Exciting Action on Day 2 of the $10,300 EPT High Roller at 2024 PokerStars EPT Cyprus
The second day of the highly anticipated $10,300 EPT High Roller at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus concluded at the stunning Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa. After an intense series of twelve 50-minute levels, the initial field of 215 players has been narrowed down to just 24, setting the stage for an exhilarating final day of competition.
Chip Leaders and Key Players
As the dust settled on Day 2, the formidable Steve O’Dwyer emerged at the top of the chip counts with a formidable stack of 2,235,000 chips. O’Dwyer, a poker legend known for his remarkable career and a cash record exceeding $44 million, is vying for an unprecedented eighth EPT trophy. His steady accumulation of chips throughout the day demonstrated his skill and poise under pressure.
Following closely behind O’Dwyer is Diogo Coelho from Portugal, who ended the day with 1,995,000 chips. Coelho demonstrated his prowess by consistently building his stack, notably with a crucial hand against Michel Molenaar, where his top pair held firm to push him closer to the two-million mark. Coelho is no stranger to success and is looking to complement his victory in the $2,200 Eureka High Roller earlier in the week, where he took home over $350,000.
Rounding out the podium is Shankui Li of China, who finished Day 2 with 1,725,000 chips. Li’s journey in this tournament has been impressive; he has already secured his two largest live cashes during this series and is now looking to make an impact with his first six-figure score in a major event.
Notable Eliminations and Day 2 Highlights
The action on Day 2 was nothing short of exhilarating, marked by dramatic eliminations and thrilling hands. Sonny Franco was the first to exit the tournament on this decisive day, and the pace of knockouts only increased from there. Notable players such as Dimitar Danchev, Artur Martirosian, Nicholas Palma, and Parker Talbot were eliminated before the first break, showcasing the fierce competition inherent in such a high-stakes event.
Despite early eliminations, players like Jessica Teusl surged into contention, climbing the ranks to challenge the leaders. The competition heightened as Niklas Astedt, a formidable presence throughout, rebounded from a setback against Aleksejs Ponakovs and maneuvered his way back into the top ten despite facing significant pressure.
Prize Pool and Structure
With a total of 455 entries, the tournament has generated a staggering $4,423,200 prize pool, with 63 places paid. The minimum cash of $18,300 offers a significant incentive for players to advance, while a coveted spot at the final table guarantees a payday of $92,400. The ultimate champion will walk away with an impressive payout of $865,700, a life-changing sum that adds an extra layer of intensity to the proceedings.
Looking Ahead: Day 3 Expectations
As players prepare for the final day of the EPT High Roller, they will return on Sunday, October 20, at noon local time with blinds at 10,000/25,000 and a 25,000 big blind ante. With only 24 players remaining and top-tier talent still in contention, the battles to come promise high-stakes strategies and thrilling confrontations.
The final day is set to be a nail-biter, drawing spectators from around the globe who eagerly anticipate who will emerge as the EPT High Roller champion. With the stakes this high, the excitement on the felt will undoubtedly reach new heights.
Stay tuned to PokerNews for live updates and in-depth analysis of this prestigious EPT event as we move closer to crowning the new champion.
