PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus: Day 3 of the $5,300 EPT Main Event
The excitement surrounding the PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus is palpable as the tournament reaches its halfway point. After an exhilarating start, the $5,300 EPT Main Event is set to resume today at 12 p.m. EEST, marking the continuation of what has been a thrilling showcase of talent, strategy, and high-stakes competition.
The Current Landscape
With an impressive initial field of 1,284 players, the competition has significantly tightened, leaving only 144 players remaining. Contestants are gearing up to battle for their share of a staggering $6,227,400 prize pool, a testament to the allure of this prestigious event. As the action heats up, two players have emerged as frontrunners heading into Day 3: Fahredin Mustafov from Bulgaria, who commands a leading stack of 920,000 chips, and Ivan Zabiiakin from Russia, close behind at 915,000 chips. Rounding out the top three is Oliver Weis from Germany, holding 715,000 chips.
Top Chip Counts
The competition has seen some intense action, and here’s a quick look at the top ten chip counts as the tournament advances:
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fahredin Mustafov | Bulgaria | 920,000 | 184 |
| 2 | Ivan Zabiiakin | Russia | 915,000 | 183 |
| 3 | Oliver Weis | Germany | 715,000 | 143 |
| 4 | Damir Zhugralin | Kazakhstan | 705,000 | 141 |
| 5 | Shankui Li | China | 693,000 | 139 |
| 6 | Chakib Mhiri | Tunisia | 648,000 | 130 |
| 7 | Georgios Tsouloftas | Cyprus | 620,000 | 124 |
| 8 | Radoslav Stoyanov | Bulgaria | 575,000 | 115 |
| 9 | Boris Kuzmanovic | Croatia | 573,000 | 115 |
| 10 | Mohamad El Rais | Switzerland | 563,000 | 113 |
Prize Pool and Payout Structure
The stakes are incredibly high as every player remaining is guaranteed a minimum payout of $9,100, with a pay jump looming just one elimination away, which bumps the next payout to $10,460. The dream of walking away with the top prize of $1,030,000 and the coveted PokerStars trophy keeps competitors focused and driven.
Prize Breakdown
The following table outlines the payouts and prizes for the top positions:
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,030,000 |
| 2 | $642,300 |
| 3 | $459,000 |
| 4 | $353,100 |
| 5 | $271,400 |
| 6 | $208,720 |
| 7 | $160,500 |
| 8 | $123,400 |
| 9 | $94,940 |
| 10-11 | $73,100 |
| 12-13 | $60,900 |
| 14-15 | $50,760 |
| 16-17 | $42,280 |
| 18-20 | $36,740 |
| 21-23 | $31,940 |
| 24-27 | $27,780 |
| 28-31 | $24,160 |
| 32-39 | $20,980 |
| 40-55 | $18,240 |
| 56-71 | $15,880 |
| 72-95 | $13,820 |
| 96-119 | $12,020 |
| 120-143 | $10,460 |
| 144 | $9,100 |
Day 3 Dynamics
Day 3 promises to be a pivotal moment in the tournament. Starting the day, players will enter at blinds of 2,500/5,000 with a 5,000 Big Blind Ante. The plan is to play through five levels of play, gradually reducing the field as players fight for survival and a coveted spot at the final table.
To elevate the intensity, today marks the introduction of a shot clock, adding a new layer of excitement to the proceedings. Players will be allocated 15 seconds for their initial decisions and 30 seconds for subsequent moves, creating high-pressure moments that could dictate the course of the game. Each participant also begins with six time-bank cards, offering additional seconds for critical decisions.
Conclusion
As anticipation builds for Day 3 at the EPT Cyprus, players, fans, and enthusiasts alike are glued to the action. The combination of a robust field, high stakes, and the implementation of a shot clock guarantees a thrilling continuation of the tournament. As always, PokerNews will be your go-to for all updates from this high-stakes event, ensuring you don’t miss a minute of the exciting poker action unfolding in Cyprus.
Stay tuned for more updates, and may the best player win!
