The 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus: The Race Towards Glory
As the sun rises on the beautiful Mediterranean coastline, the atmosphere at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa is electric. The 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus is approaching its grand finale, and excitement continues to build around the $5,300 EPT Main Event. With 45 contestants returning to action today from an initial field of 1,284 entries, each player is just a stone’s throw from poker infamy and, significantly, thousands in cash.
Features of Day 4
Play resumes today at 12 p.m. EEST, starting at Level 21 with blinds set at 10,000/15,000 and a 15,000 big blind ante. The average stack is hovering around 60 big blinds, allowing for strategic play and potential shifts in momentum. As the players gear up for another intense day of poker, the aim is to play until just 16 players remain or six levels are completed—whichever comes first. Players will be taking breaks after each level, ensuring they stay refreshed and focused as they navigate through pots, bluffs, and all-in scenarios.
Players to Watch
While all eyes will be on the overall leaderboard, one name that resonates deeply within the poker community is Anton Wigg. The former EPT Main Event champion from Sweden holds the 10th largest chip stack with 1,195,000 chips. Wigg last raised the EPT trophy in 2010 when he triumphed at EPT Copenhagen. Since then, he’s come tantalizingly close to reclaiming a final table seat but has yet to find the breakthrough he seeks. Ironically, Wigg’s best finish at this very venue saw him exit in 18th place during the inaugural EPT Cyprus—will today be different?
Alongside Wigg, two players from last year’s final table—Andrea Dato and Halil Tasyurek—are also making their mark in the tournament. Dato famously finished as runner-up last year, while Tasyurek claimed an impressive fourth place. Today, both will want to convert their past experiences into success and fight their way back to yet another final showdown.
Top Contenders
Currently, the leader of the pack is Bobby James from the United Kingdom, who boasts a staggering chip count of 2,605,000. James has been on a roll during this event, also finishing 19th in the Eureka Main Event and 12th in the High Roller competition earlier in the festival. His recent victory in the $1,100 8-Game for $11,200 and the accompanying Spadie trophy further amplify his confidence as he navigates today’s play.
He’s followed closely by Damir Zhugralin from Kazakhstan, holding 2,410,000 chips, and the United Kingdom’s Philip Joyce, who has amassed 2,175,000 chips. This trio represents just a fraction of the excitement on display, as players continue to battle it out for supremacy at the felt.
Prize Pool and Payout Structure
The $6,227,400 prize pool means that the stakes couldn’t be higher. Each of the remaining 45 players is guaranteed to leave with at least $18,240. However, for those who dream of grandeur, the path leads to a potential reward worth $1,030,000 for the eventual champion. The distinction of claiming the EPT trophy accompanies this hefty prize, adding prestige to the winnings for any poker aficionado.
Below is the payout structure for the remaining positions:
| Place | Prize | Place | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,030,000 | 12-13 | $60,900 |
| 2 | $642,300 | 14-15 | $50,760 |
| 3 | $459,000 | 16-17 | $42,280 |
| 4 | $353,100 | 18-20 | $36,740 |
| 5 | $271,400 | 21-23 | $31,940 |
| 6 | $208,720 | 24-27 | $27,780 |
| 7 | $160,500 | 28-31 | $24,160 |
| 8 | $123,400 | 32-39 | $20,980 |
| 9 | $94,940 | 40-45 | $18,240 |
| 10-11 | $73,100 |
The Road Ahead
As play kicks off, viewers and fans around the world can catch all the action with cards-up coverage on PokerStars’ live streaming channels starting at 12:30 p.m. EEST. PokerNews will also provide live updates to keep fans informed throughout the day.
With the anticipation of a nail-biting showdown and the goal of becoming EPT Champion on the minds of 45 hopefuls, the climax of the 2024 EPT Cyprus promises to deliver extraordinary moments, strategic plays, and potentially life-changing outcomes. Stay tuned as this thrilling event unfolds, with each contestant hoping that today could be their day to shine. The chase for the title has never been more intense!
