Excitement Builds at the $25,000 Second Chance Event of the 2024 European Poker Tour Cyprus
The Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa was electric on Day 1 of the much-anticipated $25,000 Second Chance event, forming the final high-stakes showdown of the 2024 European Poker Tour (EPT) in Cyprus. With 31 participants kicking off the day’s action, the tables quickly filled with top-tier poker talent and enthusiastic competitors ready to battle it out for a coveted title.
Day 1 Action: A Rapid Fire Experience
Despite the session’s brevity—lasting merely four hours—the level of competition and intensity was palpable. As the chips stacked and reentries began, the tally grew to 38 total entries as players took advantage of the opportunity to jump back into the fray. With late registration still open until the commencement of Day 2, the excitement over potential new contenders lingered in the air.
When the dust settled, Albert Daher emerged as the chip leader among the remaining 25 players, boasting a staggering 885,000 in chips. His position was closely contested by Elias Gutierrez, a prominent figure in the poker community who recently clinched victory in the $25,000 SHR Warm Up event, securing himself 808,000 chips. Hot on their heels was Hassan Nashar, who showed resilience by reentering multiple times, ending the day with 805,000 chips.
Notable Players in the Spotlight
Albert Daher is not new to the high roller circuit. A seasoned pro, Daher has claimed victory in three prior EPT high roller events. His most recent triumph was a thrilling heads-up win against Mikita Badziakouski, allowing him to take home an impressive $264,690 from the modest 29-entry pool. Certainly, Daher’s past victories establish him as a formidable opponent moving forward in this tournament.
By contrast, Gutierrez is striving to build on his recent momentum. His gameplay in earlier events this week showcased a combination of strategic prowess and unwavering focus, which he carried into the Second Chance event. Meanwhile, Nashar’s aggressive style, characterized by bold betting and an unconventional approach of occasionally playing cards without looking, has made waves at the tables and promises an entertaining narrative as the tournament unfolds.
Chip Counts and Key Players
As we dive deeper into the leaderboard, a glance at the top ten chip counts shows a competitive field ready for battle on Day 2:
| Rank | Name | Country | Chips | Day 2 Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Albert Daher | Lebanon | 885,000 | 148 |
| 2 | Elias Gutierrez | Spain | 808,000 | 135 |
| 3 | Hassan Nashar | Senegal | 805,000 | 134 |
| 4 | Johannes Straver | Netherlands | 624,000 | 104 |
| 5 | Teun Mulder | Netherlands | 616,000 | 103 |
| 6 | Vladimir Korzinin | Estonia | 587,000 | 98 |
| 7 | Kayhan Mokri | Norway | 541,000 | 90 |
| 8 | Danilo Velasevic | Croatia | 500,000 | 83 |
| 9 | Aleksejs Ponakovs | Latvia | 454,000 | 76 |
| 10 | Vicente Delgado | Spain | 430,000 | 72 |
With such a diverse array of players at the peak of the chip counts, the second day of action is set to showcase skill levels across the board.
Highlighted Hands and Turning Points
Among the most notable instances of Day 1 was Masashi Oya, who temporarily surged into the chip lead through a calculated play that saw him slowplay pocket aces against Juan Pardo’s ace-king, navigating the complexities of the board smartly. Though he didn’t maintain his lead throughout the day, he concluded with a respectable stack of 356,000.
Another crucial shift in momentum occurred when Jelle Moene took down a massive pot in a straight versus straight hand against Jérémie Zouari. However, as the day unfolded, Nashar’s aggressive presence began to dominate the narrative, leading him to inspirational rises and subsequent hits in chip counts through tactical risks and exceptional plays.
As we advance towards Day 2, challengers such as Duco ten Haven, Steve O’Dwyer, and others are primed to make their mark as well, each bringing unique strategies and experiences to the tables.
What’s Next?
Day 2 enthusiasm is already palpable, with players eager to reconvene and witness how the late registrations will alter the playing field. Scheduled to begin on Thursday, October 17, at 12:30 p.m. local time, players will continue the competition, resuming at Level 9 with blinds at 3,000/6,000 and a 6,000 big-blind ante. With a 75-minute dinner break anticipated after Level 20, players can expect a fiercely competitive atmosphere as they strive to become the next high roller champion.
As more high-stakes participants are expected to join the table, the anticipation is set to amplify with each passing hour. Stay tuned as PokerNews continues to provide comprehensive coverage leading up to the crowning of this prestigious tournament’s champion!
