The European Poker Tour Cyprus: A Thrilling Finale Awaits
Last week, the serene island of Cyprus transformed into a bustling hub for poker enthusiasts as 1,284 players from 70 different countries gathered at the luxurious Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa. Each participant harbored aspirations of becoming the next champion of the European Poker Tour (EPT), a prestigious title in the world of poker. As the final table approaches, six players remain, eagerly vying for the coveted Golden Shard EPT Trophy and a staggering $1,030,000 top prize.
The Final Table: A Lineup of Poker Prodigies
The final showdown is set to begin at 12:30 p.m. local time, where stakes are high and the pressure is palpable. Leading the charge is Oliver Weis, a well-acclaimed German poker professional who boasts an impressive chip lead of 18,505,000 chips. This remarkable total is more than three times that of his nearest competitor. Weis has already made headlines this year by securing a victory at the EPT Paris High Roller back in February, earning over $1.7 million in tournament winnings. However, lifting the trophy in Cyprus would mark a monumental highlight in his professional poker career.
Final Table Chip Counts
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oliver Weis | Germany | 18,505,000 | 185 |
| 2 | Mikhail Shalamov | Russia | 6,050,000 | 61 |
| 3 | Bobby James | United Kingdom | 5,215,000 | 52 |
| 4 | Andriy Lyubovetskiy | Ukraine | 3,295,000 | 33 |
| 5 | Anton Wigg | Sweden | 3,190,000 | 32 |
| 6 | Georgios Tsouloftas | Cyprus | 2,255,000 | 23 |
A Competitive Field
Weis’s closest challenger, Mikhail Shalamov, enters the fray with 6,050,000 in chips. Originally from Russia and now based in Slovenia, Shalamov is no stranger to the poker circuit. His claim to fame came 15 years ago when he set a record for playing 40,000 hands in a single day. Known previously as “innerpsy”, he was a Team PokerStars Online pro and continues to thrive as a popular streamer with nearly 90,000 subscribers on Twitch. Notably, this is Shalamov’s first appearance at an EPT final table.
Next in line is the UK’s very own Bobby James, who has had a tumultuous journey to the final table. After being the chip leader at the end of Day 3, he faced a significant setback on Day 4, plummeting to a short stack. However, with 5,215,000 chips, he finds himself positioned in the middle of the pack now. James is no novice; he has already claimed a Spadie trophy in Cyprus, winning the $1,000 8-Game event earlier in the series.
Notable Contenders
Andriy Lyubovetskiy, a seasoned Ukrainian player, enters the final table aiming to add an EPT trophy to his collection, which already includes multiple WCOOP and SCOOP titles alongside two WSOP bracelets. He begins the final table in fourth place with 3,295,000 chips.
Anton Wigg stands on the brink of history as he seeks to add another EPT title to his resume. Having clinched the EPT Copenhagen Main Event in 2010 at just 23 years old, Wigg now sits at 3,190,000, fighting for a position among the elite to have won multiple EPT championships. Only a few players, including poker icons like Victoria Coren Mitchell and Mike Watson, have managed to accomplish this feat.
Wrapping up the final table is Georgios Tsouloftas, the only native Cypriot to reach this stage. Although he holds the short stack with 2,255,000, Tsouloftas has a wealth of experience, boasting cashes in Merit Poker events and strong finishes in previous tournaments, including a recent third-place finish in a WSOP Europe event last month.
Payout Structure: The Stakes Are High
As the final table kicks off, all remaining players are guaranteed at least $208,720, but the focus will undoubtedly be on the grand prize of $1,030,000.
Final Table Payouts
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,030,000 | ||
| 2 | $642,300 | ||
| 3 | $459,000 | ||
| 4 | $353,100 | ||
| 5 | $271,400 | ||
| 6 | $208,720 | ||
| 7 | Anton Kraous | Bulgaria | $160,500 |
| 8 | Andrea Dato | Italy | $123,400 |
The action is set to resume with 69:54 remaining in Level 29, with blinds at 50,000-100,000 and a 100,000 big blind ante. Audiences can follow the action live on PokerStars’ YouTube and Twitch channels, with updates provided on a 30-minute delay to synchronize with the stream.
Conclusion: The Road to Championship
As this high-stakes tournament unfolds, anticipation builds among players and spectators alike. Six players remain, but only one can claim the title of EPT champion today. With riveting moments, strategic play, and the thrill of competition, the final showdown at the European Poker Tour Cyprus promises to be a spectacle that no poker fan will want to miss.
Stay tuned as PokerNews will provide updates on every pulse-quickening hand until a champion is crowned in this exciting tournament!
