The 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP) continues to amaze, and Day 29 was no exception. Held at the iconic Horseshoe Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas, this day will be remembered for its high stakes, record-breaking attendance, and a mix of triumphs and near-misses. Here are the highlights from June 25, focusing on key events and intriguing developments that made this day unforgettable.
A Historic Day for the WSOP
June 25 saw the introduction of the first-ever $600 PokerNews Deepstack Championship. This event exceeded expectations with 5,126 players participating, far surpassing last year’s attendance of 4,303. The turnout of 5,126 players set a new benchmark, proving that the poker community is as vibrant as ever. This event was not just a tournament; it was a celebration of the game, drawing players from all over the world. Hideki Sahashi of Japan emerged as the chip leader, amassing 1,174,000 chips, with Martin Kabrhel from the Czech Republic hot on his heels with 1,049,000 chips. Familiar faces were aplenty in this event, with players like Darryll Fish, Kathy Liebert, and Jake Schwartz among the notable participants who advanced to Day 2.
Millionaire Maker: The Battle Continues
Event #54, the $1,500 Millionaire Maker, saw nearly 11,000 entries, but by the end of Day 29, only 45 players remained. The top prize of $1,250,125 and a coveted gold bracelet awaited the last person standing. Tied for the lead with 13,025,000 chips each were Martin Mathis from the USA and Max Neugebauer from Austria. Sean Ragozzini from Australia followed closely with 12,650,000 chips, and Stephen Dauphinais from Canada held 10,650,000 chips. The Millionaire Maker is one of the most anticipated events at the WSOP, attracting a diverse array of players. From first-timers to seasoned veterans, everyone has a shot at becoming a millionaire. Players like Jason Wheeler, Sean Troha, and Harvey Jackson were all in the mix, each hoping to navigate through the competitive field to claim the top prize.
Poker Players Championship: Brewer Takes the Lead
Event #58, the $50,000 Poker Players Championship, is one of the most prestigious events on the WSOP calendar. By the end of Day 29, only 12 players remained, with Chris Brewer leading the pack with 5,345,000 chips. Following Brewer, David Benyamine held 3,110,000 chips, and poker legend Phil Ivey had 3,050,000 chips. The remaining field included big names like Bryce Yockey, Joao Vieira, and Daniel Negreanu, all vying for the $1,178,703 top prize and the prestigious bracelet. As these 12 players prepared for the penultimate day, the tension was mounting. With poker giants like Johannes Becker and Michael Mizrachi still in the running, the competition was fierce.
Super Seniors Shine
Event #59, the $1,000 Super Seniors No-Limit Hold’em, continued to be a hit among the older generation of poker players. This event saw an initial crowd of 3,362 players, which was whittled down to 119 by Day 2. Manny Minaya, with a chip count of 1,250,000, was among the top contenders as Day 3 approached. Leading the pack was Gregory Peterson with 1,990,000 chips, followed by James Jackson with 1,425,000 chips and Farzad Raji with 1,365,000 chips. The Super Seniors event is a testament to the enduring appeal of poker across all age groups. These players, many of whom have decades of poker experience, brought a unique blend of wisdom and skill to the table. As the event progressed, players like Kevin Song, Tong Li, and Barry Greenstein showcased their prowess.
Rising Stars in No-Limit Hold’em
Event #60, the $3,000 No-Limit Hold’em, saw a thrilling day of poker as the field was reduced to 104 players. Tzur Levy from Israel emerged as the chip leader with 2,450,000 chips, followed by Jong Kim with 1,600,000 chips and Noel Rodriguez with 1,490,000 chips. This event is known for bringing out the best in up-and-coming poker talent. Levy’s impressive lead was followed by strong performances from Jong Kim and Noel Rodriguez. The event also featured top-tier players like Kristen Foxen and Stoyan Madanzhiev, each bringing their A-game. Players like Yiannis Liperis and Daniel Hachem showed their skills, navigating through a tough field. The blend of experienced professionals and rising stars made for a captivating competition.
Omaha/Stud Hi-Lo: Williams Leads the Pack
Event #61, the $2,500 Omaha/Stud Hi-Lo 8 or Better, saw David Williams take the chip lead with 1,890,000 chips. Following closely was Dario Sammartino with 1,870,000 chips and Joey Couden with 1,695,000 chips. This mixed game event tests players’ abilities in multiple formats, adding an extra layer of complexity. Williams, a seasoned player with a bracelet to his name, led a talented field including Dario Sammartino and Joey Couden. These players showcased their versatility and strategic thinking, essential for excelling in mixed games. With 21 players remaining, the goal was to play down to a winner. Players like Jon Kyte and Jeff Madsen brought their expertise to the table, each aiming for the top prize.