The World Poker Tour (WPT) Playground Championship is known for its thrilling action and elite competition, and Day 3 of this CAD $3,500 buy-in event exemplified those qualities to the fullest. With a total prize pool of CAD $1.5 million and 840 entries, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement as 53 players returned to the felt. By the end of the night, the competition had been whittled down to just six players, with China’s Baron Ha leading the pack.

Michael Wang: Chasing Dreams and Overcoming Challenges

Among the remaining players was Michael Wang, a seasoned poker pro who has dedicated over a decade of his life to mastering the intricacies of the game. With a stacked resume filled with impressive cashes around the globe, Wang had yet to make a final table at the WPT — a milestone that, until now, eluded him.

Reflecting on his journey, Wang admitted, “I’m glad I came. I was kind of on the fence between coming here and just going home.” His decision to take part in the Playground Championship turned out to be fortuitous. “I feel like I got a little bit of a monkey off my back because I’ve been playing the WPT for a bajillion years and I’ve never gotten to the final six,” he shared, speaking to the emotional weight of achieving this milestone after numerous near misses.

For Wang, this moment represented more than just reaching a final table; it symbolized perseverance, determination, and the acknowledgment of every lost opportunity and heartbreak along the way. “I came close; I got 7th and 9th, but this is a first for me,” he said, his eyes gleaming with excitement as he aims to not just participate but conquer.

The Stakes Are High

As the race for the title heated up, it was important to note that all players at the final table are guaranteed CAD $84,000 (approximately US $60,464). However, their eyes are undoubtedly set on the grand prize: CAD $412,300 (US $296,779), which also comes with a coveted seat in the WPT World Championship. The dream of etching their names onto Mike Sexton’s Champions Cup pushes each player to perform at their peak.

Final Table Chip Counts

The Road to the Final Table

The day started with anticipation as poker aficionados turned their sights toward Darren Elias, a four-time WPT champion aiming to secure a record-extending fifth title. Unfortunately for the seasoned pro, he faced a challenging climb and ended up in 31st place, taking home CAD $14,756. His exit was just one part of a day that saw many competitors eliminated, further tightening the race for the coveted final table.

Among the numerous eliminations were notable players such as Salomon Benarroch, Adam Cader, and Senthuran Vijayaratnam, each vying for their share of the substantial prize pool as they attempted to navigate the treacherous waters of tournament poker.

The excitement culminated when the final nine players consolidated into a single table. Connor Daynard, a promising electrician apprentice, was the first to exit the final nine, followed by Georgees Zero, both taking home substantial payouts of CAD $28,433 and CAD $35,991 respectively.

A Thrilling Conclusion

In one of the highlights of the evening, Michael Wang played a pivotal hand against Antoine Sankari. Wang, holding king-queen, made a bold move by going all-in against Sankari’s ace-jack. The tension in the room was palpable as the final community card revealed a king, sending Sankari to the rail and solidifying Wang’s first-ever seat at a WPT final table.

“I actually don’t think he was light very often,” Wang reflected after the hand. “But I think it’s just a good enough hand, and it’s so pretty, so I jammed, and a king on the river — it feels great.”

Looking Ahead

The remaining players will now enjoy a brief respite from the action, with the final table set to continue the following day at 11 a.m. local time. The stakes are high, and the drama is sure to unfold as they all chase the dream of victory and the prestige that accompanies being crowned a WPT champion.

WPT Playground Championship Remaining Payouts

In the coming days, PokerNews will be on-site at the WPT Playground, providing ongoing coverage, updates, and stories straight from the tournament floor. Stay tuned for more action-packed moments as the tournament reaches its thrilling conclusion.

Photos courtesy of World Poker Tour (WPT) / Alicia Skillman

Author: Chad Holloway, PR & Media Manager
PR & Media Manager for PokerNews, Podcast host & 2013 WSOP Bracelet Winner.

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A week ago, the serene beauty of Cyprus morphed into the epicenter of competitive poker as 1,284 players from an impressive 70 countries converged on the stunning Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa. All eyes are fixed on one thrilling goal: to take home the coveted title of European Poker Tour (EPT) champion. With the conclusion of this highly anticipated series fast approaching, the excitement has reached a fever pitch as six final contenders prepare to battle it out for supremacy.

The Final Table Awaits

Scheduled to commence at 12:30 p.m. local time, the final table of the PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus promises to be a monumental showdown. With the Golden Shard EPT trophy and a staggering $1,030,000 awaiting the victor, the stakes have never been higher.

