The High-Stakes Showdown at the PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus
The excitement at the PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus is reaching a fever pitch as players gather at the luxurious Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa for the final high-stakes event: the $10,200 No Limit Hold’em tournament. With its alluring backdrop and an ever-increasing prize pool, this tournament draws seasoned pros and ambitious amateurs alike—each vying for a slice of the action.
A Competitive Field Takes to the Felt
On this exhilarating day, 64 entrants took their shot at poker glory, but only 34 players will advance to Day 2 after a fast-paced competition lasting ten levels. The structure was designed for action, making it a thrilling spectacle for both players and onlookers. Registration remains open until the tournament resumes, allowing even more competitors to jump in for a chance to claim the coveted trophy that accompanies victory in this highly prestigious series.
Among those who have made significant progress is Colombian pro Farid Jattin, who emerged as the chip leader with a commanding stack of 477,000. His closest follower, the highly celebrated Spanish player Adrian Mateos, holds 425,000 chips, continuing his reputation as one of the top contenders in high-stakes poker.
Top Ten Chip Counts
As the competition heats up, the following players lead in chip counts as they advance to the next stage of the tournament:
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Farid Jattin | Colombia | 477,000 | 95 |
| 2 | Adrian Mateos | Spain | 425,000 | 85 |
| 3 | Nikita Kuznetsov | Russia | 406,000 | 81 |
| 4 | Mikalai Vaskaboinikau | Belarus | 364,000 | 73 |
| 5 | Fahredin Mustafov | Bulgaria | 360,000 | 72 |
| 6 | Marius Kudzmanas | Lithuania | 286,000 | 57 |
| 7 | Simone Andrian | Italy | 286,000 | 57 |
| 8 | Gregoire Auzoux | France | 254,000 | 51 |
| 9 | Aren Bezhanyan | Armenia | 254,000 | 51 |
| 10 | Peng Chen | China | 250,000 | 50 |
The Remarkable Journey of Mikalai Vaskaboinikau
Adding to the drama, Mikalai Vaskaboinikau remains a formidable opponent with a respectable stack of 364,000. Fresh off a remarkable victory in the $50,000 Super High Roller, which netted him a staggering $601,397, Vaskaboinikau is eager to add another title to his accolades in Cyprus.
Rebuy Madness: A Day Full of Action
The atmosphere inside the tournament hall was electric, characterized by aggressive poker action. The event saw 14 re-entries as players tested their strategies and risk tolerance. Pushing the boundaries were players like Hassan Nashar and Vladimir Korzinin, each opting for an audacious approach by making four re-entries each.
Nashar showcased his robust poker spirit early on, engaging in a significant all-in confrontation where he felt the thrill of luck on his side. His king-six offsuit bested against the king-jack suited of Felipe Fontoura Ketzer when the cards fell just right, resulting in a flush that earned him an immediate double-up.
In contrast, Korzinin wasn’t as fortunate. He faced off against Ren Lin in one of the day’s largest pots, where an unfortunate flop turned the tide against him, leading to an exit to the payout cage. However, after multiple chances, both players ended with stacks of 249,000 and 90,000, respectively, as they bagged chips for Day 2.
Looking Ahead: Day 2 and Beyond
The tournament will resume on Sunday, October 20th, at noon local time, starting at Level 11 with blinds set at 2,000/5,000 and a 5,000 big blind ante. The remaining competitors are set for an intense battle to outlast each other and secure their place at the final table. With scheduled breaks, including a dinner pause, the day will progress under the watchful eye of floor staff ready to manage the action.
As the PokerNews live reporting team prepares to deliver continued coverage, the eyes of the poker world remain firmly fixed on EPT Cyprus. Tune in tomorrow to witness how this exhilarating high-stakes poker saga unfolds, promising plenty of drama, skill, and perhaps a few surprises along the way.
Conclusion
As the series reaches its climax, players are not just competing for money; they are battling for titles, glory, and the chance to be immortalized in poker history. With formidable talents like Jattin, Mateos, and Vaskaboinikau at the forefront, the stage is set for an unforgettable conclusion to the PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus.
