The 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP) has once again delivered an electrifying blend of drama, skill, and high-stakes action at Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas. As the event unfolds, poker enthusiasts are treated to a series of gripping moments and exceptional performances. Days 4, 5, and 6 have been particularly noteworthy, showcasing both seasoned veterans and rising stars. Let’s take a look at the highlights from these days that have made headlines and captured the imagination of the poker world.
Day 4: A Tale of Two Bracelets
Day 4 of the 2024 WSOP was marked by the awarding of two bracelets, pushing the series total to four. The first bracelet of the day went to Daniel Willis, a British businessman who triumphed in Event #3: $500 Kickoff No-Limit Hold’em Freezeout. This event, despite its modest buy-in, attracted a hefty field of 3,485 entries, highlighting its popularity and competitive nature.
Willis faced a formidable opponent in Michael Wang, a two-time bracelet winner, during the heads-up battle. Willis’s victory, which netted him $175,578, was a dream come true for the businessman. This event also featured notable names like Daniel Negreanu, Ryan Riess, and Jason Wheeler, adding to its prestige.
The second bracelet of the day went to James Chen, who emerged victorious in Event #4: $1,500 Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better. Chen’s win earned him $209,350 and his first WSOP bracelet. The final table was a rollercoaster, especially for runner-up Lewis Brant, who managed to turn a massive chip deficit into a competitive heads-up showdown before falling to Chen’s full house.
Day 5: A Massive Field and High-Stakes Showdowns
Day 5 saw two more bracelets being awarded, bringing new excitement and records to the 2024 WSOP. John Hennigan, a name synonymous with WSOP success, claimed his seventh bracelet in Event #7: $1,500 Dealer’s Choice. The final table was star-studded, featuring Shaun Deeb and Viktor Blom. Hennigan’s win not only added to his illustrious career but also underlined his versatility across different poker variants.
In the high-stakes arena, Darius Samual clinched his first bracelet in Event #6: $25,000 Heads-Up No-Limit Hold’em Championship. The heads-up matches were fierce, with Samual risking half his stack multiple times to secure the win. His victory highlights the unpredictable and thrilling nature of heads-up play, where every decision can significantly impact the outcome.
Meanwhile, the Mystery Millions event continued to grow, almost doubling its field size with Day 1c. The total entries reached 10,809, showcasing the event’s massive appeal. Antonio Galiana from Spain topped the Day 1c chip counts with an impressive 3,230,000, setting the stage for an exciting Day 2.
Day 6: Bryce Yockey and Nick Guagenti Shine
Day 6 of the WSOP was a day of milestones and stellar performances. Bryce Yockey added a second bracelet to his collection by winning Event #8: $5,000 Pot-Limit Omaha (8-Handed). Yockey navigated through a tough field of 733 entries to take home $606,654. His final opponent, Farid Jattin, put up a strong fight, but Yockey’s skill and experience saw him through.
Nick Guagenti also had reason to celebrate, securing his second bracelet in Event #9: $1,500 Limit Hold’em (8-Handed). Guagenti’s calm and calculated play helped him overcome a final table that started with six players, eventually earning him $121,074. His victory adds another chapter to his growing poker legacy.
The Mystery Millions event concluded its flights with an astonishing 18,418 entries, surpassing last year’s record. Adrian Puccio led the Day 1d chip counts, amassing 3,360,000 chips. With so many entries, the prize pool swelled, promising a thrilling Day 2 with numerous bracelet winners and top professionals in contention.
Scott Seiver’s Quest for a Fifth Bracelet
One of the most captivating stories from Day 6 was Scott Seiver’s performance in Event #10: $10,000 Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship. Seiver, already a four-time bracelet winner, finished Day 2 with a significant stack of 1,055,000 chips, positioning himself for a potential fifth bracelet. Leading the pack was Sami Saad El-Dein with 1,350,000 chips, followed closely by Jared Bleznick.
The event saw 171 entries, with 104 making it to Day 2. Among the notable players advancing were Calvin Anderson, Shaun Deeb, and Jake Schwartz. The $10,000 Omaha Hi-Lo event is known for attracting elite players, and this year is no exception, promising an intense battle as the field narrows.
Badugi Makes Its Mark
Event #11: $1,500 Badugi, only the second Badugi event in WSOP history, kicked off on Day 6. Joseph Wagganer secured an early lead, bagging 268,500 chips by the end of Day 1. Badugi, a draw poker variant, is unique because it aims for the lowest possible hand with four cards, each of a different suit and rank, making it a game of strategic discards and draws. This adds a distinct challenge to the WSOP, testing players’ adaptability and strategy.
The event saw a field of 487 entries, with 139 advancing to Day 2. Notable players like Hanh Tran, Jerry Wong, and Frank Kassela are among the top stacks, promising an exciting continuation of this rare event. Badugi’s inclusion in the WSOP lineup underscores the series’ commitment to showcasing diverse poker variants.
Anticipation Builds for the Days Ahead
As the 2024 WSOP progresses, the excitement and stakes continue to rise. The performances over Days 4, 5, and 6 have set the stage for even more thrilling poker action. Whether it’s the record-breaking fields, the intense heads-up battles, or the strategic mastery in games like Omaha Hi-Lo and Badugi, the WSOP remains the pinnacle of poker competition.
Stay tuned for more updates as the world’s best players vie for glory, and new champions emerge. With many events still to unfold, the 2024 WSOP promises to deliver unforgettable moments and poker prowess at its finest.