Leading the charge is none other than Oliver Weis, the German poker professional who comfortably sails into the final table with an imposing chip stack of 18,505,000—over three times that of his nearest competitor. Weis’ journey has been nothing short of remarkable; his stellar performance this year includes victory at the EPT Paris High Roller, netting him over $1.7 million in winnings before this event even began. With the trophy tantalizingly close, he has the opportunity to etch his name in EPT history by claiming two major titles in the same year.

Final Table Contestants

1. Oliver Weis (Germany) – 18,505,000 Chips

As the chip leader, Weis is not only in the driver’s seat but carries the weight of expectation and experience. His impressive past performances have made him a formidable opponent—can he withstand the pressure?

2. Mikhail Shalamov (Russia) – 6,050,000 Chips

Close behind Weis is Mikhail Shalamov, a player with roots tracing back to Russia but currently thriving as a streamer in Slovenia. Known for setting a world record for playing 40,000 hands in a single day, Shalamov returns to the EPT scene for the first time since 2010. With nearly 90,000 Twitch subscribers, Shalamov’s popularity isn’t just built on skill but on entertainment, making him a crowd favorite.

3. Bobby James (United Kingdom) – 5,215,000 Chips

Next up is the UK’s Bobby James, who has had a rollercoaster journey at the tournament. Fluctuating from chip leader on Day 3 to a short stack on Day 4, he now finds himself in the middle of the pack for the final. Having already claimed a Spadie trophy earlier in the series, James’ remarkable comeback from adversity is a testament to his determination and skill.

4. Andriy Lyubovetskiy (Ukraine) – 3,295,000 Chips

Hailing from Ukraine, Andriy Lyubovetskiy is no stranger to high-stakes poker. A seasoned player with multiple WCOOP and SCOOP titles under his belt, along with two WSOP bracelets, he will be seeking to seize this opportunity to add an EPT title to his illustrious career.

5. Anton Wigg (Sweden) – 3,190,000 Chips

Another name to watch is Anton Wigg, a previous EPT champion from Copenhagen in 2010, looking to secure a second title—an achievement that only three players have managed in the EPT’s storied history.

6. Georgios Tsouloftas (Cyprus) – 2,255,000 Chips

Rounding out the final table is Georgios Tsouloftas, the only Cypriot player still in contention. With a stack of 2,255,000, he comes with home-field advantage and a determination to achieve a local victory.

Payouts and Prize Structure

Every player at the table is guaranteed a substantial payout, with the following structure in place:

The final table will commence at Level 29 with blinds at 50,000-100,000 and a 100,000 big blind ante—setting the stage for electric action and strategic plays.

Viewing the Action

The excitement of the final table will be made available to fans worldwide as the action is streamed on PokerStars’ YouTube and Twitch channels, with updates airing on a 30-minute delay.

Conclusion

With history on the line and a fascinating array of talent on display, the final showdown of the PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus is poised to be a thrilling conclusion to an incredible week of poker. As we await the crowning of the next EPT champion, the poker community will be watching closely to see who withstands the pressure and emerges victorious. The players know that while six remain, there can ultimately be only one champion at the end of this exciting journey. Tune in as PokerNews will provide updates, keeping fans and players alike in the loop until the final card is dealt.

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In a dazzling display of skill and strategy, Daniel Negreanu, one of the most recognized faces in poker, has once again proven his prowess in the high-stakes arena. This time, he emerged victorious at the sixth event of the PokerGO Pot Limit Omaha Series II, held at PokerGO’s studios in Las Vegas. Negreanu’s triumph netted him a staggering $265,200, further solidifying his status as a titan in the world of poker.

Daniel Negreanu is all smiles after taking down a $10,100 event at PokerGo’s PLO Series II for $265,000. (Image: PokerGO)

A Strong Start: The Final Table Setup

Entering the final table of six, Negreanu was seated in a promising position, second in chips. The atmosphere was electric, with a lineup that included some of the fiercest competitors in high-stakes poker today. Negreanu, boasting more than $54 million in tournament cashes, was surrounded by seasoned players who have each etched their names in poker lore.

Under immense pressure, Negreanu quickly seized control, taking the chip lead early on and showing no signs of relinquishing it. This victory marks a continuation of his upward trajectory in 2024, where he has already recorded four wins in PokerGO Tour events.

