Day 26 of the 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP) was nothing short of electrifying. The Horseshoe Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas played host to some of the most intense poker action of the year. From high-stakes showdowns to surprising upsets, the day was packed with events that kept fans and players on the edge of their seats.
Phil Ivey’s Super High Roller Journey
One of the biggest stories of the day was the ongoing saga of Phil Ivey in the $250,000 Super High Roller No-Limit Hold’em. This event, with its sky-high buy-in, attracted some of the best players in the world, creating a fiercely competitive atmosphere.
Phil Ivey, a legendary figure in the poker world with 11 WSOP bracelets to his name, made it to the final 14 players. Starting Day 2 with 14 players and only 12 spots paid, the tension was palpable. Ivey ended the day tenth in chips with 5,650,000, setting the stage for a nail-biting finish. The prize pool for this event reached an astounding $18,675,000, with a first-place payout of $5,415,152.
Leading the pack was Adrian Mateos with 16,250,000 chips, followed by Santhosh Suvarna and Taylor von Kriegenbergh. With Ivey hot off his recent victory in Event #29: $10,000 Limit 2-7 Lowball Triple Draw Championship, the excitement around his performance was at an all-time high.
Yuri Dzivielevski: Five-Time Bracelet Winner
Yuri Dzivielevski’s fifth WSOP bracelet win in Event #53: $3,000 Nine Game Mixed (7-Handed) showcases his exceptional versatility in poker. This format demands mastery over a variety of poker disciplines, including Limit Hold’em, Omaha Hi-Lo, Seven Card Stud, Razz, No-Limit Hold’em, Pot-Limit Omaha, and Triple Draw Lowball variations. Dzivielevski’s ability to seamlessly navigate these different games underscores his strategic brilliance and deep understanding of poker theory. His victory in this challenging event not only adds to his impressive career but also highlights his adaptability and skill across multiple poker formats.
Dzivielevski’s journey to this victory was marked by strategic play and key decisions that demonstrated his deep knowledge of the game. Having already secured bracelets in both live and online formats, including a notable win in the $10,000 Pot-Limit Omaha Championship, Dzivielevski’s continued success at the WSOP solidifies his reputation as one of poker’s elite players. His consistent performance, totaling over $6 million in live tournament earnings, reflects his dedication and mastery, inspiring both current and aspiring poker professionals.
Seniors Shine in the Spotlight
In the $1,000 Seniors No-Limit Hold’em Championship, Khang Pham emerged victorious, claiming his first WSOP bracelet and a hefty $677,326 prize. This event, known for its spirited competition and camaraderie among players aged 50 and above, saw a thrilling conclusion as Pham outlasted a large field of experienced opponents.
The Seniors Event: A Showcase of Skill and Endurance
Event #46, the $1,000 Seniors No-Limit Hold’em Championship, started with a massive 7,954 entries, creating a prize pool of $6,999,520. By Day 3, only 26 players remained, with Marc Wolpert leading the pack. Notables like Greg Raymer, who finished 40th, and the dynamic duo of Jennifer Frankenstein and Brian Harris showcased the deep field’s talent.
The Seniors Event isn’t just about the prize money; it’s about experience and endurance. These players have seen countless hands and know how to navigate the highs and lows of the game. As Day 4 approaches, the tension builds – who will outlast and claim the title?
The Drama of the Millionaire Maker
The Millionaire Maker event continued to draw massive numbers, with the prize pool surpassing $8.7 million. Day 1b alone saw 3,721 entries, bringing the total to 6,523 with one more Day 1 flight remaining. The new chip leader at the end of Day 1b was Ye Yuan, who bagged an impressive 875,000 chips.
Notable names such as Chris Moorman, Joe McKeehen, and Maria Ho also advanced, ensuring that the coming days will be packed with high-caliber poker action. With the final Day 1 flight still to come, the Millionaire Maker is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about events of the series.
Max Kruse’s Incredible Run
In Event #52: $5,000 No-Limit Hold’em 6-Handed, Max Kruse provided one of the day’s most dramatic storylines. Starting the day with just a few big blinds, Kruse managed to spin up his stack and make it to the final table, eventually finishing in seventh place. His resilience and skill under pressure were on full display, earning him accolades from fans and fellow players alike.
Super Turbo Thrills
The $10,000 Super Turbo Bounty No-Limit Hold’em event saw defending champion Phil Hellmuth make a deep run, finishing 15th and earning $28,463. Although he fell short of defending his title, Hellmuth’s performance was a reminder of why he’s considered one of the greatest of all time.
The final table for this event, featuring players like Aliaksei Boika and Oliver Weis, will be live-streamed, adding to the anticipation. With a first-place prize of $612,997 up for grabs, the competition is sure to be fierce.
Mixed Triple Draw Action
Event #56: $2,500 Mixed Triple Draw Lowball attracted a record 371 entries, generating a prize pool of $825,475. By the end of Day 2, only 15 players remained, with Patrick Moulder leading the pack. Notable players like Shaun Deeb and Chad Eveslage are still in contention, promising an exciting finish to this unique event.
Looking Ahead
The $250,000 Super High Roller will undoubtedly be the center of attention on Day 27, with Phil Ivey and other top players battling for one of the biggest prizes of the series.
The conclusion of the $5,000 No-Limit Hold’em 6-Handed and the live-streamed final table of the $10,000 Super Turbo Bounty No-Limit Hold’em will also provide plenty of drama and excitement. Additionally, the start of the prestigious $50,000 Poker Players Championship and the final Day 1 flight of the Millionaire Maker will keep fans and players engaged.