Final High-Stakes Showdown: $10,200 No Limit Hold’em at PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus
The vibrant atmosphere of the PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus reaches a crescendo as players converge at the luxurious Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa for the final high-stakes event of the series—the $10,200 No Limit Hold’em. With poker pros and enthusiasts alike taking their seats, anticipation fills the air.
Day 1 Recap: A Battle of Skill and Strategy
As the cards were dealt and the chips began to fly, a total of 64 entrants made their way to the felt in the hopes of claiming victory. The event unfolded over ten fast-paced levels, showcasing the skill and determination of the competitors. However, only 34 players advanced to Day 2, as the thrilling nature of this format saw registration still open until the start of play tomorrow. This creates an exciting possibility for even more sharks to enter the waters, vying for a coveted trophy in this esteemed EPT series.
Leading the Charge: Farid Jattin and Adrian Mateos
By the time Day 1 concluded, Farid Jattin emerged at the top with an impressive stack of 477,000 chips. The Colombian player has demonstrated remarkable aptitude in high-stakes tournaments, and he enters Day 2 as a formidable threat. Hot on his heels is Spain’s Adrian Mateos, a well-known name in the poker circuit with a stack of 425,000. These two players set the tone, with both showcasing not only skill but the ability to navigate the stormy waters of high-stakes poker.
Top Ten Chip Counts
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Farid Jattin | Colombia | 477,000 | 95 |
| 2 | Adrian Mateos | Spain | 425,000 | 85 |
| 3 | Nikita Kuznetsov | Russia | 406,000 | 81 |
| 4 | Mikalai Vaskaboinikau | Belarus | 364,000 | 73 |
| 5 | Fahredin Mustafov | Bulgaria | 360,000 | 72 |
| 6 | Marius Kudzmanas | Lithuania | 286,000 | 57 |
| 7 | Simone Andrian | Italy | 286,000 | 57 |
| 8 | Gregoire Auzoux | France | 254,000 | 51 |
| 9 | Aren Bezhanyan | Armenia | 254,000 | 51 |
| 10 | Chen Peng | China | 250,000 | 50 |
Among those still in the mix is Mikalai Vaskaboinikau, who bagged a healthy stack of 364,000. After a stellar performance earlier in the series—claiming the $50,000 Super High Roller for an impressive $601,397—he is undoubtedly a player to watch in this finale.
Rebuy Madness: The Gamble Intensifies
Day 1 was rife with action, not least because of the option for players to re-enter. A total of 14 re-entries were recorded, but two players stood out: Hassan Nashar and Vladimir Korzinin, both of whom took their chances by firing four bullets each. Their aggressive playstyle led to significant pots, showcasing the unpredictable nature of tournament poker.
Nashar found himself in a critical spot early in the day, going all-in with a king-six offsuit against Felipe Fontoura Ketzer’s king-jack suited. A spectacular five-card runout saw Nashar improve to a flush, sending him to an early double-up. Conversely, Korzinin, on the wrong side of a massive pot against Ren Lin, was eliminated momentarily but succeeded in bagging 90,000 chips after his fourth re-entry. Nashar ended the day with 249,000 chips, setting himself up for an exciting fight on Day 2.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect on Day 2
As the tournament progresses, play will resume on Sunday, October 20th, at noon local time. The action picks back up at Level 11 with blinds set at 2,000/5,000 and a 5,000 big blind ante. The atmosphere will undoubtedly be charged as players battle it out until one remains, with scheduled breaks—including a dinner break—at the discretion of tournament officials.
The PokerNews live reporting team will continue to provide coverage, ensuring that fans and followers feel the excitement of every pivotal moment. Stay tuned as the remaining players push their limits, striving for poker glory at this prestigious EPT series.
Conclusion
The $10,200 No Limit Hold’em at EPT Cyprus promises more than just high-stakes poker; it is a showcase of strategy, skill, and the unpredictability of tournament play. With big names like Jattin and Mateos sparring for supremacy, the anticipation for Day 2 is palpable. Who will emerge victorious? Stay close as the drama unfolds!
