Poker’s stars shone brightly on Day 35 of the 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP) at the Horseshoe Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas, with seven events unfolding and one bracelet awarded. The day was packed with thrilling moments and saw several big names rise to the top of various chip counts.
Shiina Okamoto Wins the Ladies No-Limit Championship
Day 35 was particularly memorable for Japan’s Shiina Okamoto, who secured her first WSOP bracelet in Event #71: $1,000 Ladies No-Limit Championship. Okamoto, who was the runner-up in this event in 2023, triumphed over popular pro Jamie Kerstetter in an intense heads-up battle. This victory marked a significant achievement in Okamoto’s career, earning her the coveted title and the top prize.
Giant Colossus Field Cut to Only 92
Event #70: $400 Colossus began with an astounding 19,337 players, but by the end of Day 35, only 92 remained in contention for the $501,250 top prize and the accompanying bracelet. Joel Vanetten emerged as the Day 2 chip leader with 20,650,000 chips. Andrew Dubuque, with 18,575,000 chips, and Justin Fawcett, with 17,500,000 chips, rounded out the top three positions.
Notable players still in the mix include Matt Glantz, who bagged 12,825,000 chips. Glantz, with over 90 WSOP cashes and $4,473,595 in WSOP earnings, is yet to win a bracelet. Men “The Master” Nguyen, with 10,050,000 chips, is searching for his eighth bracelet, while 2004 WSOP Main Event champion Greg Raymer holds 8,100,000 chips, hoping to add another bracelet to his collection.
Eldridge Leads the $25K PLO But Rast Hunts His Seventh Bracelet
Event #73: $25,000 High Roller Pot-Limit Omaha saw its field narrow down to five players, with David Eldridge leading the pack with 23,400,000 chips. Eldridge, who specializes in PLO, has a bracelet from the 2021 $1,000 No-Limit Hold’em Mini Main Event. Ethan Cahn follows with 17,550,000 chips, and Yang Wang holds 12,250,000 chips.
Among the final five is Brian Rast, with 9,450,000 chips. Rast is in pursuit of his seventh WSOP bracelet, which would further cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats. Juha Helppi, with 8,775,000 chips, rounds out the remaining players. The final day of this event promises high-stakes action and intense competition.
Todd Ivens Leads Final 18 in the $10K Stud Hi-Lo Championship
Event #74: $10,000 Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship saw Todd Ivens bag the chip lead with 1,190,000 chips as only 18 players remain. Ivens, who has three WSOP final table appearances, looks poised for another deep run. Andrey Zhigalov follows closely with 983,000 chips, while Todd Brunson holds 859,000 chips.
Other notable players in the hunt include Brad Ruben with 738,000 chips, Jake Schwartz with 735,000 chips, and Dario Alioto with 188,000 chips. The tournament is scheduled to play down to a champion, though an unscheduled Day 4 is possible given the remaining player count and the slow burst of the money bubble.
More Than 1,400 Teams Compete in the Tag Team Event
Event #75: $1,000 Tag Team No-Limit Hold’em saw 1,437 teams enter, with only 292 progressing to Day 2. The event, known for its fun-loving spirit, featured many teams in fancy dress and matching outfits. Derek Stark and his teammate bagged the chip lead with 485,000 chips, followed by Ivan Rezzonico and Alejandro Lococo with 331,500 chips, and Charlton Zhu and Nick Bond with 319,500 chips.
The tournament continues with 292 teams aiming to complete another 11 one-hour levels. Unfortunately, the team of Richard Collins and Vincent Alia, known for their donkey and fish hats, did not survive Day 1.
Romanello Bags Big on Day 1 of the $10,000 Mystery Bounty
Event #76: $10,000 Mystery Bounty No-Limit Hold’em drew 965 entrants, with 236 making it through to Day 2. Matthew Beinner leads with 1,090,000 chips, followed by Roberto Romanello with 868,000 chips and Stephen Chidwick with 825,000 chips. Romanello, a Triple Crown winner, aims for his second bracelet and a potential $1 million mystery bounty prize.
Other notable players advancing include Isaac Haxton with 669,000 chips, Justin Liberto with 596,000 chips, and Chris Brewer with 452,000 chips. The field is stacked, promising an exciting Day 2 as players compete for lucrative mystery bounties.
Red Hot Patrick Moulder in Front in the $2,500 Mixed Big Bet
Patrick Moulder, who already has seven cashes, including a bracelet win at the 2024 WSOP, leads Event #77: $2,500 Mixed Big Bet Event with 388,500 chips. Anthony Ribeiro follows with 315,000 chips, and Joshua Adcock holds 312,500 chips.
The event, featuring seven big bet variants, attracted many notable players. Day 1 survivors include Andres Korn with 295,000 chips, David “ODB” Baker with 264,000 chips, and Scott Bohlman with 246,000 chips. The tournament continues with late registration open until the end of Level 12 on Day 2, with a strong field vying for the title.