The 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP) continues to deliver excitement and drama as we head deeper into the series. Day 8, on June 4th, was a whirlwind of intense competition, remarkable victories, and tantalizing prospects for the days ahead. Let’s dive into the highlights, including bracelet winners, new event kickoffs, and the ongoing $25K Fantasy Draft.
Malcolm Trayner’s Million-Dollar Moment
Day 8 saw the culmination of Event #5: $1,000 Mystery Millions, where Australian player Malcolm Trayner claimed his first WSOP bracelet and a $1,000,000 prize. Trayner, competing in his first-ever WSOP event, emerged victorious from a staggering field of 18,409 entries. His triumph over Carson Richards, who finished as the runner-up with $536,080, marked a significant milestone in his poker career, propelling him to 35th on Australia’s All-Time Money List.
Trayner expressed a mix of excitement and disbelief after his win, stating that he was overwhelmed and happy. His strategic play and ability to stay focused were key to navigating the intense competition. Following his win, Trayner plans to celebrate with friends and treat his girlfriend to a business-class flight, savoring the moment of his significant achievement.
Scott Seiver Adds to His Legacy
Another major highlight was Scott Seiver’s victory in Event #10: $10,000 Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship. Seiver, a well-known figure in the poker world, secured his fifth WSOP bracelet and $426,744 in prize money. This four-day event was grueling, drawing 197 of the best Omaha Hi-Lo players. Seiver’s skillful play culminated in a brief but intense heads-up battle against Jonathan Cohen, who took home $284,495 for his efforts. Seiver’s win not only adds to his impressive resume but also bolsters his case for inclusion in the Poker Hall of Fame next year.
David Prociak’s Dominance in Badugi
Event #11: $1,500 Badugi concluded with David Prociak claiming his second WSOP bracelet. Prociak’s victory came with a prize of $129,676 after he outlasted 478 entrants. His final table performance was a masterclass in strategic play, ultimately defeating Matt Grapenthien heads-up. Prociak, who has a history of near-misses, expressed relief and satisfaction at securing another bracelet, solidifying his reputation as a formidable mixed-game player.
Thibault Perissat’s Turbo Triumph
Event #14: $1,000 Super Turbo Bounty No-Limit Hold’em saw France’s Thibault Perissat clinch the title and $197,308. The event was a turbocharged affair, lasting just one day and attracting 2,639 entrants. Perissat, who entered the tournament with birthday money, battled through the fast-paced structure to emerge victorious. His heads-up opponent, Ron Schindelheim, came close but ultimately had to settle for $131,571. This win was a perfect birthday gift for Perissat, who plans to celebrate in style.
Events Kicking Off: New Opportunities and Chip Leaders
Day 8 wasn’t just about crowning champions; several new events began, promising more excitement. Event #15: $1,500 Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better drew 1,277 entrants, with Daniel Lowery bagging the most chips at the end of Day 1. Notable players like Yuval Bronshtein and Christian Harder are also in contention, adding to the event’s allure.
Event #16: $5,000 8-Handed No-Limit Hold’em kicked off with 660 players, and Clemen Deng and Daniel Auckland leading the charge. This event is packed with high-profile players, ensuring the action will be intense as they vie for the title.
The $25K Fantasy Draft: Shaking Up the Leaderboard
The $25K Fantasy Draft adds another layer of intrigue to the WSOP. Day 8 saw significant movements in the standings, thanks in large part to the field bonuses awarded in the Mystery Millions. Players like Josh Reichard and Adam Hendrix contributed to the points tally, boosting their teams’ standings. Team Oz, managed by Gary Benson, currently leads with 245 points, followed closely by Team Sternheimer. The draft continues to add a strategic element to the series, with every deep run and bracelet win potentially turning the tide.
What’s Next: Day 9 Highlights
As we look forward to Day 9, the action shows no signs of slowing down. Event #12: $1,500 6-Handed No-Limit Hold’em will crown its champion, with Daniel Palau leading the final 17 players. This event promises a hefty $439,815 top prize, ensuring a fierce battle to the finish.
Event #13: $10,000 Dealer’s Choice Championship is also nearing its conclusion, with stars like Phil Ivey and Daniel Negreanu among the final 11 competitors. The poker community is buzzing with anticipation, hoping for a legendary heads-up showdown between these two titans.
New events are set to kick off, including Event #17: $800 No-Limit Hold’em DeepStack, expected to draw a massive field. PLO enthusiasts will have their eyes on Event #18: $1,500 Pot-Limit Omaha, while the prestigious Event #19: $10,000 Limit Hold’em Championship will attract top-tier players.