Day 23 of the 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP) at the Horseshoe Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas was nothing short of a spectacle. With nine bracelet-awarding events, the action was intense, the stakes high, and the drama palpable. Let’s unravel the highlights and key moments of the day, ensuring you catch every thrilling detail of this grand poker saga.
Sweden’s Stars Shine Bright
The Swedish poker scene has always been formidable, and Day 23 proved no different. Magnus Edengren, a relatively unknown player with live tournament cashes under $100K, claimed his first WSOP bracelet in Event #43: $1,500 Mixed Omaha. The victory, which added $196,970 to his bankroll, came after an unscheduled fourth day of play, a testament to the endurance required in high-stakes poker.
In a thrilling heads-up against Tim Seidensticker, Edengren emerged victorious in a hand of Big O. While the poker gods favored Edengren this time, he attributes his success to playing for fun rather than as a profession. His story is a refreshing reminder that sometimes, the amateurs can outshine the pros.
Viktor “Isildur1” Blom’s Dominance
Viktor Blom, known in the online poker world as “Isildur1,” continues to impress. Blom leads the final six in the $100,000 High Roller event, bagging a massive 92 big blinds. His performance at the WSOP this summer has been stellar, with deep runs in multiple events, including a third-place finish in the $50K No-Limit Hold’em and a fourth in the $1,500 Dealers Choice.
Blom’s return to the top of the chip counts in such a prestigious event is no fluke. His closest rival, Chris Hunichen, trails with 55 big blinds, while Chance Kornuth, a familiar face at high-stakes tables, sits in third. With $2.8 million up for grabs, the final table promises high drama and significant paydays.
From Docks to Glory: Jared Kingery’s Triumph
Not all heroes wear capes; some wield cards. Jared Kingery, a longshoreman from Lakewood, WA, clinched the $2,000 No-Limit Hold’em title, pocketing $410,359. Kingery’s journey is the quintessential WSOP fairy tale. Despite not playing much, he managed to outlast seasoned pros, including Spain’s Javier Gomez, to claim his first bracelet.
Kingery’s triumph is a nod to the unpredictability of poker, where skill, strategy, and a bit of luck can turn anyone into a champion. His win is a testament to the allure of the WSOP, where dreams are made, and fortunes are won.
Monster Stack Madness
Event #38: $1,500 Monster Stack No-Limit Hold’em saw its field whittled down to seven players, with Portugal’s Pedro Neves leading the pack. Neves, with 172,200,000 chips, stands out as a strong contender for the $1,098,220 prize and the coveted bracelet. His fellow countryman, Jose Carlos Brito, is also in the mix, ensuring a strong Portuguese presence at the final table.
The Monster Stack is notorious for its massive fields and grueling play. Yet, Neves’ performance has been nothing short of spectacular, navigating through a sea of competitors to sit comfortably at the top. With experienced pros like Tim Reilly and Aaron Johnson also in contention, the final day promises to be a rollercoaster of emotions and high-stakes action.
Benny Glaser Eyes Sixth Bracelet
Benny Glaser, a mixed-game specialist from the UK, is on the brink of securing his sixth WSOP bracelet. Leading the final five in the $10,000 H.O.R.S.E. Championship, Glaser has his sights set on adding another piece of WSOP hardware to his collection. Known for his dominance in online poker tournaments, Glaser’s prowess in live events is equally formidable.
Joining Glaser at the final table are seasoned players like Mike Leah and Steve Zolotow, each vying for the prestigious title. With such a talented lineup, the H.O.R.S.E. Championship final table is set to be a masterclass in mixed-game strategy and skill.
Record-Breaking Seniors Championship
The $1,000 Seniors No-Limit Hold’em Championship set a new record with a staggering number of entrants. Day 1b alone saw 914 players progress to Day 2, with William Elliott bagging the largest stack at 530,000 chips. Poker legend Sammy Farha also made a notable appearance, finishing fourth in the chip counts.
The Seniors Championship is a beloved event at the WSOP, bringing together a diverse group of players, all aged 50 and above. The large turnout and competitive spirit underscore the event’s popularity and the universal appeal of poker.
Pot-Limit Omaha Final Table
Event #48: $1,000 Pot-Limit Omaha 8-Handed has also reached its final table, with David Prociak leading the pack. Prociak, who recently won his second bracelet, is closely followed by Christopher Vitch and Thomas Taylor. The final table is stacked with talent, promising a thrilling conclusion to the event.
Pot-Limit Omaha is known for its action-packed hands and complex strategy. The final table is expected to deliver plenty of fireworks as these skilled players vie for the bracelet and a significant payday.
Razz Championship Heats Up
The $10,000 Razz Championship saw 98 players start the event, with only 44 progressing to Day 2. Eric Rodawig and Ren Lin lead the chip counts, with notable players like Daniel Negreanu and Nick Schulman also in the mix. Razz, a unique and challenging poker variant, always attracts a skilled and strategic field.
The championship’s conclusion will undoubtedly feature high-level play and strategic maneuvering, making it a must-watch for fans of mixed games.
New Events for Day 24
As the 2024 World Series of Poker heats up, June 20 brings a new wave of thrilling events. The day kicks off with Event #51: $1,500 Super Bounty No-Limit Hold’em at 10:00 a.m., a one-day sprint with rapid 20-minute levels and bounty hunting excitement. At noon, the four-day Event #52: $5,000 6-Handed No-Limit Hold’em begins, known for its intense, shorthanded play and fierce competition. Finally, at 1:00 p.m., the Event #53: $3,000 Nine Game Mix starts, challenging players across nine different poker variants. These new events promise to add even more drama and excitement to the WSOP, showcasing the diversity and depth of poker talent.
Happy Summer Solstice!