Thrilling Day 2 Recap of the $10,300 EPT High Roller at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus
The second day of the $10,300 EPT High Roller at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour in Cyprus unfolded amidst palpable excitement and fierce competition at the opulent Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa. Following an intense day featuring twelve 50-minute levels, the starting field of 215 entries has been whittled down to just 24 players, each vying for a coveted spot at the final table and a shot at a substantial first prize.
Chip Leaders: A Battle of Titans
As the dust settled on Day 2, Steve O’Dwyer emerged triumphant with a staggering chip count of 2,235,000, placing him firmly at the top of the leaderboard. O’Dwyer, a legend in the poker world and currently sitting 13th on the all-time money list with over $44,000,000 in cashes, is on an ambitious quest for his eighth EPT trophy.
Hot on his heels is Diogo Coelho from Portugal, who boasts a hefty stack of 1,995,000. Coelho solidified his position with a remarkable run throughout the day, securing a sizable pot when his top pair prevailed against Michel Molenaar. Meanwhile, Shankui Li from China completed the podium with 1,725,000, finding his way up the leaderboard by capitalizing on some key spots, including a significant cooler against Aliaksandr Shylko.
An Array of Talents
Day 2 not only showcased notable performances from O’Dwyer and Coelho but also highlighted the competitiveness of the remaining field. Among the top ten chip counts are formidable names, including Niklas Astedt, Andras Nemeth, and Stoyan Madanzhiev, each with a history of impressive finishes in high-stakes tournaments.
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Steve O’Dwyer | Ireland | 2,235,000 | 89 |
| 2 | Diogo Coelho | Portugal | 1,995,000 | 79 |
| 3 | Shankui Li | China | 1,725,000 | 69 |
| 4 | Andras Nemeth | Hungary | 1,550,000 | 62 |
| 5 | Stoyan Madanzhiev | Bulgaria | 1,370,000 | 54 |
| 6 | Lars Kamphues | Austria | 1,335,000 | 53 |
| 7 | Niklas Astedt | Sweden | 1,200,000 | 48 |
| 8 | Adrian Cazacu | Romania | 1,000,000 | 40 |
| 9 | Jelle Moene | Netherlands | 915,000 | 36 |
| 10 | Sebastian Malec | Poland | 910,000 | 36 |
Day 2 Highlights: The Action Unfolds
Day 2 kicked off with excitement as the field included several late registrants, which brought the total number of entries to 456. This generated a hefty $4,423,200 prize pool, with 63 spots paying out, and the victor set to take home a lucrative $865,700.
In a day filled with eliminations, the first casualty was Sonny Franco, who exited quickly. Among the prominent players who met early exits were Dimitar Danchev, Artur Martirosian, and Nicholas Palma, alongside PokerStars Ambassador Parker Talbot, all unable to weather the high-stakes tide.
As the day progressed, players like Jessica Teusl surged up the leaderboard, managing to claim a top position for a meaningful part of the day. Following dinner, the bubble period commenced; the unfortunate Stephen Song, EPT Barcelona Main Event champion, had a heartbreaking elimination after his kings were cracked, leaving him without any return on his investment.
The Final Day Beckons
As Day 3 approaches, the remaining contenders will return to play with heightened stakes, starting at noon local time. The players will resume at Level 23, with blinds at 10,000/25,000 and a 25,000 big blind ante. The stage is set for an electrifying conclusion with some of the brightest talents in the poker world seeking to claim the prestigious EPT High Roller trophy.
As this intense tournament unfolds, fans and participants alike can stay tuned to PokerNews for comprehensive coverage and updates on what promises to be a thrilling final day in Cyprus.
Conclusion
With 24 players left and a treasure trove of cash on the line, the atmosphere in the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa is charged with anticipation. As the top names navigate the perilous waters of high-stakes poker, it will be fascinating to see who ultimately rises to the occasion in this exhilarating contest of skill and strategy. The poker community will be watching closely as the final day of the 2024 EPT High Roller unfolds—a spectacular showcase of talent, ambition, and the battle for glory.
