EPT Cyprus: Oliver Weis Claims Championship Title Amid Intense Competition
The stunning backdrop of the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino and Spa in Northern Cyprus served as the perfect stage for the exhilarating 2024 European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus. For ten days, the atmosphere was electric as players from around the globe showcased their skills in high-stakes tournaments. The series culminated in a nail-biting finish in the EPT Main Event, where German professional Oliver Weis emerged victorious, outlasting contenders from eight different poker nations.
Record-Breaking Participation and Prize Pool
This year’s EPT Cyprus Main Event attracted a remarkable 1,284 entries, each paying a buy-in of $5,300, which culminated in a staggering prize pool of $6.2 million. Despite the hefty competition, only 191 players managed to walk away with a profit. Timo Kamphues, another German player, fell just shy of the final table, finishing in ninth place with a payout of $94,940. He went all-in with an ace-eight but faced elimination at the hands of Weis, who flipped over a jack-nine, turning the tide further in his favor.
A Dramatic Final Table: Italian Jacks Dismantled by Ladies
As the final table began to take shape, anticipation grew amidst the throngs of fans and spectators. The first major confrontation came when Italian player Andrea Dato found himself with pocket jacks. Unable to hold against Weis’ pocket queens—who also hit a queen on the flop—Dato was forced to exit the tournament in eighth place, leaving with $123,400. This initial setback set the tone as Weis continued to build an impressive stack, establishing himself as a formidable contender.
Bobby James, a well-known figure in the British poker scene, also faced early challenges. After outlasting a fierce battle with Bulgarian Anton Kraous, who ultimately finished in seventh place for $160,500, James moved all-in with king-queen but was outclassed by Georgios Tsouloftas’ ace-jack. With the board favoring Tsouloftas, James collected $271,400 as he exited in fifth place.
Grinding for Glory: Weis’ Tenacity Shines
As the thrilling battle continued, Ukrainian professional Andriy Lyubovetskiy fell in fourth place to Weis, whose aggressive style and intelligent play were on full display. Lyubovetskiy had gone all-in on a board showing T-5-4-7-2 but could not put away Weis’ ten-seven. With each elimination, Weis’ momentum was palpable, leading him into what would become an epic showdown.
Entering three-handed play, Weis’ chip lead brought confidence. However, he later experienced a dip, dropping to third in chips momentarily. But during this time, he showcased resilience, demonstrating the mettle that champions are made of. As we progressed, Russian Mikhail Shalamov met his end in third place after clashing with Tsouloftas. Shalamov’s ace-seven couldn’t compete against the Cyprus pro’s ace-ten, catapulting Tsouloftas into a commanding 3:1 chip lead.
The Final Showdown: From Underdog to Champion
Weis had to dig deep as he found himself at a staggering 5:1 chip disadvantage against Tsouloftas. However, the German was unfazed; he skillfully navigated the high-pressure environment and turned the tables dramatically. After successfully calling a big bluff and increasing his stack, Weis climbed to an 80% chip advantage.
The final clash arrived when Tsouloftas went all-in with king-deuce against Weis’ suited queen-seven. A stroke of fortune came Weis’ way as the flop revealed a seven, giving him the lead. The board completed with a five on both the turn and river, sealing his fate as the EPT Cyprus champion. Weis, with the triumph, secured his first-ever seven-figure payout, a well-deserved reward for a performance marked by skill and fortitude.
Final Table Results Summary
The tournament concluded with a engrossing final table, showcasing remarkable talent from various countries. Here are the results from the EPT Cyprus Main Event:
| Position | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Oliver Weis | Germany | $1,030,000 |
| 2nd | Georgios Tsouloftas | Cyprus | $642,300 |
| 3rd | Mikhail Shalamov | Russia | $459,000 |
| 4th | Andriy Lyubovetskiy | Ukraine | $353,100 |
| 5th | Bobby James | United Kingdom | $271,400 |
| 6th | Anton Wigg | Sweden | $208,720 |
| 7th | Anton Kraous | Bulgaria | $160,500 |
| 8th | Andrea Dato | Italy | $123,400 |
The EPT Cyprus at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino and Spa will be remembered not only for the stunning location but for the intense competition that the final table delivered. Oliver Weis can now add his name to the illustrious list of EPT champions, marking a significant milestone in his professional poker career. With the conclusion of this thrilling event, the poker community eagerly anticipates the next epic showdown in the tour.
