Some of the biggest names in the high roller game arrived at Wynn Las Vegas on Monday for the biggest buy-in tournament of the year. And for some, their career.
Phil Ivey, Jason Koon, and Fedor Holz were just a few of the superstars who entered the $1,000,000 buy-in WPT Big One for One Drop on Monday afternoon. The tournament aims to help raise funds for One Drop to bring communities in need sustainable access to clean water and sanitation. In total 17 players posted the seven-figure sum with a portion of each buy-in going to the charity.
And while it’s certain that helping others while playing poker is bound to make the participants feel good, the $7.1 million first-place prize is also undeniably worth playing for.
Ivey, who was the first player confirmed for this event back in September, was in his seat early, ready to see what the day would bring. He was one of several players who had One Drop experience. Recreational players David Einhorn and Rick Solomon were seen in the field, both having cashed previous versions of this tournament. In fact, Solomon has the most experience in the field having cashed three of the four iterations of the event.
Fedor Holz and WPT Champion Dan Smith both cashed in the 2018 Big One for One Drop, taking second ($6 million) and third place ($4 million) respectively.
A few new faces were taking a shot in this edition including Chris Brewer, who had previously discussed that playing a buy-in this big for the first time might bring a little nerves. Mario Mosboeck, the former professional footballer turned high stakes crusher, made the trip for this event and Santhosh Survarna who has been mixing it up in nosebleed cash games both on the WPT Livestream as well as on Hustler Casino Live registered after playing in the $25,000 high roller the night before.
Some of the recognized best players in the world are in the mix including Isaac Haxton, who has earned more than $15.5 million already this year to top the 2023 Money List with just weeks to go. Stephen Chidwick, Adrian Mateos, and Mikita Badziakouski are also seeking new career-high scores.
Every player in the field is playing for not just a career-defining win, but also a place in One Drop history. Day 2 will continue tomorrow and the final table will be livestreamed on the WPT YouTube channel on Wednesday, December 20.
Follow all the action via WPT Live Updates.
