Thrilling Finale Expected at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus
As the sun rises on October 20, anticipation looms in the air at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa in Cyprus. Today marks the final day of the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT), where the tension and excitement will culminate in the highly competitive $10,300 EPT High Roller event. With a staggering $865,700 waiting for the champion, the stakes are higher than ever before.
A Glorious Tournament Comes to a Close
This year’s EPT Cyprus has witnessed an impressive turnout with 456 entries, resulting in a colossal prize pool of $4,423,200. Out of these, only 63 places have earned a slice of the bounty, meaning that everyone who returns today has secured at least $30,600. However, all eyes will inevitably be on the top prize, as these seasoned players look to cement their legacy by capturing the coveted EPT High Roller title.
The Contenders: Profiles of the Finalists
The remaining field is a veritable who’s who of poker talent, offering an electrifying mix of established superstars and rising stars. Steve O’Dwyer, an all-time great hailing from Ireland, leads the pack with a commanding stack of 2,235,000 chips. O’Dwyer’s career spans numerous prestigious victories, establishing him as one of the most formidable players in the game.
In close pursuit is Diogo Coelho, a Portuguese player boasting 1,995,000 chips, who is also looking for a repeat triumph after recently snagging the $2,200 Eureka High Roller for over $350,000. With both O’Dwyer and Coelho occupying the top spots, it sets the stage for a tantalizing head-to-head duel.
The Standout Stars
Feared opponents such as Niklas Astedt from Sweden and Andras Nemeth from Hungary, who each have historical success in EPT events, will also make their mark in the final showdown. Astedt is known not only for his aggressive tactics but also for his ability to read the game, and Nemeth’s impressive resume as a three-time EPT trophy winner places him as another formidable adversary for O’Dwyer.
Top Ten Chip Counts at the Start of Day 3
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Steve O’Dwyer | Ireland | 2,235,000 | 89 |
| 2 | Diogo Coelho | Portugal | 1,995,000 | 79 |
| 3 | Shankui Li | China | 1,725,000 | 69 |
| 4 | Andras Nemeth | Hungary | 1,550,000 | 62 |
| 5 | Stoyan Madanzhiev | Bulgaria | 1,370,000 | 54 |
| 6 | Lars Kamphues | Austria | 1,335,000 | 53 |
| 7 | Niklas Astedt | Sweden | 1,200,000 | 48 |
| 8 | Adrian Cazacu | Romania | 1,000,000 | 40 |
| 9 | Jelle Moene | Netherlands | 915,000 | 36 |
| 10 | Sebastian Malec | Poland | 910,000 | 36 |
Payouts Awaiting the Finalists
As the players re-enter the arena, they will be gunning for the significant rewards laid out for the final placements. Below is a snapshot of the payouts on offer:
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1 | $865,700 |
| 2 | $540,700 |
| 3 | $386,200 |
| 4 | $297,000 |
| 5 | $228,500 |
| 6 | $175,800 |
| 7 | $135,200 |
| 8 | $110,900 |
| 9 | $92,400 |
| 10-11 | $77,000 |
| 12-13 | $64,200 |
| 14-15 | $53,500 |
| 16-17 | $46,500 |
| 18-20 | $40,400 |
| 21-23 | $35,200 |
| 24 | $30,600 |
Gameplay Resumes at 50-Minute Levels
Today’s action will restart with Level 23, featuring blinds at 10,000/25,000 and a big blind ante of 25,000. The players are not just competing for monetary gain; the esteemed title of EPT High Roller champion is within reach, providing the ultimate motivation to dig deep and play their best.
With the stakes as high as they are, viewers can expect a day filled with intense plays, strategic maneuvers, and potentially game-altering decisions. The remaining players will each showcase their unique strengths, promising a nail-biting finish to the 2024 EPT Cyprus High Roller event.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the final day of the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus presents an exciting array of poker mastery, grit, and relentless ambition. As players return to the felt, the question remains: who will rise to claim not just the cash, but the glory of being the tournament champion? Stay tuned to PokerNews for live updates and coverage all day long, as history is set to unfold in real-time at the tables of Cyprus.
