The Final Showdown: 2024 European Poker Tour Cyprus Main Event Approaches Climax
After an intense week filled with strategic plays, thrilling bluffs, and high-stakes drama, the much-anticipated final table of the 2024 European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus is set to unfold. From the original 1,284 entrants, only six talented players remain in the $5,300 Main Event, vying for the championship title and a staggering $1,030,000 first-place prize. The final battle will resume at the luxurious Merit Royal Diamond Hotel and Spa, where the atmosphere is charged with excitement and tension.
Chip Leaders: Oliver Weis Takes Command
As the dust settled from Day 5’s fierce competition, Oliver Weis emerged as the dominant force at the final table, bagging an impressive 18,505,000 chips, which positions him as the clear chip leader with more than three times the chips of his nearest rival, Mikhail Shalamov, who holds 6,050,000. Weis’ recent poker journey has been nothing short of sensational, marking a breakout year for the German player that includes a stellar win at a Jeju event in South Korea, earning him $274,313, and a victory in the €10,300 High Roller at EPT Paris, netting $1,050,978.
"I’m feeling pretty good," Weis expressed. "It would be amazing to cap the year off with another win. Last year was not so good, so hopefully, I can reach the ultimate goal of winning an EPT Main Event."
The Final Table Competitors
The final table will feature a diverse lineup of competitors, each bringing their unique styles and strategies to the felt. Here’s a closer look at the players competing for the coveted title:
| Seat | Name | Country | Chips | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mikhail Shalamov | Russia | 6,050,000 | 61 |
| 2 | Bobby James | United Kingdom | 5,215,000 | 52 |
| 3 | Oliver Weis | Germany | 18,505,000 | 185 |
| 4 | Georgios Tsouloftas | Cyprus | 2,255,000 | 23 |
| 5 | Anton Wigg | Sweden | 3,190,000 | 32 |
| 6 | Andriy Lyubovetskiy | Ukraine | 3,295,000 | 33 |
Day 5 Highlights: Back-to-Back Eliminations
Day 5 was a whirlwind of action, with sixteen players returning and a sense of urgency permeating the room. The short-stacked Boris Tabiyev was the first casualty of the day, falling on the second hand of play after losing a crucial pot to Philip Joyce. The string of eliminations continued, with notable moments including Marta Miquel Munoz’s unfortunate exit after running her ace-queen into Bobby James’ pocket kings, maintaining the long-standing trend of no female players winning an EPT Main Event for over a decade.
A flurry of eliminations took place in rapid succession, emphasizing the high stakes at hand. Players like Eleftherios Sinnos and Halil Tasyurek also fell within moments of each other as the remaining players fought fiercely for their tournament lives.
The Road to the Final Table: Key Moments
As the final table neared, Weis elevated his chip count significantly. His remarkable bluff against Tsouloftas galvanized his position, while others, such as Damir Zhugralin, endured dramatic exits, including a misfired bluff with pocket tens that ultimately handed Weis even more chips.
Entering the final table tied for second in chips, Andrea Dato’s luck waned after Shalamov cracked his pocket aces, marking a pivotal moment in the tournament. Despite his effort, Dato succumbed to Weis, who solidified his lead by eliminating him with pocket queens against Dato’s pocket jacks, relegating Dato to an eighth-place finish, a disappointing result after finishing as the runner-up the previous year.
Upcoming Final Table Showdown
With the playing field narrowed down, the remaining competitors are aware that five pivotal eliminations stand between them and poker glory. As the tension builds, all eyes will be on the final table, which resumes on October 20 at 12:30 p.m. local time. The players will come back to Level 29, featuring blinds of 50,000/100,000 along with a 100,000 big-blind ante, putting immense pressure on the players to perform.
Conclusion: A Worthwhile Pursuit
This final table is not just about the monetary prize; it’s a quest for prestige, recognition, and the honor of being crowned champion in one of the most revered poker tournaments in Europe. PokerNews will continue to provide live coverage, encapsulating every significant hand and player reaction until the moment the trophy is lifted, and the next EPT Main Event champion is crowned. The stakes are high, the players are fierce, and the spirit of competition is alive – the question remains: who will emerge victorious?
