The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is like the Olympics for poker players, a time when the best in the world converge in Las Vegas to test their skills and luck. The 2024 WSOP is approaching its thrilling climax, and Day 48 was packed with action and drama. This year’s event at the Horseshoe Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas is one for the history books, with remarkable performances, unexpected victories, and nail-biting finishes. Let’s dive into the highlights of Day 48 and take a closer look at the final table for the Main Event.
The Main Event Final Table
The $10,000 WSOP Main Event World Championship is the crown jewel of the series. After days of intense competition, the Main Event has reached its nine-handed final table. Each of the finalists is already guaranteed at least $1 million, but the coveted $10 million top prize is what everyone has their eyes on. This year’s final table is a fascinating mix of seasoned pros and ambitious newcomers, making it anyone’s game.
Here are the finalists and their chip counts:
- Jordan Griff (United States) – 143,700,000 chips (90 big blinds)
- Brian Kim (United States) – 94,600,000 chips (59 big blinds)
- Niklas Astedt (Sweden) – 94,200,000 chips (59 big blinds)
- Joe Serock (United States) – 83,600,000 chips (52 big blinds)
- Jason Sagle (Canada) – 67,300,000 chips (42 big blinds)
- Boris Angelov (Bulgaria) – 52,900,000 chips (33 big blinds)
- Jonathan Tamayo (United States) – 26,700,000 chips (17 big blinds)
- Malo Latinois (France) – 25,500,000 chips (16 big blinds)
- Andres Gonzalez (Spain) – 18,300,000 chips (11 big blinds)
Leading the charge is Jordan Griff, an emerging talent with a chip count of 143,700,000, translating to 90 big blinds. Hot on his heels are Brian Kim and online poker legend Niklas Astedt, each with 59 big blinds. Astedt, better known as ‘Lena900’ in the online poker community, is widely regarded as one of the best tournament players in the world, making him a formidable contender.
The final table lineup promises a thrilling conclusion to this year’s Main Event. Among the notable players is Joe Serock, who qualified through GGPoker’s Monday MADNESS: 8x $12K WSOP ME Packages GTD satellite. Serock, proudly sporting the GGPoker patch, is not only vying for the top prize but also stands to win an additional $1 million from GGPoker if he clinches the championship. Another player to watch is EPT Monte Carlo runner-up Boris Angelov, whose presence adds an extra layer of excitement. With blinds resuming at 800,000/1,600,000 and a 1,600,000 big blind ante, the stage is set for some high-stakes action.
Event #91: $3,000 H.O.R.S.E.
In Event #91, Gary Bolden emerged victorious after an unscheduled fourth day. Bolden took down the $3,000 H.O.R.S.E. event, earning his first WSOP bracelet and $206,321 in prize money. His victory came at the expense of John Racener, who was aiming for his second bracelet of the series and the third of his career. The H.O.R.S.E. event, known for its mixed-game format, tests players’ versatility and skill across five different poker variants, making Bolden’s win even more impressive.
Event #92: $50,000 High Roller No-Limit Hold’em
The $50,000 High Roller No-Limit Hold’em event also concluded on Day 48. Jared Bleznick, a name well-known in high-stakes circles, won his first bracelet and a staggering $2,037,947. This career-best haul for Bleznick came after outlasting a star-studded field, cementing his status as a high roller to be reckoned with. The High Roller events are where poker’s elite come to battle, and Bleznick’s triumph showcases the intense competition at these stakes.
Event #94: $10,000 6-Handed No-Limit Hold’em
Adrian Mateos, a Spanish sensation with four WSOP bracelets to his name, bagged up the second-largest stack in Event #94: $10,000 6-Handed No-Limit Hold’em. With only 28 players remaining, Mateos is in prime position to capture his fifth bracelet. Leading the pack is Bulgaria’s Fahredin Mustafov with 3,300,000 chips, followed closely by Mateos with 2,860,000. This event is shaping up to be a thrilling contest with several notable players still in the hunt, including James Chen, Alejandro Lococo, and Viktor Blom.
The 6-Handed No-Limit Hold’em format encourages aggressive play and frequent confrontations, making it a favorite among spectators and players alike. Mateos’ deep run is a testament to his skill and adaptability in such high-pressure environments.
Event #89: $3,000 Mid-Stakes Championship
The $3,000 Mid-Stakes Championship saw Taylor Black lead the final 17 players with a hefty 20,725,000 chips. Black’s lead over the second-place Adam Owen (15,175,000) and third-place Dong Chen (10,950,000) sets the stage for an intense finish. Alec Torelli, still in contention, is seeking his first bracelet and could turn this into a memorable comeback story.
The Mid-Stakes Championship is a battleground for both established pros and rising stars, offering a perfect blend of experience and ambition. With substantial prize money and a prestigious bracelet on the line, the final stages of this event promise some exhilarating poker.
Event #93: $777 Lucky 7’s No-Limit Hold’em
Day 1b of the $777 Lucky 7’s No-Limit Hold’em event drew 1,559 entrants, narrowing down to 77 players by day’s end. Victor Dermendjian from Brazil topped the chip counts with 2,820,000 chips. Hot on his heels are Dominick Sarle (2,150,000) and Brandon Hamlet (1,975,000). Jason Wheeler, sitting in fifth with 1,725,000 chips, is hoping to add another bracelet to his collection after 20 cashes at this year’s WSOP.
The Lucky 7’s event, with its affordable buy-in and substantial prize pool, attracts a diverse field of players. It’s a unique mix of amateurs and pros, all vying for a share of the prize money and the coveted bracelet. Wheeler’s impressive number of cashes this year highlights his consistency and endurance across multiple events.
Event #95: $1,979 Poker Hall of Fame Bounty No-Limit Hold’em
Event #95 was star-studded, with every living Poker Hall of Fame member invited to play. Jack McClelland, with his $2014 bounty still intact, finished Day 1 with 209,000 chips, placing him in the middle of the pack. The top chip counts were dominated by Preston McEwen (786,000), Luan Coelho (699,000), and Yang Lei (616,000).
The Hall of Fame Bounty event adds an extra layer of excitement, as players aim not only to win the tournament but also to claim bounties on poker legends. This event showcases the rich history and prestigious legacy of the game, bringing together past champions and current stars in a unique format.
Event #96: $25,000 High Roller H.O.R.S.E.
Paul Volpe led the pack after Day 1 of the $25,000 High Roller H.O.R.S.E. event with 650,000 chips. Xixiang Luo (637,000) and Kazuhiko Yotsushika (587,000) are close behind. The event, which saw 95 players enter and 58 advance, is poised for a dramatic Day 2.
The High Roller H.O.R.S.E. event tests the mettle of even the most seasoned pros, with its mixed-game format and high stakes. Volpe’s lead is a strong start, but the competition is fierce, and the final stages promise to be a showcase of top-tier poker skill and strategy.