The WPT Cyprus Championship opened its doors this week at the Chamada Prestige Hotel & Casino, marking the headline event of the festival’s $5 million guaranteed series. With a $3,500 buy-in and $2 million guaranteed prize pool, the tournament runs August 13–18 and offers three Day 1 flights, each starting players with 50,000 in chips, 60-minute levels, and late registration through the first ten levels.
By early afternoon on Day 1a, close to 250 entries had already filled the ballroom. Tournament directors Matt Savage and Justin Hammer oversaw the action as a mix of seasoned professionals and ambitious newcomers took their seats. Notable participants included Stephen Barnes, Ray Qartomy, Matt Davenport, Tony Dunst, and Will Kassouf.
Kassouf, a figure who divides opinion in the poker world, first made international headlines during his deep run in the 2016 WSOP Main Event. This summer, he reached Day 7 of the Main Event again, finishing 33rd, though his trademark table talk and time-consuming decisions drew multiple penalties. In Cyprus, however, he has kept a noticeably quieter profile.
Also making their presence felt were five players who earned their spots through online qualifiers — Maksym Danylov, Linda Nguyen, Emil Wydra, Sakandar Nayab, and Kristoffer Skolem — alongside Romulo Dorea. Nguyen in particular impressed early. In a Level 2 hand, she opened from the cutoff and faced a check-raise on a paired flop. After calling down through the turn and river, she revealed ace-jack to pick off a bluff from king-eight, earning a healthy early pot.
The WPT’s return to Cyprus rekindles a rich history on the island’s poker scene. Previous champions include Thomas Bichon (2009), Marvin Rettenmaier (2012), Alexey Rybin (2013), and Alexander Lakhov (2014), whose $325,400 victory remains one of the most notable wins in the country. With this year’s boosted prize pool, the eventual champion could walk away with an even larger payday.
Key Dates Remaining at WPT Cyprus 2025
- Aug 13–18: $3,500 WPT Cyprus Championship ($2M GTD)
- Aug 13: $5,000 High Roller Final Table ($500K GTD)
- Aug 14: Pot Limit Omaha Bounty ($60K GTD)
- Aug 15: Bounty ITM ($100K GTD) & Speed Up Event ($50K GTD)
- Aug 16–18: Mystery Bounty ($100K GTD)
- Aug 17–18: Chamada Super High Roller ($300K GTD)
- Aug 18: Championship Final Table
With a packed schedule and strong attendance, the WPT Cyprus Championship is set for a week of high-stakes action and storylines that could shape the rest of the season.