Navigating a Tough Field

Like most high roller events, the final table of this Pot Limit Omaha (PLO) series was stacked with talent. The first exit came from the formidable Nacho Barbero, a fixture in high-stakes competitions. After a brutal initiation where Alex Foxen flopped a set of kings, Barbero found himself eliminated in sixth place, earning $52,000 – a modest consolation prize for such a skilled player.

Next up was Nick Schulman, a poker pro nearing the $21 million cash milestone. His pocket jacks were no match for Negreanu’s turned straight, leading to Schulman’s fifth-place finish and a payout of $67,600.

Jeremy Ausmus, current leader in the PokerGO season points, fell victim to Negreanu’s tripled hands, securing fourth place with a reward of $93,600. Meanwhile, Matthew Wantman, a rising star in the poker scene, continued his impressive run of form. However, he too was stopped by Negreanu, whose queens triumphed over Wantman’s jacks, leaving him with a third-place payout of $119,600.

As the rivalry intensified, it came down to a head-to-head battle between Negreanu and Foxen. Despite both players holding strong hands that led to full houses, Negreanu’s queens full of aces edged out Foxen’s tens full, marking the end of the road for Foxen, who took home $171,600 for his efforts.

A Closer Look at the Final Table Results

The sixth event of the PokerGO Pot Limit Omaha Series II attracted 104 players, with 15 of them finishing in the money. The payout breakdown looked like this:

The event showcased not only incredible poker skills but also the competitive spirit that defines the world of high-stakes gaming.

The Road Ahead for Negreanu

Negreanu’s latest victory is his ninth overall on the PokerGO Tour, a clear indicator that at the age of 50, he continues to defy age and expectations. With 1,998 points, he now sits in second place on the overall leaderboard for the season.

As the PokerGO Pot Limit Omaha Series II rolls on, fans and players alike will undoubtedly be watching closely to see if Negreanu can maintain this stellar form. The combination of his experience, strategic prowess, and unyielding determination paints a promising picture for future events.

In conclusion, Daniel Negreanu’s win in the Pot Limit Omaha Series II not only adds another chapter to his illustrious career but also brings attention to the skill and excitement surrounding this unique variation of poker. For now, the spotlight remains firmly on Negreanu as he continues to shape his legacy in the poker world.

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Last week, the serene island of Cyprus transformed into a bustling hub for poker enthusiasts as 1,284 players from 70 different countries gathered at the luxurious Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa. Each participant harbored aspirations of becoming the next champion of the European Poker Tour (EPT), a prestigious title in the world of poker. As the final table approaches, six players remain, eagerly vying for the coveted Golden Shard EPT Trophy and a staggering $1,030,000 top prize.

The Final Table: A Lineup of Poker Prodigies

The final showdown is set to begin at 12:30 p.m. local time, where stakes are high and the pressure is palpable. Leading the charge is Oliver Weis, a well-acclaimed German poker professional who boasts an impressive chip lead of 18,505,000 chips. This remarkable total is more than three times that of his nearest competitor. Weis has already made headlines this year by securing a victory at the EPT Paris High Roller back in February, earning over $1.7 million in tournament winnings. However, lifting the trophy in Cyprus would mark a monumental highlight in his professional poker career.

Final Table Chip Counts

A Competitive Field

Weis’s closest challenger, Mikhail Shalamov, enters the fray with 6,050,000 in chips. Originally from Russia and now based in Slovenia, Shalamov is no stranger to the poker circuit. His claim to fame came 15 years ago when he set a record for playing 40,000 hands in a single day. Known previously as “innerpsy”, he was a Team PokerStars Online pro and continues to thrive as a popular streamer with nearly 90,000 subscribers on Twitch. Notably, this is Shalamov’s first appearance at an EPT final table.

Next in line is the UK’s very own Bobby James, who has had a tumultuous journey to the final table. After being the chip leader at the end of Day 3, he faced a significant setback on Day 4, plummeting to a short stack. However, with 5,215,000 chips, he finds himself positioned in the middle of the pack now. James is no novice; he has already claimed a Spadie trophy in Cyprus, winning the $1,000 8-Game event earlier in the series.

Notable Contenders

Andriy Lyubovetskiy, a seasoned Ukrainian player, enters the final table aiming to add an EPT trophy to his collection, which already includes multiple WCOOP and SCOOP titles alongside two WSOP bracelets. He begins the final table in fourth place with 3,295,000 chips.

