Excitement Builds for Day 1b of the PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus $5,300 Main Event
As the sun rises over the stunning landscapes of Cyprus, anticipation fills the air at the luxurious Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa. Today marks Day 1b of the highly anticipated PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus $5,300 Main Event, where the stakes are high, and the competition fierce.
Recap of Day 1a’s Thrilling Action
Day 1a set the stage for what promises to be an electrifying tournament. A remarkable 474 players took their seats, vying for a shot at a coveted title. Out of this packed field, only 106 players emerged unscathed, ready to advance to Day 2. Leading the pack after the first day’s play was the talented Kirill Shcherbakov, who amassed an impressive chip count of 284,000. Not far behind, Ren Lin and the 2024 EPT Barcelona champion Stephen Song each secured their places in the limelight with chip counts of 264,500 and 261,500, respectively.
Top Ten Chip Counts from Day 1a
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kirill Shcherbakov | Russia | 284,000 |
| 2 | Ren Lin | USA | 264,500 |
| 3 | Stephen Song | USA | 261,500 |
| 4 | Yevhen Pavlenko | Ukraine | 253,000 |
| 5 | Ahmed Abdellatif | Australia | 249,000 |
| 6 | Sergei Varnaev | Russia | 248,500 |
| 7 | Ivan Zabiiakin | Russia | 233,000 |
| 8 | Fahredin Mustafov | Bulgaria | 222,000 |
| 9 | Rongshan Li | China | 215,000 |
| 10 | Artsiom Lasouski | Belarus | 210,000 |
The day also saw some of poker’s elite comfortably progress, including the world’s number one online player, Niklas Astedt (186,000), and PokerStars ambassadors such as Sam Grafton (106,000) and Barny Boatman (48,000). Their impressive performances have set a high bar for the players entering today’s action.
The Stage is Set for Day 1b
As Day 1b unfolds, the expectation is palpable. With the defending champion, Gilles Simon, returning for another shot after a disappointing exit on Day 1a, the stakes are even higher. His comeback story will undoubtedly draw the attention of both fans and competitors as he attempts to reclaim his title.
Structure and Schedule
Players participating in Day 1b can look forward to a structured day that includes ten one-hour levels, starting with blinds at 100/100 and a 100 ante. Each contestant begins with a stack of 30,000 chips, with breaks scheduled every two levels and a longer 75-minute dinner break after Level 6. Participants have the opportunity for a single re-entry across both Day 1 flights, ensuring that those who feel their chances slipping away have a second opportunity to make their mark. Late registration will remain open until the start of Day 2.
This structured approach ensures that players remain engaged and competitive, making for a riveting environment that captures the essence of high-stakes poker.
Follow the Action Live
With the excitement building, there’s no better way to keep up with the tournament than through live updates. PokerNews will provide real-time coverage from the tournament floor, bringing readers the latest developments, notable hands, and player interactions as they unfold throughout the day.
As the players prepare to enter the battlefield, the question remains: who will rise to the occasion and make a push for the top? With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers in the lineup, Day 1b of the PokerStars EPT Cyprus Main Event is sure to deliver an unforgettable showdown.
Stay tuned for more updates, and may the best player win!
