Thrills and Skill at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus: Day 1 of the $10,300 EPT High Roller
The atmosphere at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus has been buzzing with excitement and suspense, as it consistently attracts elite players from around the world looking to test their skills against the fiercest competition. Today marked a significant event in this much-anticipated series: the $10,300 EPT High Roller.
A Packed House
The Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa was nothing short of electric as a total of 405 players entered the fray on Day 1 of this prestigious tournament. As the first ten 60-minute levels unfolded, it became clear that the competition would be fierce, with only 164 players making it through to the next day.
This tournament exemplifies high-stakes poker, where every decision could mean the difference between soaring to riches and exiting the tournament in disappointment. With players representing numerous countries, the diversity of styles and strategies added another intriguing layer to the games today.
Parahat Nurmuhammedov Takes the Lead
After a gripping Day 1, Parahat Nurmuhammedov emerged as the chip leader, ending the day with an impressive stack of 524,000. This remarkable performance allows him to enter Day 2 with a staggering 349 big blinds — a dominant position indeed. Following closely behind him is Germany’s Berthold Winz with 391,000 chips and Ray Qartomy representing the United States securely in third with 378,000.
Nurmuhammedov’s success in this tournament is noteworthy: while his live tournament earnings are just shy of $100,000, he has had a promising start in this EPT series with two cashes already under his belt. This newfound momentum could very well set the stage for a breakthrough in his EPT success history.
End of Day 1 Top 10 Chip Counts
The intensity of the competition is reflected in the end-of-day rankings, which highlight the skill and preparation of the participating players. Below is a summary of the top chip counts following Day 1:
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Parahat Nurmuhammedov | Turkmenistan | 524,000 | 349 |
| 2 | Berthold Winz | Germany | 391,000 | 261 |
| 3 | Ray Qartomy | USA | 378,000 | 252 |
| 4 | Simeon Spasov | Bulgaria | 324,000 | 216 |
| 5 | Umberto Ruggeri | Italy | 314,500 | 210 |
| 6 | Aleksei Gortikov | Russia | 310,500 | 207 |
| 7 | Nichan Khorchidian | Lebanon | 306,000 | 204 |
| 8 | Boris Kuzmanovic | Croatia | 286,000 | 191 |
| 9 | Xiaosheng Zheng | China | 276,000 | 184 |
| 10 | Belarmino De Souza | Brazil | 268,000 | 179 |
Star Players in the Mix
Among the formidable roster, we saw legendary players competing at a high standard. Notably, Roberto Romanello, a seasoned player with nearly $5 million in career earnings, ended Day 1 with a stack of 231,500. His experience is crucial to thriving in EPT events, especially given his historic win at the EPT Prague Main Event back in 2011, where he bagged $640,000.
Other notables who progressed to Day 2 included Jelle Moene (218,500), Steve O’Dwyer (198,500), and EPT Barcelona Champion Stephen Song (156,000). These players’ reputations and skills add fierce competition and drama as the tournament unfolds.
Not Everyone is Lucky
The tournament, however, isn’t without its share of heartbreak. Some prominent names were unable to make it through Day 1, including Fintan Hand, Teun Mulder, and Mustapha Kanit. Nevertheless, with the option for reentry available, many players are likely to return for another chance at glory when the action resumes.
Looking Ahead to Day 2
As the dust settles on Day 1, players will return tomorrow for another day filled with strategic gameplay. The action will pick up at 12:30 p.m. local time, with Level 11 starting at blinds of 1,000/1,500 and a 1,500 big blind ante. Players and fans alike will be eager to see how the unfolding drama plays out as the competition continues until a champion is crowned.
Tune in to PokerNews for ongoing coverage of this thrilling event and all other happenings during the 2024 EPT Cyprus stop. The stakes are high, and the excitement is palpable—who will emerge victorious? Stay tuned to find out!
