WPT: Legends Of Poker Day 1

Published on 25 Aug 08 13:41 by Drakhor

Day 1A and 1B of the WPT Main Event of the 'Legends of Poker' in the Bicycle Casino are finished. 373 players gathered at the tables, including countless stars. 248 of them survived the starting days.

Declining Number of Participants

WPT in the Bicycle CasinoWith 373 participants the number of players fell short of last year's result when 485 players signed up. The stars were hardly impressed by this though. They still came in flocks to the WPT events. The amateur players stay more and more away though.

Stars wherever you looked

Dan Harrington - Winner in 2007Thus it wasn't really surprising that the star density in the event was incredibly high. Amongst others were in the field: Defending champion Dan Harrington, Daniel Negreanu, Phil Ivey, Barry Greenstein, Chris Ferguson, Antonio Esfandiari, Erick Lindgren, David Pham, Gavin Griffin, Freddy Deeb, Jennifer Tilly, Vanessa Rousso, Men ‚The Master’ Nguyen, November Nine Bad Boy Chino Rheem and many more.

248 players left - $3,545,738 in the Pot

248 players survived the starting days and return to the casino today for Day 2. They will all play for their share of the cake of $3,545,738. But until then it's still a long way to go. 30 places will be paid, the winner will receive $1,116,428. Chip leader is Ali Eslami with 158,525 chips. The US American is not a complete nobody in the tournament business. In this year's WSOP he was able to cash three times. His best result was rank 7 in the $1,500 Limit event. Closest pursuer is Adam Weinraub, chip leader after Day 1A. He holds 154,750 chips.

Ivey already eliminated

Phil Ivey already outThe big story early was the departure of Phil Ivey, who was moving all-in without even looking at his cards as if he were late for a Lakers game. Brian Rast called with pocket kings. Ivey held 2-3 offsuited. If Ivey made it in time to his appointment is not known.