Day 1b of the European Poker Tour Cyprus Main Event: Highlights and Key Moments
An exhilarating atmosphere enveloped the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa as poker enthusiasts gathered for Day 1b of the European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus Main Event. The day welcomed an impressive surge of 755 entrants, driving the total to a whopping 1,229 players, and with late registration open until the start of Day 2, the excitement is poised to escalate further.
Viktor Ustimov Takes the Lead
As dusk settled and the final hand was dealt, Russian player Viktor Ustimov emerged as the overall chip leader, amassing a formidable stack of 379,000 chips. Ustimov’s journey was marked by strategic plays, showcasing his poker acumen as he navigated through ten levels of competitive play. Notably, in a pivotal moment, Ustimov made a calculated decision to call a bluff in a massive pot, which solidified his leading position entering Day 2, giving him a comfortable cushion of 30 big blinds ahead of his closest competitor.
Despite boasting over $2 million in live-tournament earnings, Ustimov is in search of his first EPT title, which adds an intriguing layer to his pursuit as the tournament progresses.
Top Ten Chip Counts at Day’s End
The end of Day 1b saw an exhilarating race to the top, with the following ten players standing out:
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count | Day 2 Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Viktor Ustimov | Russia | 379,000 | 253 |
| 2 | Salvatore Camarda | Italy | 325,000 | 217 |
| 3 | Ali Al-Kubasi | Iraq | 301,000 | 201 |
| 4 | Darius Gadeikis | Lithuania | 266,000 | 177 |
| 5 | James Crawley | United Kingdom | 261,000 | 174 |
| 6 | Radoslav Stoyanov | Bulgaria | 250,000 | 167 |
| 7 | Anton Wigg | Sweden | 235,000 | 157 |
| 8 | Aliaksei Boika | Belarus | 220,000 | 147 |
| 9 | Yassin Mahmoud | Jordan | 220,000 | 147 |
| 10 | Chakib Mhiri | Tunisia | 208,000 | 139 |
Fierce Competition and Big Hands
The day commenced with an electrifying pace as players flexed their skills early on. Notably, Philippe Souki dazzled the room with a stunning straight flush, while Panagiotis Oikonomidis showcased his strength by making quads in the initial hands of play. Their impressive performances saw Souki bagging 87,000 chips and Oikonomidis carrying forward 191,000.
In an extraordinary confrontation later, Tomas Vaskunas found himself in a multi-way preflop all-in scenario alongside aggressive players holding kings, queens, jacks, and tens. Through sheer luck and skill, Vaskunas held onto the cowboys, which ultimately boosted him to a stack of 189,000 by day’s end.
The Fall of Giants
The journey, however, was not without its fair share of heartbreaks. Defending champion Gilles Simon faced a tumultuous path, starting strong but eventually losing momentum and nursing a short stack before his exit in a dramatic three-way all-in. Simon held pocket tens but was met with tough competition, leading to his elimination and raising questions about the defending champion’s return.
Among other notable players who fell short were Parker Talbot, Tom Middleton, and Daniel Rezaei, with Rezaei eliminated in the final level of the day by an opponent’s well-played set against his two-pair. The unpredictable nature of poker ensured that even the most seasoned professionals faced unsure fates.
Looking Ahead to Day 2
The excitement continues as Day 2 gears up to start at 12 PM local time on Wednesday, October 16. Play will resume on Level 11 at the table, featuring blinds of 1,000/1,500 with a 1,500 big-blind ante. This next phase will also introduce extended levels from 60 to 90 minutes, paving the way for intense battles as players strategize to secure their spots in the subsequent stages of the tournament.
Late registrations will still be accepted, allowing additional players to jump into the mix for their chance at glory. The competition shows no signs of slowing down, and with so many skilled players still in contention, anticipation is at an all-time high.
Stay tuned to PokerNews for ongoing coverage of the EPT Cyprus Main Event, where every hand could change the trajectory of this prestigious tournament.
In conclusion, Day 1b has set the stage for thrilling poker action. With formidable players competing fiercely, a star-studded leaderboard emerging, and the promise of more excitement ahead, the European Poker Tour in Cyprus has proved to be a highlight in the poker calendar.
