Action-Packed Day 2 at the $3,000 Mystery Bounty of the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus
As the sun set along the Mediterranean shores of Cyprus, the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa was abuzz with excitement. Day 2 of the much-anticipated $3,000 Mystery Bounty tournament unfolded, showcasing an incredible display of poker prowess. Starting with 305 players, the field dramatically dwindled down to a mere 15 by the day’s close, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to this unique event.
The Bubble Bursts
The tension was palpable as the day progressed, culminating in a nail-biting bubble burst. A total of 128 players were slated to make the money, but the anticipation quickly turned into heartbreak for two competitors: Lukas Zaskodny and Fabian Schmidt. Both players bust just shy of the payout, splitting a small min-cash, which, while a relief, proved nothing compared to the fortunes that awaited those who persevered.
Zhyharau Takes the Lead
When the dust settled on Day 2, it was Belarusian player Uladzimir Zhyharau who emerged triumphantly as the chip leader with a staggering stack of 4,920,000 chips. Zhyharau’s remarkable journey was marked by skillful play; he began the day as the chip leader and reinforced his dominance by doubling up with pocket tens, decisively taking a substantial portion of Krum Polihronov’s stack. His ability to navigate tricky hands allowed him to build momentum throughout the day.
Despite some notable challenges, Zhyharau maintained his position with expert tactical choices, including a successful showdown with pocket eights against Aren Bezhanyen. With his eyes set on his largest-ever cash in live tournament history, the atmosphere around Zhyharau was filled with anticipation and excitement.
Close Competition
The competition remains fierce, particularly with Ryhor Karapanau sitting just behind Zhyharau, securing second place with 3,225,000 chips. Karapanau made quite the impression towards the day’s end, eliminating several players including Konstantin Voronin in 23rd and Henok Tekle in 21st place, showcasing his solid tournament acumen.
Another remarkable competitor is Nicolae Paunescu, who wrapped up Day 2 in third place with 3,020,000 chips. The top tier of the leaderboard is rounded out by Marius Kudzmanas in fourth and Matthias Lipp, who has already made headlines with his hunt for Mystery Bounty prizes, in fifth with 2,325,000 chips.
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 Thrill of the Mystery Bounty
Adding excitement to this poker spectacle is the Mystery Bounty format, where players can earn significant prizes simply by eliminating their opponents. Introduced at Level 15, bounty tokens transformed the tournament atmosphere. The stakes heightened dramatically with the announcement of three top prizes of $75,000 and several other notable amounts.
Alik Zazian set off the bounty frenzy, claiming the first $75,000 prize during the bubble phase, though he eventually finished in 116th place for a payout of $3,400. The wildest cheers echoed through the room when Matthias Lipp claimed not one, but two $75,000 prizes, elevating his bounty winnings to more than even the second-place payout at this stage in the tournament.
Remaining Payouts and Future Outlook
With substantial amounts already claimed, the remaining payouts offer considerable incentives for the remaining players. As Day 3 approaches, the atmosphere shifts from the bounty frenzy to a more traditional freezeout format, focusing on strategy and stack management. The total prize pool of $1,509,072 promises exciting rewards, with the grand prize for the eventual champion set at $265,972.
Remaining Payouts
| Place | Prize | Place | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $265,972 | 8 | $31,990 |
| 2 | $166,330 | 9 | $24,610 |
| 3 | $118,810 | 10-11 | $19,800 |
| 4 | $91,390 | 12-13 | $16,490 |
| 5 | $70,310 | 14-15 | $13,750 |
| 6 | $54,090 | 16 | $11,950 |
| 7 | $41,590 |
Day 3 will resume with blinds at 25,000/50,000, and players will return from a 15-minute break with nearly 30 big blinds on average. The game’s intensity is sure to elevate as narrowed competition leads to an exciting conclusion.
Stay tuned to PokerNews for live updates and in-depth coverage as the action unfolds in this thrilling event. With fortunes on the line and plenty of strategic play ahead, all eyes are on Cyprus in anticipation of crowning the next PokerStars European Poker Tour champion.
