The Thrill of Victory: The Journey to the EPT Cyprus Final Table
A week ago, the serene beauty of Cyprus morphed into the epicenter of competitive poker as 1,284 players from an impressive 70 countries converged on the stunning Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa. All eyes are fixed on one thrilling goal: to take home the coveted title of European Poker Tour (EPT) champion. With the conclusion of this highly anticipated series fast approaching, the excitement has reached a fever pitch as six final contenders prepare to battle it out for supremacy.
The Final Table Awaits
Scheduled to commence at 12:30 p.m. local time, the final table of the PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus promises to be a monumental showdown. With the Golden Shard EPT trophy and a staggering $1,030,000 awaiting the victor, the stakes have never been higher.
Leading the charge is none other than Oliver Weis, the German poker professional who comfortably sails into the final table with an imposing chip stack of 18,505,000—over three times that of his nearest competitor. Weis’ journey has been nothing short of remarkable; his stellar performance this year includes victory at the EPT Paris High Roller, netting him over $1.7 million in winnings before this event even began. With the trophy tantalizingly close, he has the opportunity to etch his name in EPT history by claiming two major titles in the same year.
Final Table Contestants
1. Oliver Weis (Germany) – 18,505,000 Chips
As the chip leader, Weis is not only in the driver’s seat but carries the weight of expectation and experience. His impressive past performances have made him a formidable opponent—can he withstand the pressure?
2. Mikhail Shalamov (Russia) – 6,050,000 Chips
Close behind Weis is Mikhail Shalamov, a player with roots tracing back to Russia but currently thriving as a streamer in Slovenia. Known for setting a world record for playing 40,000 hands in a single day, Shalamov returns to the EPT scene for the first time since 2010. With nearly 90,000 Twitch subscribers, Shalamov’s popularity isn’t just built on skill but on entertainment, making him a crowd favorite.
3. Bobby James (United Kingdom) – 5,215,000 Chips
Next up is the UK’s Bobby James, who has had a rollercoaster journey at the tournament. Fluctuating from chip leader on Day 3 to a short stack on Day 4, he now finds himself in the middle of the pack for the final. Having already claimed a Spadie trophy earlier in the series, James’ remarkable comeback from adversity is a testament to his determination and skill.
4. Andriy Lyubovetskiy (Ukraine) – 3,295,000 Chips
Hailing from Ukraine, Andriy Lyubovetskiy is no stranger to high-stakes poker. A seasoned player with multiple WCOOP and SCOOP titles under his belt, along with two WSOP bracelets, he will be seeking to seize this opportunity to add an EPT title to his illustrious career.
5. Anton Wigg (Sweden) – 3,190,000 Chips
Another name to watch is Anton Wigg, a previous EPT champion from Copenhagen in 2010, looking to secure a second title—an achievement that only three players have managed in the EPT’s storied history.
6. Georgios Tsouloftas (Cyprus) – 2,255,000 Chips
Rounding out the final table is Georgios Tsouloftas, the only Cypriot player still in contention. With a stack of 2,255,000, he comes with home-field advantage and a determination to achieve a local victory.
Payouts and Prize Structure
Every player at the table is guaranteed a substantial payout, with the following structure in place:
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,030,000 | ||
| 2 | $642,300 | ||
| 3 | $459,000 | ||
| 4 | $353,100 | ||
| 5 | $271,400 | ||
| 6 | $208,720 | ||
| 7 | Anton Kraous | Bulgaria | $160,500 |
| 8 | Andrea Dato | Italy | $123,400 |
The final table will commence at Level 29 with blinds at 50,000-100,000 and a 100,000 big blind ante—setting the stage for electric action and strategic plays.
Viewing the Action
The excitement of the final table will be made available to fans worldwide as the action is streamed on PokerStars’ YouTube and Twitch channels, with updates airing on a 30-minute delay.
Conclusion
With history on the line and a fascinating array of talent on display, the final showdown of the PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus is poised to be a thrilling conclusion to an incredible week of poker. As we await the crowning of the next EPT champion, the poker community will be watching closely to see who withstands the pressure and emerges victorious. The players know that while six remain, there can ultimately be only one champion at the end of this exciting journey. Tune in as PokerNews will provide updates, keeping fans and players alike in the loop until the final card is dealt.
