German Oliver Weis on the Brink of Victory at EPT Cyprus Main Event
As the dust settles on the vibrant scenes of the Merit Royal Hotel & Casino in Cyprus, six skilled players are left standing in a gripping battle for the title of champion at the 2024 European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus Main Event. Leading the charge is Germany’s Oliver Weis, who commands a remarkable chip lead with nearly 50 percent of the total chips in play as the tournament approaches its thrilling conclusion. With highly esteemed competitors such as 2010 EPT Copenhagen champion Anton Wigg breathing down his neck, the final clash promises to be nothing short of spectacular.
The Pathway to Potential Glory
Entering the final six-handed play, Weis holds an impressive 18,505,000 chips (185 big blinds), a significant cushion against his competitors. With his previous experience in high-pressure tournament settings—most notably a seven-figure cash of $1,050,978 from the EPT Paris earlier this year—Weis is in a prime position to secure his first major title at an EPT Main Event.
However, the road to success is fraught with challenges. Weis must keep an eye on formidable adversaries. Andriy Lyubovetskiy, a two-time WSOP bracelet winner and veteran high roller, is among those planning to thwart Weis’s quest for glory. Alongside Lyubovetskiy are seasoned players such as Mikhail Shalamov, Bobby James, and Georgios Tsouloftas, each plotting their own strategies to surge ahead in this high-stakes showdown.
A Historical Overview
On Sunday, the EPT Cyprus Main Event will culminate with the crowning of its champion, marking the eighth consecutive EPT Main Event champion earning a seven-figure payday. As established in previous events, this trend underscores the growing prestige and competitive spirit of the EPT circuit.
Weis emerged with the chip lead after an incredible journey through the earlier stages of the tournament. Starting on Day 1 with 112,500 chips, he has steadily climbed each subsequent day—including a powerful performance on Day 4 when he finished with 4,540,000 chips (2nd overall)—culminating in his current position heading into the final showdown.
The Remaining Contenders
Each of the remaining players brings invaluable experience and unique bios to the table:
1. Mikhail Shalamov – 6,050,000 (61 BB)
Originally from Russia, Shalamov has carved a niche in online poker, gaining fame as a streamer and holding a world record for online hands played in a day. With a limited but impactful live tournament history, a solid finish at EPT Cyprus could significantly boost his earnings and reputation.
2. Bobby James – 5,215,000 (52 BB)
James is relatively new to live poker, but has already shown promise with multiple cashes in mixed games, including a notable run at the EPT Cyprus festival. He’s on the rise as he looks to build momentum and capitalize on newfound opportunities.
3. Andriy Lyubovetskiy – 3,295,000 (33 BB)
With two WSOP titles under his belt and an impressive live tournament record, Lyubovetskiy is a seasoned pro. He is capable of remarkable comebacks and could leverage his immense experience to topple Weis.
4. Anton Wigg – 3,190,000 (32 BB)
The 2010 EPT Copenhagen champion is determined to add a second EPT title to his resume. With substantial career earnings, Wigg is driven to seize the moment and reclaim his spot among poker’s elite.
5. Georgios Tsouloftas – 2,255,000 (23 BB)
As the local favorite, Tsouloftas has demonstrated remarkable resilience, advancing to this point from a short stack. His prior successes in Cyprus add a motivating factor to outperform the competitive field in front of a home crowd.
Final Thoughts
As play resumes in the early afternoon on Sunday, all eyes will be on Weis, who seeks to convert his chip advantage into a championship belt and a substantial payday of over $1 million. The stakes are monumental not only for Weis but also for the other players, each vying for poker’s most coveted accolade—the title of EPT Main Event champion.
For poker enthusiasts and fans worldwide, the tension of the EPT Cyprus Main Event’s final table will be available to stream live with hole cards revealed on PokerStars’ channels. The confirmations of skill, strategy, and luck will unfold, showcasing why EPT events remain cornerstones of the global poker landscape.
