Guo Liang Wei Triumphs at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus
In an exhilarating conclusion to the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus, Guo Liang Wei emerged as the champion of the $3,000 Mystery Bounty event. After battling through a staggering field of 894 competitors, Wei claimed not only the coveted title but also a substantial prize of $265,972. His victory was celebrated in front of a spirited crowd at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa, where the atmosphere was electric.
The Road to Victory
Just a week before his monumental win, Wei found himself in a challenging position, finishing sixth in the $1,100 Eureka Main Event, earning him $78,770. This near miss fueled his determination as he entered Day 3 of the Mystery Bounty event. His performance was nothing short of stellar, as he surpassed his previous tournament records, demonstrating both resilience and exceptional skill.
Final Table Results
The final table showcased an impressive lineup of talent. Below are the results from this thrilling conclusion:
| Rank | Player | Country | Prize | Bounties Won | Total Winnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Guo Liang Wei | China | $265,972 | $10,000 | $275,972 |
| 2 | Boris Kolev | Bulgaria | $166,330 | $4,000 | $170,330 |
| 3 | Matthias Lipp | Austria | $118,810 | $161,000 | $279,810 |
| 4 | Valeriu Rosca | Romania | $91,390 | $4,000 | $95,390 |
| 5 | Nicolae Paunescu | Romania | $70,310 | $7,000 | $77,310 |
| 6 | Karen Nazarian | Russia | $54,090 | $8,000 | $62,090 |
| 7 | Marius Kudzmanas | Lithuania | $41,590 | $4,000 | $45,590 |
| 8 | Uladzimir Zhyharau | Belarus | $31,990 | $49,000 | $80,990 |
| 9 | Ryhor Karapanau | Latvia | $24,610 | $13,000 | $37,610 |
Unraveling the Mystery: Bounty Action
The excitement ramped up significantly on Day 2 with the introduction of mystery bounty tokens. Players were eager to eliminate opponents not only for the standard prize pool but also to snatch up lucrative bounties, starting with a minimum prize of $1,000 for each knockout. Tension filled the air as players vied for three top bounties—each worth an astounding $75,000.
Alik Zazian was the first player to clinch one of these top bounties, although he exited in 116th place for a payout of $3,400. Meanwhile, Matthias Lipp turned heads by capturing two $75,000 bounties, significantly adding to his total winnings.
Day Three: A Battle for Supremacy
Day Three of the tournament quickly evolved into a high-stakes battleground. With the largest bounties already claimed, the focus zoomed in on the final table. Players faced off intensely, leading to significant exits that shaped the outcome, including seasoned high-stakes player Morten Klein, who finished in 13th place, demonstrating the competitive nature of the event.
As the final table progressed, Nicolae Paunescu seized an early advantage, knocking out Ryhor Karapanau and setting the stage for further eliminations. The pressure intensified as players fought for their place, but it was ultimately Guo Liang Wei who was poised for victory.
Final Showdown
Heads-up play commenced with Wei boasting a commanding chip lead against Boris Kolev. The tension was palpable as Kolev, a formidable opponent, quickly doubled up, tightening the competition. However, the endgame saw Wei secure victory after a series of strategic plays. With just one hand to decide the championship, Wei’s king-queen triumphed over Kolev’s king-four, earning him not only the title but the final mystery bounty token.
A New Champion Emerges
Guo Liang Wei’s victory at the EPT Cyprus marks a significant achievement in his poker career—his first EPT win and a testament to his skill, persistence, and strategic prowess. As the new champion celebrated with his friends and supporters, the poker world looked on, eager to see what the next chapter holds for this rising star in professional poker. With his recent success, Guo Liang Wei has established himself as a player to watch in future tournaments.
