Day 2 Highlights: $10,300 EPT High Roller at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus
The excitement reached new heights on Day 2 of the $10,300 EPT High Roller at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus, hosted in the luxurious setting of the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa. With a starting field of 215 entries, the day culminated in an intense battle that saw the player count winnow down to just 24 competitors, all vying for their share of a hefty prize pool.
A Dazzling Field of Players
The day unfolded with high stakes, featuring many of the world’s elite poker players, which added to the intensity of the action. Players such as Steve O’Dwyer, Diogo Coelho, and Shankui Li made significant waves throughout the day, showcasing their skill and resilience in a format that demanded both patience and aggression.
Leading the Charge: Steve O’Dwyer
As the dust settled at the end of the day, it was Steve O’Dwyer who emerged at the top of the chip counts, amassing a formidable stack of 2,235,000 chips. O’Dwyer, a seasoned veteran and 13th in the worldwide all-time money list with over $44 million in live tournament earnings, is looking to secure his eighth EPT trophy—a feat that would further cement his legacy in the poker world.
Following closely behind was Diogo Coelho from Portugal, who ended the day with 1,995,000 chips. Coelho has already tasted victory earlier in the week, winning the $2,200 Eureka High Roller for over $350,000. His ascent during Day 2 was marked by crucial hands, including a notable top pair that held against Michel Molenaar, propelling him closer to the two-million mark.
Rounding out the podium was China’s Shankui Li, who closed Day 2 with a healthy stack of 1,725,000. Li has also made headlines at this event, having already secured two of his biggest live cashes earlier in the series.
The Day’s Action Unfolds
The day started with a total of 215 entries after 51 players opted for late registration. This brought the total prize pool to a staggering $4,423,200, with 63 places guaranteed to pay out. Every player is guaranteed a minimum cash of $18,300, while reaching the final table will ensure a payday of at least $92,400; the eventual champion will walk away with an impressive $865,700.
The action was relentless, with players rapidly falling by the wayside. Notable eliminations included Sonny Franco as the first casualty of the day, followed by other heavyweight players such as Dimitar Danchev, Artur Martirosian, and PokerStars Ambassador Parker Talbot, who all exited without making a deep run.
Despite a host of eliminations, the excitement was palpable as chip leaders from Day 1, such as Parahat Nurmuhammedov and Ray Qartomy, maintained their positions early on. Jessica Teusl also made significant strides toward the top of the leaderboard, while Niklas Astedt faced mixed fortunes, experiencing both setbacks and successes as he maneuvered his way through the field.
The Bubble Bursts
After a competitive day marked by strategic play and high tension, the bubble phase commenced after dinner. Players were on edge, knowing that they needed to outlast their rivals to secure a cash payout. Unfortunately for EPT Barcelona Main Event champion Stephen Song, his tournament ended in heartbreak as he exited the event after his pocket kings were cracked, leaving him empty-handed.
With the bubble bursting, players such as Roberto Romanello and Ray Qartomy exited with minimum payouts. The day closed with several more eliminations that helped shape the final 24 players set to return for Day 3.
Looking Ahead to Day 3
As the players gear up for the last day of action starting at noon local time on October 20, they will resume play at Level 23 with blinds at 10,000/25,000 and a 25,000 big blind ante. The tension will undoubtedly escalate as competitors compete for the much-coveted EPT High Roller trophy and a substantial prize.
Stay tuned to PokerNews for in-depth coverage of what promises to be a thrilling finale as the battle for poker glory continues. Who will emerge from this elite field to claim not just the trophy, but a significant place in poker history? Only time will tell, but excitement is undoubtedly in the air!
