EPT Cyprus: The Quest for Glory in an Island Paradise
Last week, the stunning backdrop of the Mediterranean welcomed 1,284 poker enthusiasts from 70 different countries to the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa for the highly anticipated European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus. Players had their eyes set on a singular dream: to become the next EPT champion, a title that confers not only prestige but also substantial winnings.
As the tournament reached its climax, only six players remained to battle it out at the final table. The tension was palpable, and the stakes were higher than ever, with the prestigious Golden Shard EPT trophy and the staggering $1,030,000 top prize hanging in the balance. The final table is set to commence at 12:30 p.m. local time, promising an exciting showdown that will keep poker fans on the edge of their seats.
The Contenders: Chip Counts and Profiles
Leading the charge is Oliver Weis, a seasoned German pro who has dominated the tournament so far. With a staggering chip count of 18,505,000, Weis holds more than three times the chips of his nearest competitor. He has already made waves this year, winning the EPT Paris High Roller in February and racking up over $1.7 million in tournament winnings. A victory today would cement his position as a poker legend.
The final table chip counts highlight the diverse array of talent and backgrounds among the six finalists:
| 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 |
Mikhail Shalamov is the closest challenger to Weis with 6,050,000 chips. A notable poker streamer, Shalamov first gained fame by playing 40,000 hands in a single day and has a rich history in the game dating back to 2010. This marks his first appearance at an EPT final table, a significant milestone in his illustrious career.
Next up is Bobby James, representing the UK with a total of 5,215,000 chips. His journey to the final table has been anything but conventional—he started as the chip leader after Day 3 but faced some tough challenges by Day 4. Having already captured a Spadie trophy in the $1,000 8-Game event, James’s current run greatly exceeds his previous career winnings altogether.
The fourth player, Andriy Lyubovetskiy, is no stranger to high-stakes poker. With several titles under his belt, including two WSOP bracelets, he begins the final table with 3,295,000 chips. His extensive experience and skill set make him a formidable opponent.
Anton Wigg, the Swedish pro, is a name familiar to dedicated poker fans. A past EPT champion, Wigg seeks to become only the fourth player to win multiple EPT titles. Starting the final table in fifth place with 3,190,000 chips, he embodies both ambition and experience.
Georgios Tsouloftas, the only Cypriot at the final table, enters with a chip count of 2,255,000. His previous successes in various Merit Poker events and his recent performances in high-stakes tournaments suggest that anything is possible, and he aims to add an EPT title to his accolades.
A Look at Final Table Payouts
The final table isn’t just about glory; it’s also a lucrative endeavor. Here are the payouts each player will receive based on their finishing position:
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,030,000 |
| 2 | $642,300 |
| 3 | $459,000 |
| 4 | $353,100 |
| 5 | $271,400 |
| 6 | $208,720 |
The action at the final table is anticipated to commence with 69:54 remaining in Level 29, featuring blinds of 50,000-100,000 and a 100,000 big blind ante. Each remaining player is guaranteed a payout of $208,720, but their sights will be firmly planted on the $1,030,000 jackpot reserved for the champion.
The Road Ahead
The final table of EPT Cyprus will be streamed live on PokerStars’ YouTube and Twitch channels, providing viewers with a ringside seat to witness the unfolding drama of high-stakes poker. With updates every 30 minutes starting at 1 p.m., fans will get instant insights into the action as it happens.
As the final table begins, the palpable tension will give way to high-stakes decisions, strategic maneuvers, and nail-biting moments. In professional poker, every hand counts, and with only six players left, the road to becoming EPT champion is perilously narrow. Only one can ultimately lay claim to the title and join the elite ranks of poker champions.
Conclusion
With dreams of victory hanging in the balance and the pressures of competition weighing heavily, the stage is set for an unforgettable showdown at EPT Cyprus. Poker fans around the world will be watching as these talented players navigate the intricate web of strategy and psychology that defines this beloved game. In this paradise, there can only be one star who walks away with both the trophy and the riches that come along with it. Who will emerge victorious? Only time will tell.
