The Stage is Set for the 2024 PokerStars EPT Prague Finale
As the dust settles on the penultimate day of the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Prague €5,300 Main Event, only six players remain from the record-breaking field of 1,458 entries. With nearly €7 million in the prize pool, the remaining contenders are on the brink of claiming the prestigious EPT trophy and a life-changing €1,146,500 first-place prize.
The Journey to the Final Table
The road to this final showdown was fraught with challenges. The largest Main Event field in EPT Prague history witnessed the best and brightest fall over the past five exhilarating days. Each of the six players now guaranteed at least €233,050, has their eyes firmly fixed on the ultimate payday. As they prepare to battle it out for poker’s coveted title, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation.
Chip Leaders and Contenders
After an intense and drama-filled day at the felt inside the Hilton Prague, Paul Runcan emerged as the chip leader, maintaining his dominance throughout the day and finishing with an impressive 18,025,000 chips. His stack is nearly double that of his closest rival, Pedro Marques, who heads to the final table with 9,225,000 chips.
Final Table Seat Draw & Chip Counts
| Seat | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Siarhei Alontsau | Belarus | 3,150,000 | 21 |
| 2 | Paul Runcan | Romania | 18,025,000 | 120 |
| 3 | Anton Bergstrom | Sweden | 6,725,000 | 45 |
| 4 | Pedro Marques | Portugal | 9,225,000 | 62 |
| 5 | Barak Oz | Israel | 4,500,000 | 30 |
| 6 | Jaehyung Park | South Korea | 2,100,000 | 14 |
Runcan, who’s secured his career-best score with this final table finish, is keen to capitalize on his chip lead, aiming to secure what would be a significant victory after finishing ninth in a previous EPT deepstack event earlier this year. Meanwhile, Marques, a seasoned EPT veteran, enters this critical stage with ten final table appearances and two victories under his belt.
Notable Contenders
Another player drawing attention is Anton Bergstrom, who has the opportunity to make history by becoming the first-ever player to win three EPT Main Event titles. His previous victories in online events garnered him nearly $1.4 million, but now he seeks to clinch his first live Main Event trophy.
Barak Oz (4,500,000 chips), Siarhei Alontsau (3,150,000 chips), and Jaehyung Park (2,100,000 chips) are also in the mix, each battling to change their fortunes and mount a challenge against the chip leaders.
Day 5 Action Highlights
The intensity ramped up on Day 5, with 16 hopefuls returning to the felt. Runcan exhibited complete control from the outset, leading the pack as players navigated the tricky waters of high-stakes poker.
The tournament witnessed several lively eliminations, the first being Joshua McSwiney, whose ace-jack could not overcome Marques’ ace-queen. The day continued with more thrilling eliminations, including Georgios Vrakas, who fell prey to Runcan’s well-timed ace on the turn when he was initially ahead.
The final table bubble saw the drama reach new levels, ultimately culminating in the elimination of Vidar Oie, who missed advancing to the final nine after failing to beat Oz’s stronger hand.
A Dramatic Final Table
As Day 5 drew to a close, Runcan entered the final table with nearly twelve million chips, setting the stage for an unforgettable concluding battle. His closest rivals, including Marques and others, will have to navigate the rising stakes and intense pressure for the chance to claim their share of the nearly €7 million prize pool.
Remaining Payouts
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | €1,146,500 | ||
| 2 | €716,950 | ||
| 3 | €512,100 | ||
| 4 | €393,950 | ||
| 5 | €303,000 | ||
| 6 | €233,050 | ||
| 7 | Tjenno Eskes | Netherlands | €179,250 |
| 8 | Siegfried Kapeller | Austria | €137,900 |
| 9 | Danut Chisu | Romania | €106,050 |
The remaining six players will return on Sunday, December 15, at 12:30 p.m. to battle for the title, with every decision taking on immense significance as the competition heats up. Coverage will be live with a 30-minute delay on the official live stream.
Conclusion
As the stakes grow higher and the tension mounts, poker fans around the world eagerly await the thrilling conclusion. With seasoned veterans like Runcan and Marques, and the underdog narrative of Bergstrom, Oz, Alontsau, and Park, the final table promises to deliver an unforgettable showdown. Join PokerNews for comprehensive updates as we crown the new EPT Prague Main Event champion!
