Day 45 of the 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP) at the Horseshoe Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas had everything you could want from a poker festival. With bad beats, big fields, and superstar players, the day was packed with excitement. While no bracelets were awarded, the drama and action made up for it.
Main Event Madness
The highlight of the day was Event #81: the $10,000 WSOP Main Event World Championship. The field was reduced to just 160 players, with Stephen Song leading the pack. Song’s chip count gave him a commanding position, but the real story was the elimination of Adrian Mateos. Known for his strategic brilliance, Mateos’ dramatic exit reminded everyone that in poker, fortunes can change in an instant.
Friedman and Hansen in the $10K Eight Game Mix Championship
The $10,000 Eight Game Mix Championship saw intense competition as it moved to its third and final day. Adam Friedman led with 1,098,000 chips, closely followed by Tom Koral with 1,055,000. However, it was Gus Hansen who stole the spotlight. Hansen, with 948,000 chips, was third in line and had everyone talking. Despite not playing as many tournaments as before, his decision to enter this one seemed wise. Hansen has already secured $22,643 and stands a strong chance of adding a second bracelet to his collection. His first bracelet win dates back 14 years to a £10,350 No-Limit Hold’em Heads-Up event at WSOP Europe in London.
The final day promises to be thrilling, with a lineup that reads like a who’s who of the poker world. Ali Eslami, involved in a controversial bubble hand, sits in fourth place with 839,000 chips, followed by Maxx Coleman with 741,000. The likes of Yuri Dzivielevski (626,000), Fu Wong (612,000), and Danny Wong (608,000) are also in the top ranks, ensuring a fierce competition.
Extra Day Needed in the $1,000 PLO Mystery Bounty
Event #86: $1,000 Mystery Bounty Pot-Limit Omaha failed to crown its champion on Day 2, as predicted. The large field of 463 returning players proved too many to whittle down in one day. Sascha Wilhelm leads with 36,250,000 chips, followed by Bryce Yockey with 33,950,000 and Adam Adams with 25,625,000. The final ten players will return to determine the winner, with significant mystery bounties still in play. Notably, Emmanuel Poznanski and Weimin Hou each pulled $100,000 bounties before exiting the tournament.
Moncek Shines in the $3,000 Mid-Stakes Championship
Michael Moncek had an impressive performance in Event #89: $3,000 Mid-Stakes Championship, bagging 357,000 chips and securing a spot in the top ten overnight counts. Jonathan Newman leads with 573,500 chips, followed by Herve Gouzil with 505,000. This event, a new addition to the WSOP schedule, attracted 1,161 entrants, with 324 making it to Day 2. The second and final flight is expected to draw over 2,000 participants, adding to the excitement and potential prize pool.
Shaw Dominates the $1,500 PLO 6-Max
David Shaw emerged as the chip leader in Event #90: $1,500 6-Handed Pot-Limit Omaha, bagging 1,028,000 chips after an explosive day’s action. Over 93% of the field busted, leaving only 89 players to continue. Close behind Shaw are Billy Tarango with 983,000 chips and Zachary Reinbold with 964,000. Other notable survivors include Kyle Bowker, Mike Leah, and John Racener, who will return for Day 2.
“ODB” Baker Tops $3K H.O.R.S.E. Day 1 Chip Counts
David “ODB” Baker topped the chip counts in Event #91: $3,000 H.O.R.S.E., finishing Day 1 with 353,500 chips. Paul Campbell and Jared Hyman followed with 251,000 and 220,000 chips, respectively. This event saw 357 entrants, with 141 progressing to Day 2. Prominent players like John Racener, David Williams, and 11-time bracelet winner Phil Ivey made it through, ensuring an exciting continuation of the event.
Day 45 of the 2024 WSOP was nothing short of spectacular, with high-stakes action and unexpected twists. The upcoming days promise even more excitement as players continue to vie for the coveted bracelets and substantial prize pools. Whether it’s the drama of the Main Event or the intense competition in the mix games, the WSOP continues to captivate poker fans around the world.
A Very Brief History of the WSOP
The World Series of Poker (WSOP) has been the pinnacle of poker tournaments since its inception in 1970. Founded by Benny Binion at the Horseshoe Casino in Las Vegas, the WSOP started as a small gathering of top poker players and has since grown into the most prestigious poker festival in the world. With dozens of events spanning various poker variants, the WSOP has crowned legends like Doyle Brunson, Phil Hellmuth, and Johnny Chan. Its Main Event, a $10,000 buy-in No-Limit Hold’em tournament, has become synonymous with poker glory, drawing thousands of hopefuls each year.