Day 42 of the 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP) was an action-packed spectacle, with high-stakes drama, thrilling plays, and nail-biting moments that had the poker community buzzing. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the progression of reigning champion Daniel Weinman through Day 2d of the Main Event, showcasing his skill and determination to defend his title.
A Record-Breaking Day for the Main Event
The poker world was abuzz as the 2024 WSOP Main Event set a new record, becoming the largest in history. Until late registration closed on Day 2 of Event #81: $10,000 WSOP Main Event World Championship, the tournament was on track to be the second-largest ever. However, the influx of 562 players buying in on Day 2d pushed the total number of entries to a staggering 10,112, creating a prize pool of $94,041,600.
This impressive turnout means that the top 1,517 finishers will receive a piece of the pie, with a min-cash set at $15,000. It’s not every day you see such massive participation, which speaks volumes about the enduring allure of poker, both live and online. But what does this mean for the players? For one, it sets the stage for an intense and competitive environment where every chip counts.
Top Performers and Notable Players
Alex Livingston emerged as the Day 2d chip leader, bagging 750,500 chips. Livingston, who finished 13th in the 2013 WSOP Main Event and third in 2019, is no stranger to deep runs. Right behind him are Tyler Hatchel with 679,000 chips and Donovan Dean with 634,500 chips, ensuring that the top spots are fiercely contested.
Livingston’s track record and current position make him a formidable contender. However, five-time bracelet winner Adam Friedman and Stephen Song, who bagged 581,000 and 577,000 chips respectively, are also in strong positions. Friedman mentioned he’s counting on a deep Main Event run to save his summer after a frustrating WSOP so far.
Reigning champion Daniel Weinman finished Day 2d with 229,500 chips, a significant improvement from his challenging Day 2 where he had just 55,600 chips. His progress mirrors his 2023 run, and with his current momentum, Weinman is hoping history will repeat itself. Joining him in the next round are former champions Joe McKeehen (309,500), Scotty Nguyen (206,000), Martin Jacobson (154,000), Espen Jorstad (133,000), and Ryan Riess (103,500). It’s a testament to their enduring skills and competitive spirit that they continue to make their mark in the Main Event.
Exciting Events on the Horizon
The excitement isn’t limited to the Main Event. Event #83: $1,500 Eight Game Mix has only seven players remaining, with John Racener leading the pack with 3,929,000 chips. Racener, who captured his second bracelet this year in the $10,000 Limit Hold’em Championship, is closely followed by Josh Arieh with 2,732,000 chips and Maxx Coleman with 1,893,000 chips. This event promises a thrilling conclusion as these mixed-game specialists battle it out for the coveted bracelet and the $131,061 top prize.
In Event #84: $600 Ultra Stack No-Limit Hold’em, Rohit Hukmani bagged an impressive 4,125,000 chips, nearly twice as many as his nearest competitor. Andres Korn, with over $3.3 million in live poker tournament cashes, also made it through with 520,000 chips, adding another layer of intrigue to the proceedings.
Event #85: $1,000 Flip & Go No-Limit Hold’em drew 1,088 entrants for its flip stage, with 136 players moving on to Day 2. Among them are poker heavyweights like Jason Wheeler, Chance Kornuth, Patrick Leonard, and Scott Seiver. This event is known for its unique format and the excitement it brings, making it a favorite among both players and fans.
New Payout Structure for the Main Event
One of the most significant changes in the 2024 WSOP is the restructured payout for the Main Event. Last year’s payout structure faced criticism for being too top-heavy, with the first-place prize being more than three times the prize for third place. This year, the organizers have flattened the payouts to address these concerns. Here’s a look at the new final table payouts:
1st: $10,000,000
2nd: $6,000,000
3rd: $4,000,000
4th: $3,000,000
5th: $2,500,000
6th: $2,000,000
7th: $1,500,000
8th: $1,250,000
9th: $1,000,000
The final table bubble will pay $800K. This change ensures a more equitable distribution of the prize pool, allowing more players to walk away with substantial winnings. For example, while $800K might not seem like much compared to the $10M top prize, it’s still a life-changing amount that can significantly impact a player’s career and life.
Looking Ahead
As Day 43 unfolds, the Main Event will continue with 3,617 players vying for a place in poker history. Events like the $1,500 Eight Game Mix and the $1,000 Flip & Go No-Limit Hold’em will crown their champions, adding to the day’s excitement. Meanwhile, new events such as the $1,000 Mystery Bounty No-Limit Hold’em and the $5,000 8-Handed No-Limit Hold’em will kick off, promising more action and drama.
The WSOP is not just about winning money; it’s about the stories, the camaraderie, and the passion for the game. Each hand played, each chip stacked, and each bracelet won adds to the rich tapestry of poker lore. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual enthusiast, the WSOP offers something for everyone, and this year’s record-breaking Main Event is a shining example of poker’s timeless charm.