PokerStars’ Debut EPT Cyprus Festival Draws International Attention
The European Poker Tour (EPT) marked its debut in Cyprus, hosted by the renowned igaming brand, PokerStars, delivering an unparalleled live poker spectacle in the Mediterranean region.
The premier EPT Cyprus Main Event witnessed participation from 896 individual players spanning 70 nations, accumulating a prize pool of $6,402,000.
Gilles Simon, a 24-year-old from Valkenburg, clinched victory in the EPT Cyprus 2023 Main Event at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa, walking away with $1,042,000. Notably, Simon became the seventh Dutch EPT titleholder and the first since December 2016.
EPT Cyprus 2023 Main Event Standings:
1st – Gilles Simon, Netherlands, $1,042,000
2nd – Andrea Dato, Italy, $652,200
3rd – Jose Gonzalez, Spain, $465,425
4th – Halil Tsyurek, Turkey, $358,075
5th – Yannick Schumacher, Germany, $275,425
6th – Nikita Kuznetcov, Russia, $211,850
7th – Bjorn Kozenkai, Hungary, $162,925
8th – Victor Yugay, Uzbekistan, $125,350
Other Highlights from EPT Cyprus:
The Eureka Cyprus Main Event attracted a significant turnout, making it the third-largest of its kind. Ankit Ahuja of India clinched the top spot, pocketing $362,365 from a prize pool of $2,552,640.
In the $50,000 EPT Super High Roller event, Spanish player Juan Pardo emerged victorious, securing the title and a prize of $688,560. Pardo’s achievement comes on the heels of his earlier accomplishments at various PokerStars Live events.
Ilia Pavlov of Russia won the $10,300 EPT High Roller, outlasting a field of 407 players and securing a prize of $787,400.
PokerStars x Poker Power Women’s Bootcamp Showdown:
EPT Cyprus also played host to the PokerStars x Poker Power Women’s Bootcamp Showdown. After an intensive eight-week, female-exclusive training program, mentored by PokerStars Team Pro Jen Shahade, participants competed in Home Games Tournaments. The top ten from this group were given the opportunity to compete at EPT Cyprus.
Emerging triumphant was Louise Ulrick from the UK, who had only started her poker journey a few months prior. The former mathematics teacher secured a full package to the upcoming EPT Prague in December.
“The very first EPT Cyprus was a huge success,” said Cedric Billot, Associate Director of PokerStars Live Events. “From the players party, the off-the-felt activities and of course the poker at the tables we hope everyone enjoyed themselves, whether it was their first EPT experience or they’re a veteran of PokerStars events.
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone to EPT Prague in December!”
For more information on the PokerStars x Poker Power Women’s Bootcamp Showdown please visit the PokerStars Blog.
