The anticipation for high-stakes poker was palpable as the $25,000 Second Chance event kicked off at the luxurious Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa in Cyprus. This event, the final high roller tournament of the 2024 European Poker Tour Cyprus, saw 31 players gather for a day filled with intense action, strategic gameplay, and significant bankrolls.

A Quick Overview of Day 1

Despite the action being limited to just four hours of play, the energy in the room was electric. As players began to bust, many opted to re-enter, and by the end of the day, the total number of entries jumped to 38. Late-registration remains open until the start of Day 2, promising an even larger field and potentially larger prize pools.

When the dust settled, Albert Daher emerged as the chip leader, having bagged an impressive stack of 885,000 chips. Not far behind, Elias Gutierrez, a recent champion of the $25,000 SHR Warm Up, held 808,000 chips. Completing the top three was Hassan Nashar with 805,000, who demonstrated remarkable resilience by firing three bullets before finding his footing.

A Rising Star: Albert Daher

Albert Daher is no stranger to EPT High Roller events, boasting three victories in recent years. His resurgence in the Cyprus high roller scene includes a memorable win over Mikita Badziakouski last year, which earned him a substantial $264,690 first-place prize. As the chip leader going into Day 2, Daher is well-positioned to continue his dominance and potentially secure another victory.

Top Ten Chip Counts

The Action of the Day

The day started with Masashi Oya taking an early lead, showcasing his skills by slowplaying aces against Juan Pardo‘s ace-king on a king-high board. However, the spotlight soon shifted to Jelle Moene, who seized the chip lead after a dramatic cooler—a straight versus straight clash against Jérémie Zouari.

As the tournament progressed, Hassan Nashar entered with an aggressive strategy, frequently employing large bet sizes and even playing cards without looking at them. His unusual tactics paid off as he soon became a force to be reckoned with, contributing to an already dynamic table.

Gutierrez capitalized on Nashar’s erratic play to double his stack and eliminate Nashar temporarily before he re-entered the tournament. Despite the setbacks, Nashar quickly regained his chips, winning critical pots—including a flip against Moene with pocket tens. Meanwhile, Daher also made a significant climb up the leaderboard by hitting a lucky five on the river against Simone Andrian‘s ace-king.

Looking Ahead to Day 2

As the stage is set for Day 2, the excitement remains high with more players expected to join the fray. Scheduled to begin on Thursday, October 17, at 12:30 p.m. local time, gameplay will resume at Level 9, where blinds will be 3,000/6,000 with a 6,000 big-blind ante. With fifteen-minute breaks scheduled after every four levels and a 75-minute dinner break after Level 20, players will have opportunities to recharge and refine their strategies.

Day 2 promises to be filled with drama as the game unfolds, with seasoned pros and emerging talents alike vying for the coveted high roller title. The world of poker enthusiasts will surely keep their eyes on the action as it continues to unfold in Cyprus.

Conclusion

The commencement of the $25,000 Second Chance event at the EPT Cyprus has already showcased incredible skill and thrilling gameplay, setting a high bar for what is yet to come. As the best players put their strategies to the test, fans and participants alike are in for an exhilarating ride. Be sure to follow PokerNews for ongoing coverage and updates as we inch closer to crowning the next high roller champion!

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A few short days ago, Elias Gutierrez made headlines in the poker world by defeating a competitive field of 59 players in the $25,000 SHR Warm Up, securing his first EPT title and a substantial prize of $417,570. The excitement doesn’t end there, as the PokerStars Team Pro finds himself in a strong position to claim a second consecutive high-stakes title at the ongoing 2024 European Poker Tour Cyprus.

The Road to Day 2

Entering Day 2 of the $25k Second Chance, Gutierrez has managed to carve out a significant lead with a chip count of 808,000, placing him second among the 25 players returning from Day 1. The current chip leader is none other than high-roller stalwart Albert Daher, who has amassed 885,000 chips and is looking to add a fourth EPT title to his impressive list of accolades. Not to be overlooked, the only other player to breach the 800k mark yesterday was Hassan Nashar, whose unorthodox and aggressive play style led to two re-entries before he surged to conclude with 805,000 chips.

While Gutierrez has shown remarkable skill and resilience, the path to victory is anything but simple. The field of seasoned competitors stacked against him is formidable, with late registration open until the start of play at 12:30 p.m. local time, promising more legendary names from the poker realm to join the fray.

A Look at the Top Contenders

The competition is fierce, with notable players set to return for Day 2 action, including:

• Johannes Straver from the Netherlands with 624,000 chips.
• Teun Mulder, also from the Netherlands, boasting 616,000.
• Vladimir Korzinin from Estonia holding 587,000.
• Kayhan Mokri from Norway with 541,000, and
• Danilo Velasevic from Croatia, who has 500,000 in his stack.

The tournament is being held at the luxurious Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa, a fitting venue for such a prestigious event.

Day 2 Chip Counts

Here’s a snapshot of the top ten chip counts as players return to the tables:

The Stakes of the Tournament

As Day 2 kicks off, play will begin on Level 9, featuring blinds at 3,000/6,000 with a 6,000 big-blind ante. Levels will last for 30 minutes each, with breaks occurring every four levels. A 75-minute dinner break is planned after Level 20 but is subject to change based on players’ choices and the tournament’s flow.

With such a talented roster, it is uncertain who will emerge as the final champion. Players like Steve O’Dwyer, bringing 200,000 chips to the table, are more than capable of turning the tides, especially considering his lifetime tournament winnings exceed $40 million.

Conclusion

While Elias Gutierrez is in a favorable position to continue his winning streak, the competition’s intensity is palpable. As the day unfolds, players will be strategizing meticulously, eyeing the ultimate prize of an EPT title. Be sure to follow PokerNews for continuous updates and live reporting from the tournament floor, as we document every crucial hand and decisive moment leading up to the crowning of the next high-roller champion. It’s a thrilling time for poker fans, with every turn of the card holding the potential for dramatic shifts in fortune.

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