Day 2 Highlights of the $10,300 EPT High Roller at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus
The action at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa has reached a thrilling climax with Day 2 of the $10,300 EPT High Roller concluding in spectacular fashion. A starting field of 215 entries has been whittled down to just 24 players who will return for the final day, promising an electrifying showdown among some of the best poker talent in the world.
Leaderboard Dynamics: O’Dwyer Takes the Helm
As the dust settled on the day’s intense battles, Steve O’Dwyer emerged as the chip leader with a commanding stack of 2,235,000. Known as a titan in the poker world, O’Dwyer sits 13th on the all-time money list, with earnings exceeding $44 million. He is in pursuit of clinching his eighth EPT trophy, which would further cement his legacy in the poker annals.
Following closely behind him is Diogo Coelho of Portugal, boasting 1,995,000 chips. Coelho, currently seventh on Portugal’s all-time money list with nearly $2.3 million in live tournament earnings, is riding high after recently winning the $2,200 Eureka High Roller for over $350,000 earlier this week. The third position is held by Shankui Li from China with 1,725,000, who is in fine form, having already scored his biggest live cashes at the current event.
Day 2 Action: A Roller Coaster of Emotions
Day 2 commenced with fierce competition as a total of 215 players initiated the day’s festivities. This number includes 51 late entries that fueled the excitement, resulting in a prize pool of $4,423,200, with 63 spots paid. Cashing in this high-stakes event guarantees at least $18,300, while the ultimate prize for the winner is a staggering $865,700.
The day started with a fast-paced atmosphere, where early exits came swiftly. Notable players—including Sonny Franco, Dimitar Danchev, and PokerStars Ambassador Parker Talbot—all fell victim before the first break, leading to a significant drawdown in contenders.
As the day progressed, action intensified. O’Dwyer and Coelho gradually built their stacks through calculated plays, with Coelho notably moving closer to two million chips after winning a critical hand against Michel Molenaar. Conversely, Li found himself in a crucial confrontation against Aliaksandr Shylko, where the stakes amplified as he netted a substantial pot.
By the time the dinner break arrived, the palpable tension in the room was evident, with players like Jessica Teusl rising through the ranks. Teusl delivered a series of strong plays that secured her a place among the chip leaders.
The Bubble and Player Exits
With a heart-pounding bubble phase commencing shortly after dinner, the competition became even more fierce. Stephen Song, the EPT Barcelona Main Event champion, unfortunately bubbled the money as his pocket kings fell to a devastating beat. Players like Roberto Romanello and Ray Qartomy had bittersweet experiences, cashing in but failing to advance to Day 3.
As the sun set on Day 2, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation for the final showdown. The remaining 24 players will return on Sunday, October 20, at noon local time, facing the daunting challenge of high-stakes poker in Level 23, where the blinds stand at 10,000/25,000 with a 25,000 big blind ante.
Looking Ahead
As excitement builds for Day 3, the stories of resilience, strategy, and unforgettable moments will unfold on the felt. The remaining players are more than just competitors; they are among the elite in the poker world, eager to claim what promises to be an iconic victory at the EPT High Roller.
Stay tuned to PokerNews for comprehensive coverage of the event, as we bring you real-time updates on every pivotal hand and key moment in the battle for the coveted EPT High Roller trophy.
