Poker enthusiasts from around the globe tuned in for Day 40 of the 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP), and it did not disappoint. With the $10,000 WSOP Main Event World Championship dominating the day, it was a spectacle of strategic gameplay, unexpected twists, and a historic turnout.
The Main Event Madness
The Main Event, known for its prestige and high stakes, saw an unprecedented number of participants on Day 1d, totaling approximately 5,014 players. This massive influx set a record for the largest Day 1 field in the history of the Main Event, bringing the overall field size to a staggering 9,288 players. This number edges the tournament tantalizingly close to breaking last year’s record of 10,043 participants.
Why such a surge in turnout? The allure of the Main Event is undeniable. It’s not just about the prize money; it’s about the glory, the challenge, and the camaraderie among players. Plus, the opportunity to compete against legends like Phil Ivey, who made his entry on Day 1d, only adds to the excitement.
Phil Ivey: The Legend Enters
Phil Ivey’s entry into the Main Event was highly anticipated. Known for his exceptional skills and calm demeanor, Ivey did not disappoint, finishing the day with 162,500 chips. But he wasn’t alone; other notable players also amassed significant stacks. John Mcdonald led the field with 496,000 chips, followed closely by Scott Stewart with 370,200 and David Miller with 332,200. These chip counts set the stage for intense competition in the upcoming days.
The Day 1d Top Performers
Here’s a snapshot of the top 10 chip counts from Day 1d:
| Position | Player | Country | Chip Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | John Mcdonald | USA | 496,000 chips |
| 2 | Scott Stewart | USA | 370,200 chips |
| 3 | David Miller | USA | 332,200 chips |
| 4 | Jeff Beckley | USA | 312,000 chips |
| 5 | Victor Fryda | France | 310,000 chips |
| 6 | Michael Danley | USA | 295,000 chips |
| 7 | Ruslan Nazarenko | UK | 282,800 chips |
| 8 | Jayphong Nguyen | USA | 280,700 chips |
| 9 | Endrit Geci | USA | 267,500 chips |
| 10 | Dau Ly | USA | 261,500 chips |
Familiar Faces and New Challengers
The Main Event isn’t just about the high rollers. It’s a melting pot of poker talent, where seasoned professionals and enthusiastic amateurs compete side by side. This year, several former champions and Hall of Famers added their names to the list of Day 1d survivors.
Among the notable players who secured their spots were Ari Engel with 209,400 chips, Anson Tsang with 205,900, and Adam Friedman with 177,400. Alex Livingston (174,500) and Greg Mueller (144,800) also ended the day with impressive stacks.
Former Main Event champions who bagged chips include Joe Cada (32,800), Ryan Riess (81,500), Martin Jacobson (117,800), Joe McKeehen (121,300), Espen Jorstad (150,800), and Daniel Weinman (55,600). These veterans, alongside rising stars and dedicated amateurs, make for an unpredictable and thrilling tournament.
Hall of Famers and Prodigies
The WSOP Main Event is a magnet for poker’s elite. Hall of Famers John Juanda (96,000), Brian Rast (130,500), Barry Greenstein (35,000), and Scotty Nguyen (104,200) showcased their enduring skills.
Not far behind were other poker icons like David “ODB” Baker, who bagged 137,600 chips, Phil Laak with 74,400, and Humberto Brenes with 28,900. Online poker star Bertrand “ElkY” Grospellier finished with 64,700, proving once again that online and live poker skills can go hand in hand.
Noteworthy Performances
In addition to the veterans, several other players made their mark on Day 1d. Ryan Leng (113,500), Jared Jaffee (96,700), and Joao Vieira (112,000) all ended the day with solid stacks. Writer turned poker pro Maria Konnikova (74,400) and chess influencer Alexandra Botez (39,200) also advanced, showing the diverse backgrounds of this year’s participants.
Event #82: A Side Show of Talent
While the Main Event captured most of the attention, Event #82: $1,000 No Limit Hold’em provided an exciting side event. With 1,424 players and a prize pool of $1,253,120, it was no small affair.
The tournament saw a grueling 16 half-hour blind levels before the field narrowed down to 214 players. Daniel Olsen led with 677,000 chips, and notable players like Chance Kornuth (501,000), Sam Farha (190,000), and David Peters (63,000) also secured their spots for Day 2.
A Brief History of the WSOP
The World Series of Poker (WSOP) has been the gold standard for poker tournaments since it began in 1970. Created by Benny Binion at the Horseshoe Casino in Las Vegas, the WSOP started as an exclusive event for the top poker players. Over the years, it has evolved into the world’s largest and most prestigious poker series. With numerous events covering various formats, it has produced legends like Stu Ungar, Chris Moneymaker, and Daniel Negreanu. The Main Event, a $10,000 buy-in No-Limit Hold’em tournament, has become the ultimate dream for poker players worldwide, attracting thousands annually.