The 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP) is in full swing at the Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas, and Day 39 brought some of the most thrilling action yet. Day 1c of the $10,000 Main Event World Championship saw a massive turnout and some impressive performances from poker’s biggest names.
Phil Hellmuth’s Dramatic Entrance
Phil Hellmuth, always one for grand entrances, did not disappoint on Day 1c. Hellmuth arrived dressed as a karate master, complete with a black belt and keikogi, strutting to Carl Douglas’s “Kung Fu Fighting.” While his entrance was a spectacle, Hellmuth also delivered at the tables, finishing the day with 66,700 chips, slightly above the starting stack.
A Surge in Participation
Day 1c saw approximately 2,500 players joining the fray, a significant increase compared to Day 1a and 1b combined. This brought the total number of entrants to around 4,250, still shy of last year’s record-breaking 10,043 players. However, with one more Day 1 flight and late registration available for two additional levels on both Day 2s, there’s potential for a last-minute surge in participation.
Leading the Pack: Robert Pardo
At the end of Day 1c, Robert Pardo emerged as the chip leader with a formidable stack of 441,000 chips. Close behind him were Zyad Qasem with 390,300 chips and Leonard Herrmann from Germany with 306,000 chips. These top stacks set a high bar for the rest of the field, showcasing the fierce competition that defines the Main Event.
Notable Survivors
Day 1c saw several high-profile players advance to Day 2. Daniel Negreanu, a fan favorite, bagged 37,900 chips, ensuring his spot in the next round. Other notable players who survived included Todd Brunson with 48,900 chips, 2024 Ladies Event champion Shiina Okamoto with 44,000 chips, and Calvin Anderson with 41,700 chips.
Arthur Morris finished with 221,800 chips, Justin Bonomo secured 174,100, and Arden Cho amassed 168,800 chips. Chris Brewer (156,800), Adrian Mateos (143,100), and Adam Hendrix (134,900) also positioned themselves well for the next stage. Maria Ho, with 79,600 chips, remains in contention, demonstrating the depth of talent in this year’s Main Event.
Champions’ Club
The day was particularly notable for the success of former Main Event champions. Phil Hellmuth, the 1989 champion, was joined by seven other previous winners who advanced to Day 2. Robert Varkonyi, the 2002 champion, bagged 58,000 chips, while 2003 champion Chris Moneymaker secured 64,300 chips. Joe Hachem, the 2005 champion, ended with 72,000 chips, and Jamie Gold, the 2006 champion, finished with 111,100 chips. Scott Blumstein, the 2017 champion, managed 53,800 chips, Damian Salas, the 2020 champion, had 50,800 chips, and Johnny Chan, a three-time champion, bagged 45,000 chips. These seasoned players bring a wealth of experience and a strong competitive spirit to the table, adding an extra layer of excitement to the tournament.
Early Exits and Busts
Not everyone had a successful Day 1c. Only about 2,094 of the 2,500 entrants survived to see Day 2. David Moses had the unfortunate distinction of busting on the first hand, marking the fourth such occurrence this series. Dan Bilzerian, known more for his social media presence than his poker skills, lasted just two hands before being eliminated. These early exits are a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of poker, where even the best-laid plans can go awry.
Event #80: Independence Day Celebration
While the Main Event grabbed most of the attention, Event #80: $800 Independence Day Celebration also concluded on Day 39. Francis Anderson emerged victorious, fittingly on Independence Day, taking home $501,040 and the coveted bracelet. Anderson faced Brent Lee in an intense heads-up battle, ultimately securing his place in WSOP history.
Looking Ahead: Day 1d and Beyond
As Day 1c wrapped up, anticipation built for Day 1d, scheduled to begin at noon on July 6. This final flight will see players competing over five levels of two hours each. Those who survive will progress to Day 2d on July 8, joining the combined survivors from Day 1a, 1b, and 1c. The stakes are high, and the competition fierce, as players vie for a coveted spot in poker history.
Day 39 of the 2024 WSOP was a testament to the enduring allure of poker. With big names, impressive chip counts, and thrilling gameplay, the Main Event continues to captivate audiences and participants alike. As the tournament progresses, the blend of live and online poker promises to keep the game vibrant and exciting for years to come. Whether you’re following the action in Las Vegas or playing online, the world of poker is vast and full of potential. Stay engaged, keep learning, and enjoy the game; the adventure is just beginning.