace themselves for the gripping continuation of the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus. Today marks the penultimate day of this exhilarating event, with Day 2 of the highly anticipated $10,300 EPT High Roller taking center stage.
Record-Breaking Participation
The atmosphere is buzzing, with Day 1 witnessing an impressive total of 405 entries, and the excitement isn’t stopping there. Registration remains open until 12:30 p.m. local time, leading many to speculate that the number of participants could rise even higher. Out of the 405 entrants, only 164 players managed to survive the initial grind, positioning themselves to battle through a total of twelve 50-minute levels today.
Leading the pack is none other than Parahat Nurmuhammedov, who ended Day 1 with an astounding chip count of 524,000. His commanding position has set the stage for what could be a thrilling Day 2 as he seeks to maintain his lead amidst fierce competition.
Key Contenders
Not to be overlooked, Ray Qartomy—a seasoned American player with nearly two decades of live tournament cashes under his belt—bagged a respectable 378,000 chips. Despite his impressive track record, Qartomy is still on the hunt for his first cash outside of the United States, making Cyprus a potential milestone in his poker journey.
The competition among the top ten chip holders is fierce, with players hailing from various corners of the globe. The presence of such diverse talent reflects the EPT’s international charm and allure. The remaining top ten chip counts highlight not only the skill of these players but also the global camaraderie within the poker community:
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Parahat Nurmuhammedov | Turkmenistan | 524,000 | 349 |
| 2 | Berthold Winz | Germany | 391,000 | 261 |
| 3 | Ray Qartomy | United States | 378,000 | 252 |
| 4 | Simeon Spasov | Bulgaria | 324,000 | 216 |
| 5 | Umberto Ruggeri | Italy | 314,500 | 210 |
| 6 | Aleksei Gortikov | Russia | 310,500 | 207 |
| 7 | Nichan Khorchidian | Lebanon | 306,000 | 204 |
| 8 | Boris Kuzmanovic | Croatia | 286,000 | 191 |
| 9 | Xiaosheng Zheng | China | 276,000 | 184 |
| 10 | Belarmino De Souza | Brazil | 268,000 | 179 |
The Global Appeal of the EPT
What is notably striking about this year’s event is the international representation among chip leaders. Players from twelve different nations populate the top ranks, underscoring the EPT’s reputation as a melting pot that draws poker talent from all walks of life. This tournament not only showcases skill but also celebrates the essence of poker—one that transcends geographical boundaries.
Among the familiar faces is Sergi Reixach, who finished fourth in this event last year. His 164,000 chip count places him in a comfortable position, although still miles behind the leaders. Reixach is joined by other former finalists including Markkos Ladev and Nariman Yaghmai, who aim to rediscover their competitive edge.
Notable Players and Final Day Anticipation
The field remains star-studded with several notables still in contention. Players such as Roberto Romanello, Steve O’Dwyer, and two-time titleholder Elias Gutierrez have all made the cut, adding their names to the list of contenders to watch as the day unfolds.
As the players prepare to return for battle at Level 11, the blinds will be set at 1,000/1,500 with a 1,500 big blind ante. Today’s agenda is clear: grind until the money is reached and push through to the end of Level 22. Those who survive will return tomorrow for the climactic Day 3, where the ultimate showdown will determine who claims the coveted title and a share of the prize pool.
Conclusion: Stay Tuned for More
As excitement bubbles over, one thing is certain: Day 2 of the $10,300 EPT High Roller promises to deliver high-stakes poker at its finest. With registration still open, the number of contestants might swell, setting the stage for an even more thrilling pursuit for victory.
Stay connected with PokerNews for ongoing updates, in-depth coverage, and live reports from the felt as we watch to see who will emerge victorious in this prestigious event. The ace of spades has been drawn, and the showdown is just beginning!
