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Level: 2
Blinds: 300/600
Ante: 600
2026 Mediterranean Poker Party
$3,500 Merit Poker Cup
Day: 1a
Players Left 3 / 418
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Level 1
: Blinds 200/500, 500 ante
Eugene Katchalov bet 800 from the cut off and was called by Sergej Babincev in the big blind.
The flop came A♠10♣7♠ and Katchalov continued for 1,100. Babincev almost used all of his allotted 30-second shot clock before he check-raised to 4,000. Katchalov made the call.
The Q♣ landed on the turn and Babincev ramped up the aggression with a bet of 15,000. It didn't take long for Katchalov to wave the white flag and folded his hand.
Level 1
: Blinds 200/500, 500 ante
There are some big names in the field for the start of Day 1a at the Merit Poker Cup.
Game of Gold participant Olga Iermolcheva is closing in on seven-figures in lifetime earnings, and a victory in this tournament would see her reach that milestone.
To her direct left is fellow Ukrainian and WSOP Bracelet winner Eugene Katchalov. The seasoned veteran has earned over $10,000,000 in lifetime earnings.
Also in the field is the 2022 MPP Open champion Vadzim Godzdanker, and German crusher Manig Loeser.
Level 1
: Blinds 200/500, 500 ante
Cards are in the air for Day 1a of the Merit Poker Cup at MPP 2026, with 53 entrants kicking off proceedings.
A reminder that there is a 40 minute clock for each level and play will continue until they reach 15% of the field.
Level: 1
Blinds: 200/500
Ante: 500
There is a delay to the start of the Merit Poker Cup. Players are starting to take their seats, and play will begin shortly.
$3,500 Merit Poker Cup
Day 1a Started
It is time to rock-out on the raki, as the 2026 Mediterranean Poker Party is in full swing with the start of the $3,500 Merit Poker Cup at the beautiful Merit Crystal Cove Hotel and Casino in Cyprus.
The Merit Poker Cup has a guarantee of $1,000,000 and players will have to stump up the $3,500 buy-in to have a shot at the massive prize pool. This event was last held in 2022, which was won by Merit Poker Pro Georgios Tsouloftas for a massive $264,065 pay day.
Play gets underway at midday local time, with a 40 minute clock, and 15-minute breaks scheduled after every three levels. Late registration is available until the end of level nine, and play will continue until 15% of the field are left where they will be in the money.
Players who advance will return on Tuesday at midday to duke it out for the prestigious Merit Poker Cup. For those who don't make it they will have a second opportunity on Monday with Day 1b, which will be their last chance to make it to the final day.
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Stay tuned to PokerNews for live updates of the $3,500 Merit Poker Cup as reporters follow this event, and others from the 2026 MPP.
