Thrilling Action on Day 2 of the $3,000 Mystery Bounty at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus
The excitement reached new heights on Day 2 of the $3,000 Mystery Bounty event at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa, part of the renowned 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus. With a starting field of 305 players, the day unfolded with pulse-pounding action, ultimately concluding with just 15 players remaining.
The Money Bubble Bursts
As the day progressed, anticipation filled the air as players approached the money bubble. Tension soared before eventually breaking when Lukas Zaskodny and Fabian Schmidt both met their exits simultaneously, leaving them sharing the min-cash. The bubble burst officially allowed a total of 128 players to walk away with a portion of the prize pool, igniting the competitive spirit and raising the stakes even further.
Leading the Charge: Uladzimir Zhyharau
By the close of Day 2, Uladzimir Zhyharau from Belarus emerged as the chip leader, boasting an impressive stack of 4,920,000 chips. Starting the day strong, Zhyharau quickly established his dominance, doubling his stack with pocket tens against fellow competitor Krum Polihronov late in the day. To solidify his lead, Zhyharau’s pocket eights found themselves in a favorable position against Aren Bezhanyen, propelling him further into an enviable chip position.
While the path was not devoid of obstacles, Zhyharau’s performance stood out as nearly flawless. With aspirations of securing his biggest cash prize ever in live tournament poker, his gameplay has placed him in a prime position moving forward.
The Chase: Competitors Close Behind
Trailing Zhyharau is Ryhor Karapanau, who finished with a compelling 3,225,000 chips after dispatching several players in the final lap of the day. Karapanau’s strategic eliminations included notable players such as Konstantin Voronin in 23rd and Henok Tekle in 21st, showcasing his prowess and determination.
Adding to the excitement, Nicolae Paunescu also crossed the 3 million chip mark, securing a close third place with 3,020,000 chips. Meanwhile, Marius Kudzmanas and Matthias Lipp rounded out the top five, ensuring that the competition remains fierce heading into Day 3.
Here’s a look at the end of Day 2 chip counts:
| Position | Player | Country | Chips | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uladzimir Zhyharau | Belarus | 4,920,000 | 98 |
| 2 | Ryhor Karapanau | Latvia | 3,225,000 | 65 |
| 3 | Nicolae Paunescu | Romania | 3,020,000 | 60 |
| 4 | Marius Kudzmanas | Lithuania | 2,735,000 | 55 |
| 5 | Matthias Lipp | Austria | 2,325,000 | 47 |
The Allure of Mystery Bounty
What sets this tournament apart from traditional formats is the tantalizing element of the Mystery Bounty. Players have the chance to win bounties simply by eliminating their opponents. At Level 15, the bounty tokens came into play, with three top prizes of $75,000 and additional envelopes of varying values.
The first player to snag one of the $75,000 prizes was Alik Zazian, who celebrated his fortune as he pulled the envelope during the bubble. Ultimately finishing 116th and pocketing $3,400, Zazian’s lucky break will remain a highlight of his tournament run.
Moments later, Matthias Lipp made headlines by uncovering a $75,000 prize, only to follow that with the shocking revelation of pulling yet another identical bounty. His joyous reactions echoed across the tournament floor, emphasizing just how game-changing these bounty prizes can be. Lipp currently holds a strong position with a solid stack of 2,325,000 chips, looking to make a deep run himself.
Remaining Payouts
With the most significant Mystery Bounty prizes already claimed, Day 3 promises to unfold with increased tension reminiscent of a freezeout format. A staggering $1,509,072 has already gone to payouts, and players are vying for the remaining prize pool, ensuring that the struggle for dominance will heat up as the final stages approach.
Remaining Payouts:
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1 | $265,972 |
| 2 | $166,330 |
| 3 | $118,810 |
| 4 | $91,390 |
| 5 | $70,310 |
| 6 | $54,090 |
| 7 | $41,590 |
| 8 | $31,990 |
| 9 | $24,610 |
| 10-11 | $19,800 |
| 12-13 | $16,490 |
| 14-15 | $13,750 |
| 16 | $11,950 |
Looking Ahead to Day 3
With Day 3 set to resume at midday local time, players will return to the felt with blinds at 25,000/50,000, alongside a 50,000 big blind ante. No dinner break is scheduled, ensuring that players maintain their focus as they aim for the coveted top spots.
Anticipation builds as players prepare for a potentially rapid and furious race to the final table. Will Uladzimir Zhyharau maintain his lead and claim victory? Or will one of the formidable challengers rise to dominate the competition?
Tune in to PokerNews for real-time updates and coverage as the tournament heads into its decisive stages.
