Journey from Toronto to Cyprus

Reaching Cyprus from Toronto is both convenient and accessible. Most routes go through a hub in Europe such as London, Frankfurt or Athens. On this trip I went though Frankfurt on the way there with Lufthansa and Aegean airways and then on the way back I went through Athens with Aegean Airways and Air Canada. I would suggest a European airline for the longer portion of the flight such as Air France, Lufthansa, British Airways or KLM as they have much better food, staff and service than Air Canada.

Make sure you have both Euros and Turkish Lira if you plan on visiting both parts of the island. As a Canadian, you do not need a Visa for trips less than 90 days if you are flying into the Greek side of the island and can even cross from the Greek side to the Turkish side once there without a visa as well. Those flying into the Turkish side of Cyprus are only required to get a visa if they plan to work, study or stay longer than 90 days.

Cyprus: A Divided Island with Unique Identities

Cyprus has a complex history, marked by Greek and Turkish claims to the island. The origins of these claims can be traced back to various historical events and political developments.

The division of Cyprus can largely be attributed to a series of events that occurred in the mid-20th century. In 1960, Cyprus gained independence from British colonial rule. The newly established Republic of Cyprus was intended to be a bi-national partnership between the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. However, tensions between the two communities quickly arose.

In 1963, the partnership between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots collapsed, leading to inter-communal violence and the subsequent separation of the communities. These events laid the groundwork for the division of the island.

In 1974, a Greek military coup, aimed at unifying Cyprus with Greece, triggered a Turkish invasion in response. As a result, the island was divided into the Republic of Cyprus, controlled by the Greek Cypriots in the south, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is recognized only by Turkey in the north. This division still persists today.

The Greek Cypriots assert their claim to the entire island, considering the Turkish presence in the north as an occupation. They argue that any resolution to the Cyprus issue should involve the withdrawal of Turkish troops and the restoration of a unified Cyprus.

On the other hand, the Turkish Cypriots argue for a separate political entity on the island, advocating for a two-state solution. They believe that a unified Cyprus would not adequately represent their interests and that a partitioned Cyprus is the most viable option for maintaining peace and stability.

It is important to note that the political situation and perspectives on the Cyprus issue continue to evolve, and efforts to find a resolution are ongoing.

European Poker Tour in Cyprus

With the rich history and culture of this beautiful Mediterranean island, the European Poker Tour (EPT) made its debut in Cyprus in October 2023. Hosted by PokerStars, this live poker event attracts hundreds of world-class poker players from across the globe.

EPT Cyprus offered an electrifying atmosphere, as players got the chance to compete in over 50 tournaments. With plenty of fun on and off the tables, the event promised an unforgettable experience. PokerStars, an online poker cardroom and largest real money online poker site in the world, chose one of Europe’s most beautiful locations to host EPT Cyprus for the first time. Participants can indulge in the Mediterranean culture, enjoy the blue seas, and immerse themselves in the island’s natural history.

In 2023, PokerStars has curated a packed calendar of live events, bringing back prestigious locations beloved by players and introducing two brand-new stops. Cyprus is one of the exciting new additions to the tour, showcasing the country’s allure to the global poker community. The second new addition being Paris.

PokerStars is also committed to creating equal opportunities and creating a safe space for women to learn and grow in the world of poker. This is why at EPT Cyprus we got a first look at the Women’s Bootcamp Finals that saw 10 finalists from an initiative with Poker Power play for a chance to win a seat at the table for EPT Prague in December.

Whether you’re a seasoned poker player or just starting out, the European Poker Tour in Cyprus promises a thrilling gaming experience in a stunning setting, blending the excitement of poker with the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of the island.

Exploring the Turkish Side of Cyprus

Apart from the EPT Cyprus tournaments, Cyprus has so much to offer. The Turkish side of the country, with its distinct charm and captivating destinations, is worth exploring. The events for EPT Cyprus were held at the Merit Diamond Resort on the Turkish side and other Merit resort nearby hosted many of the players, organizers and members of the press. Here are some of the places to visit as well as some extra spots to check out while you are there.

Geçitköy Dam and Dağdere Reservoir

The Geçitköy Dam, originally known as the Dağdere Dam, is a rock-fill dam located on the Mandara River in Northern Cyprus[1]. It is situated approximately 8 km west of the town of Lapithos. The dam has a total capacity of 35,000,000 m3 (28,000 acre⋅ft) and serves as an important water resource for the region[1].

Completed in 1989 as the Dağdere Dam, it underwent expansion and heightening between 2012 and 2014, resulting in its current form as the Geçitköy Dam[2]. The dam plays a vital role in water supply for drinking and irrigation purposes in the area.

One of the notable features of the Geçitköy Dam is the accompanying Dağdere Reservoir. The reservoir provides additional water storage capacity and contributes to the management of water resources in Northern Cyprus[2]. It adds to the ecological balance and serves as a recreational area for visitors.