Anton Wigg stands on the brink of history as he seeks to add another EPT title to his resume. Having clinched the EPT Copenhagen Main Event in 2010 at just 23 years old, Wigg now sits at 3,190,000, fighting for a position among the elite to have won multiple EPT championships. Only a few players, including poker icons like Victoria Coren Mitchell and Mike Watson, have managed to accomplish this feat.

Wrapping up the final table is Georgios Tsouloftas, the only native Cypriot to reach this stage. Although he holds the short stack with 2,255,000, Tsouloftas has a wealth of experience, boasting cashes in Merit Poker events and strong finishes in previous tournaments, including a recent third-place finish in a WSOP Europe event last month.

Payout Structure: The Stakes Are High

As the final table kicks off, all remaining players are guaranteed at least $208,720, but the focus will undoubtedly be on the grand prize of $1,030,000.

Final Table Payouts

The action is set to resume with 69:54 remaining in Level 29, with blinds at 50,000-100,000 and a 100,000 big blind ante. Audiences can follow the action live on PokerStars’ YouTube and Twitch channels, with updates provided on a 30-minute delay to synchronize with the stream.

Conclusion: The Road to Championship

As this high-stakes tournament unfolds, anticipation builds among players and spectators alike. Six players remain, but only one can claim the title of EPT champion today. With riveting moments, strategic play, and the thrill of competition, the final showdown at the European Poker Tour Cyprus promises to be a spectacle that no poker fan will want to miss.

Stay tuned as PokerNews will provide updates on every pulse-quickening hand until a champion is crowned in this exciting tournament!

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As the excitement builds around the 2024 European Poker Tour (EPT) in Cyprus, German pro Oliver Weis enters the final stages of the EPT Cyprus Main Event with an impressive chip lead. With only six players remaining and a grand prize of $1,030,000 on the line, Weis holds a commanding advantage, boasting nearly 50% of the chips in play. This promising position places him among the favorites to win, but with esteemed competitors like two-time WSOP bracelet winner Andriy Lyubovetskiy and 2010 EPT Copenhagen champion Anton Wigg still in contention, the final round promises to be intensely competitive.

The Stakes and Setting

Play will resume this Sunday at the Merit Royal Hotel & Casino, Cyprus, at 12:30 p.m. local time, with viewers able to catch the live action streamed with hole cards up on PokerStars’ channels. The culmination of the event will not only crown a new champion but also extend a remarkable streak of seven consecutive EPT winners who will hit the seven-figure cash mark—a significant highlight in poker tournament history.

Oliver Weis: The Chip Leader

Weis, who resides in Grenzach-Whylen, Germany, brings a wealth of experience to the felt. Currently holding 18,505,000 chips (185 big blinds), Weis’s journey has been one of notable achievements over the past year. His most significant victory came in early 2024 when he claimed his first million-dollar cash at EPT Paris in a €10,300 High Roller event, alongside a first-place finish in Jeju, South Korea.

With a lifetime earnings surpassing $2.1 million, Weis’s strong performance in the EPT Cyprus Main Event symbolizes a potential breakout moment, further solidifying his status in the poker world. Notably, he remains the only player left with a previous seven-figure cash, which further hints at his capability under pressure.

The Competitors

While Weis enjoys a favorable position, the competition remains fierce. Below are the other contenders, each with unique strengths and experiences that could challenge the chip leader’s journey to victory.

Mikhail Shalamov – 6,050,000 (61 BB)
At 37, Shalamov has made his mark primarily in online poker, with a few notable live performances, including a run in the 2010 WSOP Main Event. With his current chip count, he must capitalize on every opportunity to leapfrog Weis in the standings.

Bobby James – 5,215,000 (52 BB)
A newcomer to live tournaments, 34-year-old Bobby James has shown promise, transitioning from online play to live events. Despite comparatively less experience, he has already established himself by winning an 8-Game event during this EPT festival.

Andriy Lyubovetskiy – 3,295,000 (33 BB)
Lyubovetskiy’s impressive resume includes two WSOP gold bracelets and significant success in high roller events. The 33-year-old Ukrainian is no stranger to high-stakes situations and poses a formidable threat to Weis’s lead.

Anton Wigg – 3,190,000 (32 BB)
The Swedish pro has accumulated nearly $5 million in lifetime earnings, making him the most experienced player remaining in the tournament. Wigg previously won the EPT Copenhagen in 2010 and aims to join a rare group of players with multiple EPT titles.

Georgios Tsouloftas – 2,255,000 (23 BB)
As the local pro from Limassol, Tsouloftas has the home-field advantage. His past success at the Merit Mediterranean Poker Cup, where he won over $264,000, adds to the overlapping tensions between home advantage and high-stakes pressure.

