As the sun rose over Las Vegas on June 6th, the poker tables at Horseshoe Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas buzzed with energy. Day 10 of the 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP) promised a blend of high-stakes drama, strategic brilliance, and unexpected turns that have become the hallmark of this prestigious series. From new bracelet winners to cliffhangers in ongoing events, here’s a look at the highlights.
Simeon Spasov Claims Victory
Day 10 saw the conclusion of Event #12: $1,500 6-Handed No-Limit Hold’em, with Simeon Spasov emerging victorious. Battling through a field of 2,526 players, Spasov secured his second WSOP bracelet and a handsome $439,815 in prize money. His final opponent, John Henry Gordon, put up a valiant fight but ultimately had to settle for second place and $293,218. This win also propelled Spasov into the top 10 of Bulgaria’s all-time money list, solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with in the poker world.
The international flavor of this event was unmistakable, with six countries represented at the final table. Notable deep runs included Anthony Marquez, who finished 8th, and Tommy Nguyen, who claimed 12th place. The prize pool for this event totaled an impressive $3,372,210, with 379 players walking away with at least twice their buy-in.
Three-Handed Standoff
Event #13: $10,000 Dealer’s Choice Championship paused dramatically with just three players remaining. Robert Mizrachi, Michael Martinelli, and Ryutaro Suzuki will return for an unscheduled Day 4 to vie for the gold. Mizrachi, with four bracelets already in his collection, aims to tie his brother Michael’s record of five.
The path to the final trio was anything but easy. Poker legends Phil Ivey and Daniel Negreanu were among the notable names ousted in 11th and 10th places, respectively, each earning $27,041. Ben Lamb, who finished 4th, took home $99,885 but missed out on his third bracelet.
High Drama in the $5,000 8-Handed NLHE
Event #16: $5,000 8-Handed No-Limit Hold’em event saw its bubble burst in spectacular fashion, leaving 41 players to bag up for the next day. Shant Marashlian led the pack with 2,785,000 chips, followed by Anthony Cicero and Mark Tarich, both crossing the two-million mark.
Among the notable players still in contention are bracelet winners Sam Soverel, Ivan Deyra, and Corey Thompson. Poker Hall of Fame inductees Brian Rast and Erik Seidel also remain in the mix, proving once again that age and experience are invaluable assets in the poker world.
Caleb Furth Dominates
Caleb Furth emerged as the dominant force in Event #15: $1,500 Pot Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better. With over a fifth of the total chips in play, Furth looks poised to capture his first bracelet. Thirteen players stand between him and victory, including seasoned pros Tom Koral, Mike Holtz, and Sean Troha. This event’s high-stakes split-pot action promises more excitement as it plays down to a winner.
Juha Helppi Leads Event #19
Event #19: $10,000 Limit Hold’em Championship saw two-time bracelet winner Juha Helppi finish Day 1 as the chip leader. With a stack of 254,000, Helppi is well-positioned to add another bracelet to his collection. Other notable players advancing include Max Hoffman, Michael Lang, and bracelet holders Michael Moncek and Chad Eveslage. As late registration extends into Day 2, the final field size and prize pool are yet to be confirmed, keeping the suspense alive.
New Events and Notable Entries
Two new events kicked off on Day 10: Event #17: $800 No-Limit Hold’em DeepStack and Event #18: $1,500 Pot Limit Omaha. The $800 DeepStack drew an impressive 4,732 entries, creating a prize pool of $3,331,328 and offering a top prize of $368,977.
Meanwhile, the $1,500 Pot Limit Omaha event attracted a strong field, with Mike Dentale leading the chip counts at the end of Day 1. Daniel Zack and Chino Rheem are also among the notable players advancing to Day 2.
Anticipation for the Weekend
The excitement of Day 10 sets the stage for an action-packed weekend. The $10,000 Dealer’s Choice Championship will crown its champion, while the $300 Gladiators of Poker event is expected to draw a massive crowd with its accessible buy-in and multiple starting flights. The $25,000 6-Handed High Roller also promises high-stakes action as elite players vie for a significant payday.
With Caleb Furth leading the charge in the $1,500 PLO Hi-Lo 8 or Better and the $5,000 8-Handed NLHE narrowing down its field, poker fans can expect plenty of thrilling moments and dramatic turnarounds. The WSOP continues to be a showcase of skill, strategy, and endurance, where each hand can change the course of a player’s career.