Another thrilling day at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) has come and gone, leaving behind a trail of impressive wins, dramatic bluffs, and some big-name players gearing up for more action. With the WSOP being the pinnacle of both live and online poker, each day brings new stories worth telling. Let’s take a closer look at the highlights from Day 18, held on June 14, 2024.
Phil Ivey’s Quiet but Eventful Day
After securing a bracelet on Day 17, Phil Ivey‘s Day 18 was relatively subdued. However, it was far from uneventful. Competing in the $50k High Roller No-Limit Hold’em, Ivey showcased why he’s one of the best in the game. Although he didn’t top the chip counts, bagging 888,000 chips ensured he’s in a solid position for Day 2. This event, known for attracting poker’s elite, saw 134 entries on its first day. With late registration still open, that number is expected to rise.
The Rise of Phillip Hui
One of the standout moments of the day was Phillip Hui winning his fourth WSOP bracelet in the $1,500 H.O.R.S.E. event. Facing a significant chip disadvantage in the heads-up play, Hui demonstrated resilience and exceptional skill, turning the tables to claim victory. His performance is a testament to his deep understanding of mixed games and his ability to stay calm under pressure. Hui’s win adds another feather to his already illustrious cap and cements his place among the WSOP greats.
Antonio Galiana’s Bluff and Victory
Antonio Galiana made headlines with a masterful bluff in the $2,500 Freezeout No-Limit Hold’em event. Heads-up against Johan Guilbert, Galiana executed a bluff that left spectators and his opponent in awe. This bold move not only shifted the momentum in his favor but also paved the way for his first WSOP bracelet and a $439,395 payday. Galiana’s daring play is a reminder of the psychological depth and strategic complexity that poker embodies.
High Rollers at the $800 DeepStack Final Table
Despite its lower buy-in, the $800 8-Handed No-Limit Hold’em DeepStack event saw an impressive turnout and an even more impressive final table. High rollers like Timur Margolin, Adam Hendrix, and Joseph Couden brought their A-game, making for an exciting showdown. With Margolin leading the pack with 44,350,000 chips, the final table is set to be a battle of both skill and endurance. The event, which drew 4,278 entries, created a prize pool of over $3 million, underscoring the wide appeal of the WSOP.
Big O Championship: Calvin Anderson Leads
In the $10,000 Big O Championship, five-card Omaha enthusiasts saw a thrilling Day 2. Calvin Anderson emerged as the chip leader, with 2,385,000 chips. This event, known for its complex strategies and high variance, attracted 332 entries and a prize pool exceeding $3 million. The top prize of $681,998 is within reach for Anderson and other notable players like David Benyamine, Ryan Hughes, and Dylan Weisman, who are all still in the mix.
Monster Stack No-Limit Hold’em: Day 1a
Event #38, the $1,500 Monster Stack No-Limit Hold’em, kicked off with 3,139 entries for Day 1a. Ryan Sullivan ended the day as the chip leader with 915,000 chips, setting the pace for the remaining flights. Notable survivors included Joe McKeehen, Maria Ho, and Martin Kabrhel. With two more starting flights, the Monster Stack is on track to surpass last year’s attendance, promising a substantial prize pool and fierce competition.
Day 18 in Numbers
- Event #35: $1,500 H.O.R.S.E.: Phillip Hui won his fourth WSOP bracelet.
- Event #34: $2,500 Freezeout No-Limit Hold’em: Antonio Galiana secured his first bracelet with a bold bluff.
- Event #36: $800 8-Handed No-Limit Hold’em DeepStack: Timur Margolin leads a star-studded final table.
- Event #37: $10,000 Big O Championship: Calvin Anderson is the chip leader going into Day 3.
- Event #38: $1,500 Monster Stack No-Limit Hold’em: Ryan Sullivan leads Day 1a.
Ivey and Negreanu in the $50k High Roller
Phil Ivey and Daniel Negreanu, two legends of the game, bagged significant stacks in the $50k High Roller event. Ivey’s 888,000 chips put him in a comfortable position, while Negreanu, with 458,000 chips, has some ground to cover. Japan’s Masashi Oya leads the field with 1,570,000 chips. This event is a magnet for poker’s elite, and with the prize pool at $6,398,500, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Big Names Enter the $10K Big O Championship
The $10,000 Big O Championship, Event #37, kicked off with 320 players, and 120 advanced to Day 2. Wing Po Liu leads the pack with 583,500 chips, followed by Dylan Weisman and Ryan Hughes. The field is stacked with poker stars, including Matt Glantz, Mike Matusow, and Brian Rast, all competing for the prestigious title.
$1,500 Razz: Seiver Near the Top
The $1,500 Razz event saw Scott Seiver finishing Day 1 with 274,000 chips, just behind chip leader Andrew Kerstine. This event attracted 547 entries, creating a prize pool of $730,245. Known for its unique lowball format, Razz requires a different set of skills, and Seiver’s performance highlights his versatility and expertise in various poker disciplines.
What to Expect on Day 19
Day 19 promises more excitement with two new events: the $1,500 Mixed NLH/PLO Double Board Bomb Pot and the $10,000 Seven Card Stud Championship. The final table of the $800 DeepStack, led by Timur Margolin, will also conclude, awarding one more bracelet. Other ongoing events, including the Monster Stack’s second Day 1 flight, the $50k High Roller, the $1,500 Razz, and the Big O Championship, will continue to unfold, ensuring a packed day of poker action.