The Exciting Finale of the PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus
A week ago, a staggering 1,284 players from 70 countries converged on the picturesque shores of Cyprus, drawn together by dreams of poker glory at the prestigious PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT). The setting was the lavish Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa, where players clashed in hopes of becoming champions in a contest not just of cards, but of strategy, skill, and nerve.
The Road to the Final Table
As the dust settled on the multi-day event, six players emerged to claim their seats at the coveted final table set to take place at 12:30 p.m. local time. The anticipation is palpable as these players vie for the Golden Shard EPT trophy and a life-changing top prize of $1,030,000. The final showdown promises thrilling poker action and dynamic strategies as each player looks to go all-in for fortune and fame.
The Chip Leader: Oliver Weis
Leading the pack is Oliver Weis, a renowned German pro with an impressive chip stack of 18,505,000, more than three times that of his closest competitor. Weis’s journey this year has been remarkable; not only did he bag the EPT Paris High Roller title in February, but he’s already banked over $1.7 million in winnings prior to this event. Capturing the EPT Cyprus trophy would not only amplify his accolades but would also mark a significant pinnacle in his illustrious career.
Final Table Contenders
The competition at the final table is fierce, featuring an array of talent from around the globe:
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Mikhail Shalamov from Russia, who now operates out of Slovenia, sits second with 6,050,000. Known for his record-breaking achievement of playing 40,000 hands in a single day, Shalamov made a name for himself as an online poker star and streamer, holding nearly 90,000 subscribers on Twitch. This marks his first appearance at an EPT final table despite years of impressive cashes.
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In third place is the UK’s Bobby James, who has had a rollercoaster of a tournament thus far, fluctuating between chip leader and short stack over the past few days. With 5,215,000 in chips, James has already secured a Spadie trophy in Cyprus and is eager to enhance his burgeoning career winnings.
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Ukrainian veteran Andriy Lyubovetskiy enters fourth with 3,295,000. Already adorned with multiple WCOOP and SCOOP titles as well as two WSOP bracelets, he hopes to etch his name into EPT history with a win.
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Next up is Anton Wigg from Sweden, who sits fifth with 3,190,000. Wigg made headlines in 2010 as a young prodigy when he won the EPT Copenhagen Main Event. If he can capture the title again today, he would join the elite club of players with multiple EPT victories.
- Rounding out the final table is Georgios Tsouloftas, representing Cyprus. The local favorite enters as the short stack with 2,255,000. Tsouloftas has been a formidable player in Merit Poker events since 2017 and is looking to clinch a major victory on home soil.
The Stakes: Final Table Payouts
As the final table begins, all players are assured of at least $208,720, but everyone’s eyes are set firmly on the prestigious $1,030,000 first-place prize. Here’s how the payouts stack up:
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,030,000 | ||
| 2 | $642,300 | ||
| 3 | $459,000 | ||
| 4 | $353,100 | ||
| 5 | $271,400 | ||
| 6 | $208,720 |
The Action Unfolds
The climax of this thrilling poker saga begins as the final table resumes with 69:54 remaining in Level 29, featuring blinds of 50,000-100,000 and a 100,000 big blind ante. The tension in the room is electric as players position themselves for a shot at poker glory.
For fans unable to attend in person, the final table will be live-streamed on PokerStars’ YouTube and Twitch channels, allowing spectators worldwide to witness the thrilling action unfold in real-time.
Conclusion: One Champion Awaits
As the day progresses, one question looms large: who will emerge as the champion of the 2023 EPT Cyprus? With skill, strategy, and a touch of luck playing key roles, the stage is set for an unforgettable showdown. PokerNews will be on the ground delivering updates as the drama unfolds, ensuring fans stay engaged as the journey culminates in determining the next European Poker Tour champion.
In the end, only one can claim the title, while the dreams of the others will serve as fodder for the next annual gathering of the world’s finest poker players.
