The 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP) is in full swing at the Horseshoe Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas, delivering non-stop excitement and unforgettable moments. Day 36 was no exception, with two new bracelets awarded, several events unfolding, and the poker community abuzz with the latest developments. From high-stakes clashes to underdog triumphs, the day was a perfect snapshot of why poker continues to captivate both players and fans, whether played live or online.
David Eldridge Clinches Second Bracelet
David Eldridge kicked off the day’s bracelet wins by securing victory in Event #73: $25,000 High Roller Pot-Limit Omaha (8-Handed). In a thrilling heads-up battle against Brian Rast, Eldridge emerged victorious, claiming his second WSOP bracelet. Rast, a formidable opponent with six bracelets already to his name, was denied a seventh as Eldridge’s skill and determination shone through.
Martin Alcaide Triumphs in the Colossus
Another notable win was Martin Alcaide’s triumph in Event #70: $400 Colossus No-Limit Hold’em. Alcaide bested a staggering field of 19,337 entrants to turn his modest $400 buy-in into an impressive $501,250 and a coveted WSOP bracelet. This event exemplifies the democratic nature of poker, where anyone can turn a small investment into a life-changing sum. Alcaide’s victory is a testament to the accessibility and allure of poker, drawing in players from all walks of life, both at live events and in online poker tournaments.
Unfinished Business in the Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship
Not every bracelet found a home on Day 36. Event #74: $10,000 Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship saw a dramatic pause in the action. Richard Sklar and Arash Ghaneian, closely matched in chip stacks, decided to halt their heads-up battle at 2:00 a.m. local time, opting to resume the following day. This decision underscores the endurance and strategic depth required in poker, especially in grueling championship events. Both players will return with nearly equal chances, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion.
Team Perez Leads the $1K Tag Team
Team dynamics took center stage in Event #75: $1,000 Tag Team No-Limit Hold’em, where the field was whittled down to 22 teams from an initial 1,437. Leading the charge is Team Perez, comprised of Joan Perez and Javier Rodriguez. They ended Day 2 with 3,730,000 chips, a significant lead over Team Hopkins and Team Hall. The tag team format adds a unique twist to traditional poker strategy, emphasizing collaboration and shared decision-making. This event, which began with a lighthearted atmosphere of matching shirts and comedy hats, has grown more serious as the bracelet and six-figure top prize come into view.
Tauan Naves Leads the $10,000 Mystery Bounty Final Table
Event #76: $10,000 Mystery Bounty No-Limit Hold’em reached its nine-handed final table, with Brazilian Tauan Naves holding the chip lead at 16,300,000. Naves secured his position after a pivotal call against Damarjai Davenport’s river shove. Despite Davenport’s setback, he remains a strong contender with 10,000,000 chips. The mystery bounty format adds an element of surprise and excitement, as players chase hidden prizes in addition to the main payout. Robert Heidorn, seventh in chips, has already secured substantial bounties, including $75,000 and $100,000 prizes, adding to the intrigue of the final table.
Wing Liu and Alex Foxen in Tight Race
Event #77: $2,500 Mixed Big Bet Event saw Hong Kong’s Wing Liu and Alex Foxen in a tight race for the lead. Liu holds 2,387,000 chips, just ahead of Foxen’s 2,243,000. Foxen’s dramatic elimination of Phil Hellmuth in a round of No-Limit 2-7 Single Draw added to the day’s excitement. Hellmuth’s exit, marked by his trademark verbal outburst, highlighted the high emotions and rivalries that characterize poker at this level. Joining Liu and Foxen in the final day are notable players like Allan Le, Xixiang Luo, and Chris Klodnicki, each with a significant stake in the $209,942 top prize.
Paawan Bansal Leads Mini Main Event
In Event #78: $1,000 Mini Main Event, Paawan Bansal from India leads the remaining 486 players into Day 2 with 2,825,000 chips. Bansal, aiming to surpass his runner-up finish in the 2018 $1,500 Closer event, is followed closely by Jamie Dwan and James Carroll, each with 2,700,000 chips. This event, drawing over 6,000 entrants, showcases the broad appeal and competitive spirit of poker, bringing together seasoned professionals and enthusiastic amateurs alike.
Jason Mercier Dominates Day 1 of $50K PLO
Event #79: $50,000 High Roller Pot-Limit Omaha started explosively, reducing 133 starters to 61 survivors by the end of Day 1. Jason Mercier bagged the chip lead with 1,575,000, closely followed by Jared Bleznick with 1,470,000 and recent $250,000 Super High Roller champion Santhosh Suvarna with 1,360,000. The high-stakes nature of this event, with a prize pool exceeding $6 million, attracts a mix of poker superstars, including Michael Moncek, Bryce Yockey, and David Benyamine. The competition remains fierce, with players vying for substantial payouts and prestigious titles.
Looking Ahead to Day 37
Day 37 promises even more excitement as the $10,000 WSOP Main Event kicks off its first of four starting flights at 12:00 p.m. local time. This event is a pinnacle of the WSOP, drawing players from around the world to compete for poker’s most prestigious title. Additionally, four bracelets are expected to be awarded in Events #74, #75, #76, and #77, adding to the day’s high stakes and drama.
As the Main Event gets underway, Day 2 of the $1,000 Mini Main Event will see its field further reduced, and the star-studded $50,000 High Roller Pot-Limit Omaha event will continue its thrilling run. Also beginning on Day 37 is Event #80: $800 Independence Day Celebration No-Limit Hold’em, adding yet another layer to the action-packed schedule. The WSOP continues to deliver unforgettable moments and intense competition, captivating the poker world both live and online.