Oliver Weis Commanding the Final Stage of the 2024 EPT Cyprus Main Event
As the excitement builds around the 2024 European Poker Tour (EPT) in Cyprus, German pro Oliver Weis enters the final stages of the EPT Cyprus Main Event with an impressive chip lead. With only six players remaining and a grand prize of $1,030,000 on the line, Weis holds a commanding advantage, boasting nearly 50% of the chips in play. This promising position places him among the favorites to win, but with esteemed competitors like two-time WSOP bracelet winner Andriy Lyubovetskiy and 2010 EPT Copenhagen champion Anton Wigg still in contention, the final round promises to be intensely competitive.
The Stakes and Setting
Play will resume this Sunday at the Merit Royal Hotel & Casino, Cyprus, at 12:30 p.m. local time, with viewers able to catch the live action streamed with hole cards up on PokerStars’ channels. The culmination of the event will not only crown a new champion but also extend a remarkable streak of seven consecutive EPT winners who will hit the seven-figure cash mark—a significant highlight in poker tournament history.
Oliver Weis: The Chip Leader
Weis, who resides in Grenzach-Whylen, Germany, brings a wealth of experience to the felt. Currently holding 18,505,000 chips (185 big blinds), Weis’s journey has been one of notable achievements over the past year. His most significant victory came in early 2024 when he claimed his first million-dollar cash at EPT Paris in a €10,300 High Roller event, alongside a first-place finish in Jeju, South Korea.
With a lifetime earnings surpassing $2.1 million, Weis’s strong performance in the EPT Cyprus Main Event symbolizes a potential breakout moment, further solidifying his status in the poker world. Notably, he remains the only player left with a previous seven-figure cash, which further hints at his capability under pressure.
The Competitors
While Weis enjoys a favorable position, the competition remains fierce. Below are the other contenders, each with unique strengths and experiences that could challenge the chip leader’s journey to victory.
Mikhail Shalamov – 6,050,000 (61 BB)
At 37, Shalamov has made his mark primarily in online poker, with a few notable live performances, including a run in the 2010 WSOP Main Event. With his current chip count, he must capitalize on every opportunity to leapfrog Weis in the standings.
Bobby James – 5,215,000 (52 BB)
A newcomer to live tournaments, 34-year-old Bobby James has shown promise, transitioning from online play to live events. Despite comparatively less experience, he has already established himself by winning an 8-Game event during this EPT festival.
Andriy Lyubovetskiy – 3,295,000 (33 BB)
Lyubovetskiy’s impressive resume includes two WSOP gold bracelets and significant success in high roller events. The 33-year-old Ukrainian is no stranger to high-stakes situations and poses a formidable threat to Weis’s lead.
Anton Wigg – 3,190,000 (32 BB)
The Swedish pro has accumulated nearly $5 million in lifetime earnings, making him the most experienced player remaining in the tournament. Wigg previously won the EPT Copenhagen in 2010 and aims to join a rare group of players with multiple EPT titles.
Georgios Tsouloftas – 2,255,000 (23 BB)
As the local pro from Limassol, Tsouloftas has the home-field advantage. His past success at the Merit Mediterranean Poker Cup, where he won over $264,000, adds to the overlapping tensions between home advantage and high-stakes pressure.
Conclusion: A Dynamic Showdown Awaits
With Sunday marking the climactic end of the EPT Cyprus Main Event, viewers can expect an exhilarating display of skill, strategy, and fierce determination. Oliver Weis’s impressive chip lead offers him an edge, but the challenges posed by the remaining five players cannot be undersold. Each player brings their own history and ambition to the table, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown. Will Weis successfully navigate the complexities of tournament play to secure his place as the EPT Cyprus champion, or will another contender rise to the occasion in a thrilling finale? This is a moment of poker that cannot be missed.
