The 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP) is in full swing at the Horseshoe Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas, showcasing the thrilling and unpredictable nature of poker. With events ranging from high-stakes $50,000 buy-ins to more accessible $1,500 mixed game tournaments, the WSOP offers something for every poker enthusiast. Day 46 was particularly eventful, featuring high drama, strategic plays, and a fair share of controversy.
Joseph Cheong’s Slow Roll
One of the most talked-about moments came from Joseph Cheong during Event #92: $50,000 High Roller No-Limit Hold’em. Cheong, known for his aggressive play style, found himself in a massive hand against David Coleman. With 855,000 in the pot and a river showing J♣ J♥ 10♦ 2♥ J♦, Coleman moved all in for over a million chips. Cheong took his time, even using a time extension, before finally calling. Coleman confidently revealed his Q♣ Q♠, only to be devastated when Cheong flipped over K♠ J♠ for quad jacks.
Coleman’s reaction was a mix of shock and frustration, questioning Cheong’s need for the dramatic pause. Cheong’s nonchalant reply, “A slow roll,” added fuel to the fire. This moment not only highlighted Cheong’s strategic prowess but also his ability to get under his opponents’ skin. Leading the field with 3,350,000 chips, Cheong is followed by poker legends Erik Seidel with 1,930,000 and David Peters with 1,760,000. This context shows the high level of competition and the skill required to maintain a chip lead.
High Stakes and High Rewards
The allure of high-stakes poker is undeniable, attracting top players from around the world. Event #92 saw 150 entries, with more expected as late registration continued into Day 2. The previous year’s record of 176 entrants was within reach, promising a substantial prize pool. For professionals like Cheong, these events offer not just financial rewards but also the prestige of adding another bracelet to their collection.
Triumph and Strategy in Mixed Games
While the high roller events often steal the spotlight, the WSOP’s mixed game tournaments provide a different kind of challenge. Event #86: $1,000 Mystery Bounty Pot-Limit Omaha saw Sascha Wilhelm emerge victorious. Despite not hitting any bounties larger than $2,000, Wilhelm’s consistent play earned him his biggest career score of $282,290.
These mixed game events require a diverse skill set, as players must adapt to different game formats and strategies. This versatility is what sets great players apart, as they navigate the complexities of games like Omaha and Stud with the same confidence as No-Limit Hold’em.
The Marathon of Poker: Event #88
Endurance is a crucial component of poker, and nowhere is this more evident than in the lengthy sessions of the WSOP. Event #88: $10,000 Eight Game Mixed Championship was a grueling affair, with Day 3 extending over ten hours. Calvin Anderson and Dai Ishibashi played heads-up for an hour before the tournament director called it a day, asking them to return for a final showdown. Anderson leads with 7,545,000 chips, while Ishibashi holds 3,905,000.
Mid-Stakes Action and Rising Stars
The inaugural Event #89: $3,000 Mid-Stakes Championship has proven to be a hit, drawing a large field of 917 players across Days 1a and 1b. Notable names like Chance Kornuth and Ryan Leng bagged chips for Day 2, showcasing the depth of talent in these mid-stakes events. Dusti Smith leads the Day 1b field with 492,000 chips, while Jonathan Newman remains the overall leader with 573,500.
These mid-stakes events are crucial for players looking to make a name for themselves in the poker world. They provide a platform to showcase their skills against a mix of seasoned professionals and up-and-coming talent.
Final Table Drama: Event #90
Event #90: $1,500 Pot-Limit Omaha 6-Handed is another testament to the diverse range of games at the WSOP. Long Tran leads the final table with a commanding 9,990,000 chips, followed by Alfred Karlsson with 7,615,000 and Mike Leah with 5,960,000. With a prize pool of $1,740,840 and $269,530 for the winner, the stakes are high, and the competition fierce.
The H.O.R.S.E. Event and Legendary Players
Event #91: $3,000 H.O.R.S.E. is a favorite among seasoned players, combining multiple poker variants into one challenging format. Barry Greenstein’s exit in 18th place marked the end of Day 2, leaving 17 players to battle it out for the $206,321 top prize. Wooram Cho leads with 1,875,000 chips, closely followed by John Racener with 1,765,000 and Gary Bolden with 1,650,000.
These events highlight the depth of poker talent and the strategic thinking required to excel in multiple game types. Players like Jeremy Ausmus and David “ODB” Baker, who remain in the hunt, exemplify the skill and experience needed to succeed at this level.