Exciting Day 2 at the 2024 European Poker Tour Cyprus: Fahredin Mustafov Takes the Lead
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the Mediterranean landscape, another thrilling day of high-stakes poker reached its crescendo at the 2024 European Poker Tour Cyprus. Day 2 of the $5,300 EPT Main Event unfolded in the luxurious confines of the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa, where 144 hopeful players collected their chips, eagerly anticipating what lies ahead in this prestigious tournament.
Top of the Pack: Mustafov, Zabiiakin, and Weis
When the chips were counted at the end of play, Fahredin Mustafov from Bulgaria emerged as the chip leader, boasting an impressive stack of 920,000 chips. Close behind was Ivan Zabiiakin from Russia, who ended the day with 915,000, followed by Germany’s Oliver Weis with 715,000. This dynamic trio set the stage for an exhilarating Day 3 with stacks that not only suggested a strong hand but also a wealth of strategies ready to be employed.
Top Ten Chip Counts
| Place | 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 |
Day 2 Action: A Surge of Entrants
The excitement of Day 2 began at noon, with players still able to join the fray as registration continued until the day kicked off. 55 new entrants added to the competitive field, bringing the total entries of the Main Event to an impressive 1,284. A substantial prize pool of $6,227,400 was generated, with the eventual champion poised to take home a life-changing $1,030,000.
As the day began, 449 players took their seats, including notable champions such as Stephen Song, Ren Lin, and Aliaksei Boika. These shining names represented a mix of not only seasoned veterans but also fierce competitors hoping to carve their names into poker history.
A Day of Ups and Downs
The atmosphere inside the casino was electric, but not everyone found success. The illustrious poker pro Barny Boatman was among the first to exit the tournament, soon followed by other well-known names including Dimitar Danchev and Sam Grafton. Longing to join the ranks of the surviving players, they faced the harsh realities of the bubbling competition.
Among the shocking near-misses, Aliaksei Boika attempted to make a deep run but exited just shy of the money bubble, demonstrating the high stakes and volatile nature of tournament poker.
The Bubble Bursts: Tension Peaks
With the dinner break completed, the drama heightened as players faced deep anxiety on the bubble. The tension culminated for Samuel Fournier, who, after a fierce coin flip with pocket queens against Mihai Niste’s ace-king, found himself on the wrong side of variance. The board completed Niste’s flush, and Fournier exited in heartbreaking fashion as the bubble boy. The poker community collectively held its breath, but with the passing of this tense moment, the remaining 191 players secured their entries into the money.
Mustafov’s Climb: A Championship Aspiration
Following the bubble burst, Mustafov’s chip tower began to rise dramatically. With a particularly massive pot of nearly 800,000 in chips claimed with a full house against Ali Al-Kubasi, Mustafov exhibited the skill and composure that have characterized his previous successes, including two EPT titles already under his belt. Could this be his chance for a third?
Notable Exits and Final Hands
Among the other heartbreaks at the end of Day 2 included Hossein Ensan, Brandon Sheils, and Stephen Song, all formidable players who fell victim to the relentless field.
As preparations begin for Day 3, which reignites at 12 p.m. on October 17, players will face blinds at Level 16, set at 2,500/5,000 with a 5,000 big blind ante. With an average stack of 267,500, equivalent to 53 big blinds, strategic gameplay is crucial as players look to expand their stacks or take calculated risks.
Remaining Payouts
The potential payouts await those brave enough to navigate the treacherous waters of tournament poker. The top prize of $1,030,000 looms, along with substantial payouts for all positions through to 144th place.
As the players step back onto the felt, the stage is set for an epic Day 3 filled with emotion, strategy, and the relentless pursuit of victory. Tune into PokerNews for live updates as the stakes get higher, and dreams of poker glory hang in the balance.
