The Excitement of the Eureka Main Event: Final Table Countdown at the EPT Cyprus
After a thrilling week of competition at the PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus, the Eureka Main Event has reached its climax. What began with a staggering 2,803 entrants has now been whittled down to the final eight players who will vie for the coveted title and a handsome prize pool of $2,662,850. With Yuan Xu leading the charge with 15,100,000 chips, the stage is set for an unforgettable conclusion to this high-stakes tournament.
The Final Table Line-Up
As the tension mounts, here are the eight players who have made it to the final table, along with their chip counts and positions:
| Rank | Player | Country | Chips | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yuan Xu | China | 15,100,000 | 38 |
| 2 | Samuel Fournier | France | 13,725,000 | 34 |
| 3 | Guoliang Wei | China | 12,350,000 | 31 |
| 4 | Aleksandr Razinkov | Russia | 11,125,000 | 28 |
| 5 | Frederick Anastasiades | Cyprus | 11,050,000 | 28 |
| 6 | Leo Worthington-Leese | United Kingdom | 10,775,000 | 27 |
| 7 | Recep Aydemir | Turkey | 7,550,000 | 19 |
| 8 | Alexey Badulin | Russia | 2,400,000 | 6 |
Yuan Xu, an EPT newcomer, is making headlines not only for his chip lead but also for achieving his largest cash prize ever in live poker—regardless of how he finishes in this final showdown. He is poised to secure the first-place prize of $386,210 if he can hold off the talented competition.
Recap of Day 3 Action
The third day of the tournament was action-packed, with intense competition leading to the elimination of numerous players. Among the early casualties were notable players such as Michael Wang (51st for $5,780), Martin Zamani (39th for $6,660), and Marle Spragg (35th for $6,660). Notably, Spragg, the last standing American, faced a tough beat running pocket jacks into pocket kings to end her run.
Entering Day 3 as the chip leader, Marian Virlanuta faced early adversity and lost significant chips in critical confrontations. Eventually, his luck ran out as he exited in 29th place with a payout of $7,670 after a clash with Lavrentiy Ni.
The Standout Players
One of the most prominent figures of the day was Andrey Pateychuk, the former EPT Sanremo champion, who began strong but also faced setbacks. He ultimately finished in 14th place for $19,120, showcasing the unpredictability of tournament poker where even seasoned professionals can fall short.
As the day progressed, eliminations slowed, particularly with ten players remaining. The tension was palpable as competitors were highly aware of the significant pay jumps available and the stakes associated with reaching the final table.
What’s Next: The Final Stretch
The remaining players will return to the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa at 12 p.m. local time to continue their battle for the title. The action will recommence on Level 35, with blinds set to 200,000/400,000 and a 400,000 big blind ante. The format of the tournament gives a nod to strategic play, ensuring that every decision will count as players navigate through the escalating blinds.
Final Table Payouts
The stakes couldn’t be higher, with the following payouts at the final table:
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $386,210 | ||
| 2 | $241,290 | ||
| 3 | $172,060 | ||
| 4 | $132,120 | ||
| 5 | $101,390 | ||
| 6 | $78,770 | ||
| 7 | $60,850 | ||
| 8 | $46,600 | ||
| 9 | Lavrentiy Ni | Kazakhstan | $35,840 |
As the players prepare to return to the felt, fans and poker enthusiasts around the globe will be eagerly watching the action unfold.
Conclusion
The final table of the Eureka Main Event at the EPT Cyprus promises to be an electrifying climax to an already storied tournament. With Yuan Xu sitting at the top of the chip counts and a talented field closing in, viewers can expect high-stakes decisions, emotional moments, and possibly a new champion crowned before the night is over.
Stay tuned to PokerNews for live updates and coverage as the drama continues in this exciting conclusion to one of Europe’s premier poker events!