Conclusion: A Dynamic Showdown Awaits

With Sunday marking the climactic end of the EPT Cyprus Main Event, viewers can expect an exhilarating display of skill, strategy, and fierce determination. Oliver Weis’s impressive chip lead offers him an edge, but the challenges posed by the remaining five players cannot be undersold. Each player brings their own history and ambition to the table, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown. Will Weis successfully navigate the complexities of tournament play to secure his place as the EPT Cyprus champion, or will another contender rise to the occasion in a thrilling finale? This is a moment of poker that cannot be missed.

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Last week, the stunning backdrop of the Mediterranean welcomed 1,284 poker enthusiasts from 70 different countries to the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa for the highly anticipated European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus. Players had their eyes set on a singular dream: to become the next EPT champion, a title that confers not only prestige but also substantial winnings.

As the tournament reached its climax, only six players remained to battle it out at the final table. The tension was palpable, and the stakes were higher than ever, with the prestigious Golden Shard EPT trophy and the staggering $1,030,000 top prize hanging in the balance. The final table is set to commence at 12:30 p.m. local time, promising an exciting showdown that will keep poker fans on the edge of their seats.

The Contenders: Chip Counts and Profiles

Leading the charge is Oliver Weis, a seasoned German pro who has dominated the tournament so far. With a staggering chip count of 18,505,000, Weis holds more than three times the chips of his nearest competitor. He has already made waves this year, winning the EPT Paris High Roller in February and racking up over $1.7 million in tournament winnings. A victory today would cement his position as a poker legend.

The final table chip counts highlight the diverse array of talent and backgrounds among the six finalists:

Mikhail Shalamov is the closest challenger to Weis with 6,050,000 chips. A notable poker streamer, Shalamov first gained fame by playing 40,000 hands in a single day and has a rich history in the game dating back to 2010. This marks his first appearance at an EPT final table, a significant milestone in his illustrious career.

Next up is Bobby James, representing the UK with a total of 5,215,000 chips. His journey to the final table has been anything but conventional—he started as the chip leader after Day 3 but faced some tough challenges by Day 4. Having already captured a Spadie trophy in the $1,000 8-Game event, James’s current run greatly exceeds his previous career winnings altogether.

The fourth player, Andriy Lyubovetskiy, is no stranger to high-stakes poker. With several titles under his belt, including two WSOP bracelets, he begins the final table with 3,295,000 chips. His extensive experience and skill set make him a formidable opponent.

Anton Wigg, the Swedish pro, is a name familiar to dedicated poker fans. A past EPT champion, Wigg seeks to become only the fourth player to win multiple EPT titles. Starting the final table in fifth place with 3,190,000 chips, he embodies both ambition and experience.

Georgios Tsouloftas, the only Cypriot at the final table, enters with a chip count of 2,255,000. His previous successes in various Merit Poker events and his recent performances in high-stakes tournaments suggest that anything is possible, and he aims to add an EPT title to his accolades.

A Look at Final Table Payouts

The final table isn’t just about glory; it’s also a lucrative endeavor. Here are the payouts each player will receive based on their finishing position:

The action at the final table is anticipated to commence with 69:54 remaining in Level 29, featuring blinds of 50,000-100,000 and a 100,000 big blind ante. Each remaining player is guaranteed a payout of $208,720, but their sights will be firmly planted on the $1,030,000 jackpot reserved for the champion.

The Road Ahead

The final table of EPT Cyprus will be streamed live on PokerStars’ YouTube and Twitch channels, providing viewers with a ringside seat to witness the unfolding drama of high-stakes poker. With updates every 30 minutes starting at 1 p.m., fans will get instant insights into the action as it happens.

As the final table begins, the palpable tension will give way to high-stakes decisions, strategic maneuvers, and nail-biting moments. In professional poker, every hand counts, and with only six players left, the road to becoming EPT champion is perilously narrow. Only one can ultimately lay claim to the title and join the elite ranks of poker champions.

Conclusion

With dreams of victory hanging in the balance and the pressures of competition weighing heavily, the stage is set for an unforgettable showdown at EPT Cyprus. Poker fans around the world will be watching as these talented players navigate the intricate web of strategy and psychology that defines this beloved game. In this paradise, there can only be one star who walks away with both the trophy and the riches that come along with it. Who will emerge victorious? Only time will tell.

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