Anticipation Grows as the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus Approaches its Climax
The excitement surrounding the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus reaches new heights as the highly anticipated $5,300 EPT Main Event moves deeper into its thrilling rounds. After witnessing an impressive 1,284 entries, only 45 skilled contenders remain as the tournament resumes today at 12 p.m. EEST, held at the luxurious Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa.
The Resilience of Anton Wigg: A Former Champion in Contention
Among the standout players in this elite group is Anton Wigg, a notable presence with a rich history in the European Poker Tour. Wigg is the last remaining player in the field to have previously clinched the title of EPT Main Event champion, achieving this feat back in 2010 at EPT Copenhagen. His journey since then has included narrowly missing out on a final table appearance multiple times, with a heart-wrenching 14th place finish in Berlin in 2012 marking a significant near-miss.
Adding an interesting layer to his story, Wigg’s next best EPT finish occurred at the inaugural EPT Cyprus, where he exited in 18th position after a fateful flip late on Day 4. Today, Wigg starts Day 4 in a strong position, placing tenth in chips with a competitive stack of 1,195,000 chips. With his sights firmly set on a final table return, Wigg’s experience and skill may very well guide him to success in the remaining rounds.
The Leaderboard: Bobby James Sets the Pace
As the tournament unfolds, Bobby James leads the pack with an impressive chip count of 2,605,000. The player hailing from the United Kingdom has established himself as a formidable opponent throughout this festival, also securing a Spadie trophy for winning the $1,100 8-Game event earlier. James’ remarkable run on the Mediterranean coastline has included a 19th place finish in the Eureka Main Event and a 12th place in the High Roller.
Following closely behind is Damir Zhugralin from Kazakhstan with 2,410,000 chips, and another British player, Philip Joyce, who holds 2,175,000 chips. The competition is fierce, and the possibility of thrilling showdowns is high as the players navigate the complexities of tournament poker.
Top Ten Chip Counts
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bobby James | United Kingdom | 2,605,000 | 174 |
| 2 | Damir Zhugralin | Kazakhstan | 2,410,000 | 161 |
| 3 | Philip Joyce | United Kingdom | 2,175,000 | 145 |
| 4 | Daniel Jackson | United Kingdom | 1,560,000 | 104 |
| 5 | Lander Lijo | Spain | 1,490,000 | 99 |
| 6 | Roeland Peeks | Netherlands | 1,350,000 | 90 |
| 7 | Adrien Quetelart | France | 1,275,000 | 85 |
| 8 | Artsiom Lasouski | Belarus | 1,240,000 | 83 |
| 9 | Christopher Nguyen | Germany | 1,200,000 | 80 |
| 10 | Anton Wigg | Sweden | 1,195,000 | 80 |
Eager Eyes on the Table: Player Dynamics and Strategies
The dynamics at the table are as intense as ever, with two other players—Andrea Dato and Halil Tasyurek—who reached the final table in the previous EPT event also making their presence felt. Dato, who finished as the runner-up last time, and Tasyurek, who placed fourth, are well-equipped with tournament experience and strategies that could propel them into the later stages yet again.
As they prepare for today’s gameplay, both Dato and Tasyurek will look to leverage their knowledge from past performances in EPT events, as they currently rank well in chip counts, setting the stage for another competitive showdown.
The Plan for Day 4: What Lies Ahead
Play will recommence at noon, kicking off at Level 21 with blinds of 10,000/15,000 and a 15,000 big blind ante. Players must tactically navigate their chips with the average stack hovering close to 60 big blinds. The expectation is to continue play until only 16 players remain or for six levels, whichever comes first, with scheduled breaks after each level.
A significant elephantine prize pool of $6,227,400 means that all remaining 45 players are guaranteed a minimum payout of $18,240, whereas securing a spot at the final table will net players a minimum of $123,400. Victory will hold a lucrative champion’s prize of $1,030,000 along with the prestigious EPT trophy.
Live Updates and Following the Action
For those eager to stay updated, comprehensive coverage of the event will be available on PokerNews, along with cards-up coverage of the feature table on PokerStars’ live streaming channels, set to commence at 12:30 p.m. EEST.
Catch all the action as the EPT Cyprus caravan rolls on—competitors will battle it out, with dreams of championship glory within reach. Each decision made and each chip stacked brings us one step closer to crowning the next European Poker Tour champion.
Remaining Payouts
| Place | Prize | Place | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,030,000 | 12-13 | $60,900 |
| 2 | $642,300 | 14-15 | $50,760 |
| 3 | $459,000 | 16-17 | $42,280 |
| 4 | $353,100 | 18-20 | $36,740 |
| 5 | $271,400 | 21-23 | $31,940 |
| 6 | $208,720 | 24-27 | $27,780 |
| 7 | $160,500 | 28-31 | $24,160 |
| 8 | $123,400 | 32-39 | $20,980 |
| 9 | $94,940 | 40-45 | $18,240 |
| 10-11 | $73,100 |
Stay closely tuned with PokerNews to immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere of the EPT as champions rise and rivalries ignite!
