Day 2 of the $50,000 Super High Roller: Adrian Mateos Takes Center Stage at EPT Cyprus
Some days, you’re the predator; other days, you’re the prey. This sentiment perfectly encapsulated Day 2 of the prestigious $50,000 Super High Roller at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus. After a bumpy start that saw him firing three bullets to stay afloat, Adrian Mateos emerged as the top contender, skillfully navigating through a seasoned field of competitors.
From Short Stack to Chip Leader
Mateos commenced Day 2 with one of the shortest stacks among the remaining players. However, in a demonstration of expert poker acumen, he began to churn his chips, turning the tide in his favor. Contrary to his shaky Day 1 performance where several players seized his chips, Day 2 saw a revitalized Mateos feast his way through the competition, stealing the spotlight and ultimately securing the chip lead as the day drew to a close.
As the dust settled, only six players remained of the original 47 entries, all vying for the coveted trophy and the hefty top prize of $786,570. The finalists had already guaranteed themselves a substantial payday, with a minimum cash of $159,600 after the bubble burst on the very last hand of the evening.
A Final Table of Elite Contenders
Joining Mateos at the live-streamed final table are some of the brightest stars in the poker constellation, including:
- Roman Hrabec from Czechia
- Mikalai Vaskaboinikau from Belarus
- Artur Martirosian from Russia
- Alexander Zubov from Russia
- Jamil Wakil from Canada
The stage is set for an exhilarating showdown among these titans, each holding the potential to walk away with life-changing sums.
2024 EPT Cyprus $50,000 Super High Roller Seat Draw
Here’s the seating arrangement for the final table:
| Seat | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alexander Zubov | Russia | 625,000 | 13 |
| 2 | Adrian Mateos | Spain | 5,175,000 | 104 |
| 3 | Roman Hrabec | Czechia | 2,630,000 | 53 |
| 4 | Artur Martirosian | Russia | 2,235,000 | 45 |
| 5 | Mikalai Vaskaboinikau | Belarus | 660,000 | 13 |
| 6 | Jamil Wakil | Canada | 425,000 | 9 |
Thrilling Moments from Day 2
The action-packed atmosphere of Day 2 was punctuated by several memorable hands, including instances where luck and strategy collided brilliantly. The prize pool swelled to an impressive $2,279,970, driven by eleven new entries and high-octane gameplay.
Player casualties included notable figures like Dimitar Danchev, Ognyan Dimov, and Juan Pardo, who were swept aside by the relentless tide of competition. After an intense early struggle, Spain’s Vicente Delgado, who began Day 2 as the chip leader, was eventually dethroned following a significant confrontation with Hrabec.
A Defining Hand
The pivotal moment came when Hrabec faced off against Nikita Kuznetsov in a dramatic three-bet situation. Hrabec cold four-bet with pocket tens, and when Kuznetsov pushed all-in with ace-king, it transformed into a high-stakes showdown. While an ace hit the flop, the turn and river revealed tens, gifting Hrabec a rare quads and propelling him into a formidable chip position.
In another thrilling memory, Mateos showcased his own prowess by doubling up against Delgado with a set of tens before bursting through the ranks with strong hands. A decisive encounter between Delgado and Mateos involved pocket kings for Mateos, culminating in a king hitting the turn that gave him a powerful advantage, leaving him in a strong position with a third of all chips in play heading into the final table.
The Final Table Action Ahead
As the tournament prepares for its grand conclusion, the first notable confrontation of the final table is anticipated. Vaskaboinikau and Daniel Rezaei found themselves in a tense showdown involving pocket pairs and all-ins, capturing the laser focus of the viewers as chip counts fluctuated and fortunes transformed.
The stakes couldn’t be higher: every player is guaranteed a six-figure payday, but the lure of the championship and the lion’s share of the prize pool drives the intensity further.
Conclusion: What’s Next?
Day 3 of the Super High Roller promises to be a thrilling culmination of skill, strategy, and drama as the six finalists reconvene for the live-streamed final table at 12:30 p.m. local time. With 41:19 minutes left in Level 18, the blinds set at 25,000/50,000 and a 50,000 big blind ante, viewers can expect a masterclass in poker tactics.
Payouts will be as follows:
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1 | $786,570 |
| 2 | $513,000 |
| 3 | $353,400 |
| 4 | $262,200 |
| 5 | $205,200 |
| 6 | $159,600 |
As always, stay tuned to PokerNews for the latest updates and the biggest stories from EPT Cyprus. The stage is set, the players are ready, and the anticipation is electric. Who will rise to claim the title?
