The European Poker Tour Cyprus: A Showdown for the Crown
A week ago, the stunning backdrop of the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa became a battleground where poker skill met international talent. Over 1,284 players from 70 different countries gathered on this enchanting island, united by the singular aim of seizing the title of European Poker Tour (EPT) champion. As the event reaches its climax, we turn our attention to the final table, where six players will compete for the illustrious Golden Shard trophy and a top prize of $1,030,000.
The Road to the Final Table
The excitement escalates as the final six players prepare to take their seats at noon local time. Leading the charge is Oliver Weis, a German poker professional who has amassed a staggering chip count of 18,505,000. This commanding lead casts a shadow over his competitors, as he holds more than three times the chips of his closest rival. This year has already been noteworthy for Weis; he triumphed in the EPT Paris High Roller in February and has earned over $1.7 million. Winning the EPT Cyprus would culminate this success into an enviable achievement that eclipses all previous accolades.
Final Table Chip Counts
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oliver Weis | Germany | 18,505,000 | 185 |
| 2 | Mikhail Shalamov | Russia | 6,050,000 | 61 |
| 3 | Bobby James | United Kingdom | 5,215,000 | 52 |
| 4 | Andriy Lyubovetskiy | Ukraine | 3,295,000 | 33 |
| 5 | Anton Wigg | Sweden | 3,190,000 | 32 |
| 6 | Georgios Tsouloftas | Cyprus | 2,255,000 | 23 |
Weis’s primary challenge comes from Mikhail Shalamov, the 35th-ranked player in the world, who will start with 6,050,000 chips. With a rich history in poker, Shalamov gained fame for setting a world record by playing 40,000 hands in a single day. This is a significant moment for the Slovenian-based streamer, as he’s making his first appearance at an EPT final table.
Next in line is the UK’s Bobby James, whose path to the final table has been a wild ride. He was chip leader at one point, dipped down to a short stack, but now finds himself in a solid position with 5,215,000 chips. Having already secured a Spadie trophy in Cyprus earlier, his journey thus far has outshined his previous career winnings.
Notable Competitors
The experienced Andriy Lyubovetskiy is no stranger to high-stakes competition. With two WSOP bracelets and multiple online titles, he’s an intimidating presence at the table with his 3,295,000 chip stack. Following closely is Anton Wigg, a seasoned tournament player with an impressive resume, who aspires to become only the fourth player to win multiple EPT titles. He holds 3,190,000 chips and aims to capitalize on his experience.
Rounding out the final table is Georgios Tsouloftas, the only native Cypriot in the mix, starting with 2,255,000 chips. Tsouloftas brings a wealth of local support to the final table, having previously enjoyed success in various tournaments.
The Prize Pool Breakdown
Every remaining player is guaranteed a payout, but the thrill of the game lies in the chance for the grand prize of $1,030,000. Here’s how the payouts are structured:
| Place | Player | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Winner | $1,030,000 |
| 2 | Runner-Up | $642,300 |
| 3 | Third Place | $459,000 |
| 4 | Fourth Place | $353,100 |
| 5 | Fifth Place | $271,400 |
| 6 | Sixth Place | $208,720 |
| 7 | Anton Kraous | $160,500 |
| 8 | Andrea Dato | $123,400 |
As the blinds increase to 50,000-100,000 with a 100,000 big blind ante, the game becomes more intense. Players are not only focused on securing their share of the pot but also on the glory of being crowned an EPT champion.
Conclusion
With a massive prize on the line and the prestigious EPT title at stake, the final table promises to be a riveting showcase of skill and strategy. Poker enthusiasts around the globe can catch all the action streaming live on PokerStars’ YouTube and Twitch channels, with updates provided at 30-minute intervals. It’s a thrilling conclusion to a remarkable week, and only one player will emerge victorious to wear the crown of the European Poker Tour Cyprus champion.
Stay tuned as PokerNews follows the action, providing real-time updates until a champion is determined. Who will rise to the occasion and take home the coveted trophy? The tension is palpable; let the final showdown begin!
