916.
That is the official number of entries needed at the start of the day for the record-setting $15 million guarantee of the WPT World Championship at Wynn Las Vegas to be reached. It’s Day 1B of the WPTWC and after yesterday’s massive turnout of 615 runners, the question is no longer if the guarantee will be met, but when it will be met.
[Edit: The “when” has been answered. The guarantee was hit in Level 3 at 2:15 pm on Day 1B]
And here at the end of Level 1 of the second day of this historic event – with 678 players already in their seats – it’s looking like it could happen before the end of registration today.
It’s a different day, but a similar vibe from Day 1A in the Encore Ballroom at the Wynn. It was a quiet, early 11 am start as players took their seats and settled in. However, that tension was quickly broken as players turned their attention to the World Cup match and erupted in cheers when Lionel Messi scored the first goal for Argentina. After that, the room got loud and it felt like the action started in earnest.
Also, like yesterday, there were plenty of notable names who decided not to wait until the last minute to get involved. 2021 WSOP Player of the Year Josh Arieh was spotted, as was former online #1-ranked crusher from Brazil, Joao Simao. Ben Lamb and Sofia Lovgren were in their seats at the start, with the latter taking advantage of the early arrival to pick up chips.
There were a whole host of newly spotted pros including David Peters, Dan Smith, former WSOP Player of the Year Frank Kassela, Adam Levy, content creators Matthew Vaughan and Ashley Sleeth, and Hustler Casino Live nosebleed player ‘Nik Airball’ was looming large.
It was also a second chance to find a bag for WPT Champions Club members Brian Altman, Eric Afriat, Chad Eveslage, and Darren Elias – all of whom returned and were on time for a second day in a row. Brothers Andrew and Johnnie Moreno both fired again, as did the old-school duo of Cliff ‘Johnny Bax’ Josephy and Shaun Deeb.
Steve ‘Cuz’ Buckner’s quest for WPT Player of the Year continued as he was heard engaging in his trademark table talk. Plus Maria Ho, Tony Gregg, plus former WPT champions Dylan Linde and Andy Frankenberger were seen in the field as well.
And that was just in Level 1.
The list of notable names and familiar faces in the field continues to grow and all of the action from Day 1B can be followed along with WPT Live Updates.
(photos: Drew Amato, Hayley Hochstetler)