Oliver Weis Triumphs at the EPT Cyprus Main Event

The European Poker Tour (EPT) has long been a staple in the calendar of poker aficionados, and the latest edition was no exception. From September 13 to 22, 2024, the stunning Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino and Spa in Northern Cyprus played host to a thrilling showcase of talent, strategy, and high-stakes drama. As the dust settled on the 10-day festival of poker, Germany’s Oliver Weis emerged victorious from a record-breaking field of 1,284 entries, securing the coveted title and a life-changing $1,030,000.

A Record-Breaking Main Event

This year’s EPT Cyprus Main Event boasted a buy-in of $5,300, leading to a staggering total prize pool of $6.2 million. Among the competitors, only 191 players would leave with a profit. The journey to the final table was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing the best and worst of poker. As the stakes rose, the level of competition intensified, leading to exhilarating eliminations and dramatic moments.

The first major casualty at the final table was Timo Kamphues, who finished in ninth place after a nail-biting showdown. Kamphues pushed his ace-eight all-in against Oliver Weis’ jack-nine, but the board turned in Weis’ favor, ultimately contributing to a $94,940 payout for Kamphues.

Italian’s Jacks Lose to the Ladies

The pressure mounted as Italian player Andrea Dato became the eighth-place finisher while pitted against Weis. Dato called all-in with pocket jacks, but fate was not on his side as Weis held pocket queens. What followed was a bittersweet departure for Dato, who left with $123,400 in his pocket but a heart full of what-could-have-beens.

Bobby James Picked Off in Fifth

As the tournament progressed to its final phases, it became clear that the poker gods were favoring Weis. The next significant elimination came in the form of Bulgarian player Anton Kraous, who placed seventh, earning $160,500 after his king-jack was outmatched by Bobby James’ ace-jack.

With just six players left, Weis commanded a commanding chip lead with 18.5 million chips, leaving closest rival Bobby James in the shadows at 5.2 million. Nevertheless, James soon fell to fifth place after a tense confrontation with Georgios Tsouloftas, walking away with $271,400.

Heads-Up Action: A Battle for Glory

The final four comprised players from Germany, Cyprus, Russia, and Ukraine, igniting a fierce contest for the title. Ukrainian professional Andriy Lyubovetskiy fell in fourth place, earning $353,100, after his ace-deuce was no match for Weis’ two pair of tens and sevens.

As the final three battled it out, Weis faced a significant setback as Mikhail Shalamov busted in third place for $459,000, leaving Tsouloftas in a dominant chip position against Weis. With a 3:1 chip lead, the local favorite seemed primed for victory.

However, poker is as much about resilience as it is about luck, and Weis came out swinging. Despite falling behind five-to-one in chips, he systematically fought back, gradually gaining momentum and delivering a crucial blow to Tsouloftas during a pivotal hand where he picked off a big bluff.

The Final Hand: Weis Crowned Champion

The climax of the event was nothing short of spectacular. Tsouloftas, with king-deuce, pushed all-in, only to find Weis calling with a suited queen-seven. The flop came down 7-4-3, giving Weis the upper hand with top pair. A five on the turn and river sealed the deal, marking a triumphant victory for Weis.

As the chips were counted and cheers erupted in the casino, Oliver Weis celebrated his first-ever seven-figure payday and the title of EPT champion. Weis not only captured the ultimate poker accolade but also etched his name in history at one of the most prestigious poker events in Europe.

Conclusion: A Celebration of Poker

The EPT Cyprus Main Event was a resounding success, bringing together players from diverse backgrounds to compete in a spirit of camaraderie and rivalry. The Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino and Spa provided a perfect backdrop for this exhilarating event, affirming the EPT’s reputation as a premier destination for poker enthusiasts around the globe. With Weis’ victory, poker fans are already gearing up for what lies ahead in the next leg of the EPT tour.

Final Table Results

Headline photo by Manuel Kovscar for PokerStars, the home of the European Poker Tour.