The Countdown to Glory: 2024 European Poker Tour Cyprus Main Event Final Table
As the sun sets over the Mediterranean at the stunning Merit Royal Diamond Hotel and Spa, a captivating drama is unfolding in the world of poker. After an intense week of thrilling gameplay, the 2024 European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus is nearing its grand finale. Out of a remarkable 1,284 entrants for the $5,300 Main Event, only six players remain, each vying for a coveted title and a staggering top prize of $1,030,000.
A Championship on the Horizon
Tomorrow, the final six will reconvene to face off in a showdown that promises to be filled with tension, strategy, and high stakes. The atmosphere is electric as players prepare not only to fight for the impressive trophy but also for the glory that comes with being crowned the EPT Main Event Champion.
Among the finalists, Oliver Weis has emerged as the undeniable frontrunner with an astounding chip lead of 18,505,000 — more than three times ahead of his closest competitor, Mikhail Shalamov, who sits with 6,050,000 chips. Weis’ phenomenal run this year has fueled his confidence, and he remarked, “It would be amazing to cap the year off with another win. Last year was not so good, so hopefully, I can reach the ultimate goal of winning an EPT Main Event.”
Meet the Final Table Contenders
As anticipation builds for the final showdown, let’s take a closer look at the players who have overcome countless obstacles to reach the final table:
| Seat | Player | Country | Chips | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mikhail Shalamov | Russia | 6,050,000 | 61 |
| 2 | Bobby James | United Kingdom | 5,215,000 | 52 |
| 3 | Oliver Weis | Germany | 18,505,000 | 185 |
| 4 | Georgios Tsouloftas | Cyprus | 2,255,000 | 23 |
| 5 | Anton Wigg | Sweden | 3,190,000 | 32 |
| 6 | Andriy Lyubovetskiy | Ukraine | 3,295,000 | 33 |
Recap of Day 5 Action
Day 5 of the tournament brought about fierce competition, reducing the field from sixteen players to just six. Early on, Boris Tabiyev, struggling with a short stack, was eliminated after an unfortunate encounter, running his king-seven into Philip Joyce’s flush. The momentum shifted as Marta Miquel Munoz fell victim to Bobby James‘s pocket kings, marking yet another chapter in the ongoing challenge for female representation in EPT Main Event victories, a quest that has remained elusive for over a decade.
The action heightened as the chips began to fly, with Eleftherios Sinnos and Halil Tasyurek both falling shortly after, further thinning out the pack. Weis’ rise was spectacular; a strategic bluff against Tsouloftas set the stage for his domination, capping off the day with critical elimination after critical elimination that would ultimately secure his commanding lead.
Final Table Highlight Reel
The final table was a sight to behold, with Andrea Dato making history by becoming the ninth player to reach back-to-back final tables in the same EPT event. However, his luck dwindled when his pocket aces were cracked by Shalamov’s pocket sevens. A series of eliminations ensued, with Timo Kamphues being the first casualty, followed by Dato himself, finishing in eighth place after a brutal clash against Weis.
As players were eliminated, the focus turned to the remaining competitors, with Kraous fighting valiantly but eventually succumbing to James’ ace-jack. Such is the ebb and flow of poker, where fortunes can shift in an instant with a single hand.
Final Table Payouts
The stakes have never been higher, with substantial payouts awaiting those who survive the final showdown. Below are the payouts for the final table:
| 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 | $160,000 |
| 8 | Andrea Dato | Italy | $123,400 |
| 9 | Timo Kamphues | Germany | $94,940 |
Looking Ahead
As we draw closer to the culmination of the 2024 EPT Cyprus Main Event, the final table will resume Sunday, October 20, at 12:30 p.m. local time. With just under 70 minutes left in Level 29, featuring 50,000/100,000 blinds and a 100,000 big-blind ante, every decision will carry immense weight.
The next EPT Main Event Champion is on the cusp of being crowned, and the world awaits as PokerNews prepares to deliver extensive coverage until the final hand is dealt. It’s an exhilarating time in the poker realm, where strategy, skill, and a bit of luck converge for a chance at fame and fortune.