Surrounded by the natural beauty of the region, the Geçitköy Dam and Dağdere Reservoir offer a picturesque setting for those who appreciate nature and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy walking trails and take in the scenic views of the reservoir and its surroundings

Güzelyalı Sahili (Beach)

Güzelyalı Sahili is a beach located in the Panagra settlement in Northern Cyprus. It is situated approximately 20.8 kilometers away from the center of Kyrenia, the city it belongs to. The beach is nestled in an urban area, surrounded by mountains, offering a scenic view as visitors enjoy the seaside atmosphere.

Güzelyalı Sahili is known for its natural beauty and sandy shoreline. It provides a peaceful and relaxing environment for visitors to unwind and enjoy the coastal surroundings. The beach is easily accessible, and there are nearby facilities, such as restaurants and resorts, that cater to the needs of beachgoers. One notable restaurant in the vicinity is Ocean Breeze, located near a curve leading to the beach.

The beach of Güzelyalı Sahili is popular among both locals and tourists, who appreciate its serene atmosphere and the opportunity to enjoy the coastal scenery. It offers a pleasant respite from the busier areas in Northern Cyprus and is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying various water activities

Mavi Köşk (The Blue House)

Mavi Köşk, also known as The Blue House, is a unique and historic villa located in Northern Cyprus. Built in 1957 in the secluded area of Myrtou, near the coast of Northern Cyprus, Mavi Köşk stands as a retro-chic architectural gem, reminiscent of a bygone era. It has a fascinating history and a distinctive appearance that attracts visitors from around the world.

The house was originally constructed as the residence of Byron Pavlides, an Italian-born Greek lawyer who worked for Archbishop Makarios III. However, Pavlides is infamous for being accused of being one of the major arms smugglers in the Middle East during his time. Over the years, Mavi Köşk became associated with his name and intriguing stories, adding to its allure.

Today, Mavi Köşk is maintained by the military as it is located within an army camp. Its vibrant and eccentric interior design, featuring a variety of colours and kitschy tiles, reflects the retro-tastic style of the time it was built. The house stands as a testament to a unique period and architectural style that captivates visitors with its charm and historical significance.

Visiting Mavi Köşk is like stepping back in time, with its well-preserved retro aesthetics and ambiance. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the past and provides a distinctive experience for those interested in history and architecture.

Other destinations to check out include:

• St Hilarion Castle

• Bellapais Monastery

• Kyrenia Castle

• Agios Mamas Church, Güzelyurt

Combining the thrill of the European Poker Tour with Cyprus’s enchanting landscapes and diverse culture makes for an unforgettable travel experience. Whether you explore the luxurious Merit hotels, venture into the Turkish side, or delve into the island’s intriguing history, Cyprus promises a delightful journey for poker enthusiasts and avid travellers alike.

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What is Poker Power?

The Poker Power initiative aims to empower women by teaching them the game of poker. Founded by self-made billionaire Jenny Just and her daughter Juliette Hulsizer, Poker Power provides a fun, supportive, and safe-to-fail environment for women to learn and compete in the game. The initiative believes that there is a strong connection between women’s success, financial independence, and playing poker. By teaching women how to play the game, Poker Power also equips them with skills such as negotiation, risk assessment, and decision-making that can be applied in various aspects of life, including business and finance. The ultimate goal of Poker Power is to teach one million women how to play poker and empower them to play life differently, both professionally and personally. The initiative is supported by a team of women, including business leaders and poker professionals, who are passionate about opening doors for women worldwide.

PokerStars x Poker Power

PokerStars is committed to providing equal opportunities and fostering a safe space for women to succeed in poker. Recognizing the lack of inclusivity in the game, the organization launched the Women’s Bootcamp in response to a survey revealing that over half of the surveyed women did not feel poker was inclusive to them. Despite this, a significant percentage recognized the game’s potential benefits in terms of improved focus, concentration, and decision-making abilities.

The culmination of PokerStars’ collaborative efforts with Poker Power comes in the form of the Women’s Bootcamp Showdown, held during the EPT Cyprus tournament. This event showcases the journey of 40 novice women from diverse backgrounds who underwent an 8-week bootcamp to acquire essential gameplay skills that translated into real-world success, such as negotiation, strategic decision-making, and capital allocation.

Tournament Finalists and Their Stories

Out of the 40 participants, ten exceptional women secured their spots in the final Women’s Bootcamp Showdown live at EPT Cyprus. It is through this culmination of hard work and dedication that they had the chance to compete alongside professionals by securing a spot in the EPT Prague tournament in December by winning the Bootcamp Showdown live at EPT Cyprus.

Laura Lebailly is a 23-year-old business school student from France and the youngest finalist at the Women’s Bootcamp Showdown during the EPT Cyprus tournament. With a keen interest in poker and a fascination for its rules and strategies, Laura read a book that sparked her passion for the game. She has since been playing both online and live poker and was thrilled to learn about the Poker Power Women’s Bootcamp through a PokerStars website article.

