PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus: Day 1a of the $2,200 Eureka High Roller
The excitement surrounding the PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus reached a new high today as the $2,200 Eureka High Roller kicked off at the luxurious Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa. This event drew a staggering 966 entrants, showcasing the vibrant competitive spirit of the poker community. After a grueling 16 levels of play, only 145 players emerged triumphant, securing their spots in Day 2.
Bubble Burst and Cash Secured
As the first Day 1 flight came to a close, the atmosphere was tense with anticipation. The end of the day marked the bursting of the bubble, ensuring that those who successfully navigated their way to Day 2 would not leave empty-handed. Players can look forward to the cash payouts, which will be confirmed once the second Day 1b turbo flight concludes.
Flutur Takes Command
At the end of Day 1a, it was Mircea Flutur who claimed the overall chip lead, amassing an impressive 739,000 chips. Flutur’s performance was characterized by calculated aggression, allowing him to stand out as the only player to surpass the 700,000 chip mark. His skillful tactics and risk management set him up as a formidable contender as the tournament progresses.
Day 1a Top 10 Chip Count
| Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mircea Flutur | Romania | 739,000 | (varies) |
| Andreas Frohli | Austria | 691,000 | (varies) |
| Stoyan Obreshkov | Bulgaria | 608,000 | (varies) |
| Ran Ilani | Israel | 576,000 | (varies) |
| Nichan Khorchidian | Lebanon | 487,000 | (varies) |
| Steven Warburton | United Kingdom | 459,000 | (varies) |
| Ivan Pavlov | Belarus | 442,000 | (varies) |
| Dmitry Gromov | Russia | 422,000 | (varies) |
| Mustafa Biz | Turkey | 405,000 | (varies) |
| Ramez Haddad | Lebanon | 403,000 | (varies) |
Celebrity Players in the Mix
Among the high-profile players participating in this event were three members of the PokerStars Team Pro. Unfortunately, both Simon Wiciak and Parker Talbot faced early exits, unable to secure a stack for Day 2 after crashing out on Levels 13 and 15, respectively. However, Ramon Colillas shone brightly, advancing with a stack of 246,000. His determination was evident in a pivotal early confrontation, where he skillfully employed a check-raise on the turn and a river stab to win a healthy pot against Samuel Mullur.
Ramon Colillas
Notable Cashes and Strategic Moves
Several notable players successfully cashed in on today’s event, including Bobby James (139,000), Tom Vogelsang (150,000), and Patrick Leonard (213,000). Bobby James, in particular, seemed to have momentum on his side, having recently finished 19th in the $1,100 Eureka Main Event for $13,260. His swift decision to enter this high roller was undoubtedly a testament to his confidence in the Cypriot poker arena.
Looking Ahead: Day 2 Kickoff
Day 2 of the Eureka High Roller is set to restart at 12:30 p.m. on October 14, promising intense competition as players vie to be the last one standing. The action will continue down the path of bringing more thrilling moments to the felt. After the conclusion of both Day 1 flights, the event will resume from the lowest finishing level between the two flights.
The PokerNews live reporting team will return to provide up-to-the-minute updates and coverage of the Eureka Poker Tour High Roller. Stay tuned for more thrilling action as these elite players chase a coveted title and substantial cash prizes here in Cyprus!