I spoke with Laura to find out more about why she got into the game and the benefits she saw when researching it. “I wanted to learn. First by myself. It is always better to learn with a teacher or a coach than to do it alone. There are only going to be benefits to this.” Said Laura. “I like the fact that poker (gambling) has a bad image but it is actually a game that demands a lot of skills and decision making. I think it is good for everyone to learn.”

As she is a student in business school, she also saw some parallels to the game through her studies. “I read that you need to have a healthy life to play poker. I worked on my discipline. From business school I learned a lot about analyzing the situation, the capacity to take or not take risks, which have translated to the game.”

By the end of the week, Laura’s trip had been beyond her imagination. She left with a better understanding of the game, and new friendships. “Everything was amazing. The girls, the trip, there were so many emotions in the tournament. The fact that I met all these girls. They are really nice, really funny.”

Laura finished 3rd in the tournament

Katie Hopkins is a lawyer from the suburbs of Philadelphia who discovered poker through her involvement in the “Fore the Ladies” golf group and an intro session through Nasdaq and Poker Power. Due to a stress fracture in her foot and not able to pursue her usual hobbies of running and doing triathlons, she saw the Women’s Bootcamp opportunity as the perfect chance to dive into the world of poker. Katie fell in love with the game and has added it to her list of hobbies. As an Associate General Counsel at Nasdaq, she is a strong advocate for gender equality and is inspired by the Poker Power initiative, which empowers women to succeed in any field through the game of poker.

Katie has grown fond of the game, finding many positives about her experiences so far. “I have a lot of fun with it. It has been great to meet other women and players in general. I think there is a transfer to life skills like taking risks and being more confident.”

When she entered the tournament to select the 10 players that would go to Cyprus, her hopes were not high early on. “I was so excited. I knew going into the tournament that they were taking the final 5 (from her group), but when we got to the final table, I was in 9th, so i didn’t think my chances were very high, but then as it played out, a couple people went all in and busted and then I was in the top 5.”

The community of the game and the EPT tournament in Cyprus once again seemed to be one of the biggest takeaways. “The best part has been all the people I’ve met, all the other women, they have been incredible and supportive. Playing in the tournament was really fun too.”

Katie finished 2nd in the tournament.

Louise Ulrick is from the UK and found out about Poker Power after wanting to teach herself the game and finding an article about them on PokerStars. Her interest in poker began after reading a book where the lead female character played poker. Upon winning a spot in the final 10 and securing her trip to Cyprus she had just finished a very bad week. “I was very excited. It was the perfect thing to happen at the end of a very bad week.”

In terms of what attracted her to the game and what has made her stay, this is what he had to say. “I was reading this morning actually doing some last minute coaching of myself and they described it as a poker puzzle. You can learn all the theory and then it’s working out which bits to apply in real life. Every hand is a puzzle.” said Louise. “You don’t have to play every hand life deals you. If you put time and effort into something it is okay to fold.”

Louise won the tournament and will have her airfare, hotel and entry fee to EPT Prague covered by PokerStars.

Professional Poker Player Jen Shahade

Playing a crucial role in this initiative is author and professional chess and poker player Jen Shahade. As an advocate for women’s empowerment and inclusion in both chess and poker, Shahade has made significant contributions to the Poker Power program and the Women’s Bootcamp. Her involvement and expertise have inspired and guided the participants throughout their transformative journey.

Jen originally got into the game after learning poker from her brother. She graduated college and started playing the game on PokerStars. When PokerStars started running women’s events with lower buy-ins, the bankrolling of games became easier for her. The locations included places like the Bahamas and Madrid, which further enticed her to get into the game. These games led her to becoming an ambassador for PokerStars and her career took off.

Jen sees poker as a great life skill and a good resume builder for women. “You can play your very best and still lose. You may have to keep trying and do everything right and may have to do it again. I think in a lot of fields that is life. Entrepreneurial, film, there are a lot of things you may have to try dozens of times before you get that one time where your skills line up with opportunity and luck.” says Jen. “I think people would see a women who plays poker less as someone who likes to gamble and more like someone who is not afraid to play with the boys, not afraid to be aggressive and is confident. So I think it would be more beneficial to your career.”

Through the Poker Power initiative and the Bootcamp, women are not only learning the game and life skills, they are also building a community. “You see here they are not only learning all these poker skills, but they are also meeting new friends and building a community, that is a big part of what attracted me to the game so I love that Poker Power and PokerStars are emphasizing that.”

Experiences and Lessons Learned

During the EPT Cyprus tournament, there was the unique opportunity to connect with the bootcamp participants and learn firsthand about their experiences and the benefits they have gained from this initiative. They shared insights into the opportunities that have arisen, their newfound poker skills, and how the Women’s Bootcamp has impacted their personal and professional lives.

PokerStars, in partnership with Poker Power, is spearheading efforts to create a more inclusive and diverse poker community. Through the Women’s Bootcamp Showdown, this initiative provides a platform for women to showcase their skills, gain invaluable experience, and challenge stereotypes within the poker world. With Cyprus as an exciting new location, and the continued support of professionals like Jen Shahade, the future holds promise for women in poker.

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