2024 World Series of Poker Has Begun! Day 1 Highlights
- Posted on
- Posted Under The Daily SCOOP, WSOP
The World Series of Poker (WSOP) 2024 has officially commenced, setting the stage for one of the most thrilling poker seasons in recent history. Hosted at the iconic Horseshoe Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas, this year’s WSOP promises an exciting mix of traditional events and new twists. The ceremonial ‘Shuffle Up and Deal’ was delivered by none other than Vegas Golden Knights champion Jonathan Marchessault, adding a dash of NHL flair to the poker festivities.
With 99 gold bracelet events scheduled, the 55th annual WSOP has introduced several new tournaments to keep players and fans on their toes. Among these is the highly anticipated $5,000 buy-in Champions Reunion No-Limit Hold’em Freezeout, where previous WSOP Main Event champions were granted free entry. The twist? Anyone who knocks out a former champion secures a seat in the 2024 WSOP Main Event. Now that’s a bounty worth chasing!
Early Events and Chip Leaders
The opening day saw two significant events: the $5,000 Champions Reunion and the $500 Casino Employees Event. The Champions Reunion featured a star-studded field of 493 players, including poker legends and former Main Event champions. Qui Nguyen, the 2016 WSOP Main Event champion, emerged as the chip leader with a stack of 663,000, narrowly edging out Xiaohu Liu and Asher Conniff.
Notable eliminations included 2003 champion Chris Moneymaker, who fell victim to Johnny Chan’s ace-king hand (AhKc). Moneymaker held pocket kings (KhKd), but an ace on the flop sealed his fate, securing Chan a $10,000 bounty, a free entry into this year’s Main Event. The action was intense, with many big names, including Phil Hellmuth and Daniel Negreanu, participating and adding to the excitement of the day.
Meanwhile, the Casino Employees Event drew 1,189 entrants, a testament to the vibrant poker community working behind the scenes. Caleb O’Donnell finished Day 1 as the chip leader with 583,000, setting the stage for an exciting Day 2 where the first bracelet of the summer will be awarded.
Fresh Faces and Familiar Names
The WSOP is known for its mix of seasoned professionals and rising stars, and 2024 is no exception. Jonathan Marchessault’s participation added a unique flavor to the opening event, bringing a touch of the hockey world to the poker tables. Marchessault, fresh off a Stanley Cup victory with the Vegas Golden Knights, received poker tips from Daniel Negreanu before diving into his first competitive poker tournament.
The Player of the Year Race Heats Up
The revamped POY system has sparked debates among poker enthusiasts and professionals alike. Under the new rules, only a player’s top ten results will count toward their POY score, with a minimum of five cashes required to qualify. This means players need to focus on quality over quantity, strategically choosing events that offer the best chances to rack up points.
Last year’s winner, Ian Matakis, whose victory was bolstered by numerous online cashes, would have faced a different challenge under this system. This year, the race is wide open, with players like Daniel Negreanu, Shaun Deeb, and Chris Brewer, who would have clinched the title last year under these new rules, all vying for the top spot. The question on everyone’s mind: Who will adapt best to this new scoring system?
Big Events on the Horizon
As we look ahead, several marquee events are sure to draw massive attention. The $10,000 Main Event, starting on July 3, is the crown jewel of the WSOP, with multiple starting flights and a thrilling final table scheduled for July 16-17. Last year, Daniel Weinman claimed the largest payout in WSOP history with a $12.1 million victory. Can he repeat his success in 2024?
Other highlights include the $50,000 Poker Players Championship, the $250,000 High Roller, and the $25,000 Heads-Up Championship. For those seeking lower buy-ins, events like the $1,500 Millionaire Maker and the $1,500 Monster Stack offer substantial prize pools and intense competition.
Stay Tuned
The 2024 WSOP is shaping up to be a season of unforgettable moments, intense rivalries, and record-breaking feats. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a poker enthusiast, there’s something for everyone in this year’s lineup. For a complete schedule of events and to follow all the action, be sure to check out the WSOP’s official website.
As the cards continue to fly and the chips stack up, one thing is certain: the 2024 WSOP is off to an exhilarating start, with much more drama and excitement to come.
The 2024 World Series of Poker has set the stage for another historic summer in Las Vegas. With a mix of new events, a revamped POY race, and the return of poker legends, this year’s series promises to deliver thrilling moments and unforgettable stories. Whether you’re watching from the sidelines or competing for a bracelet, the excitement of the WSOP is unmatched. Keep your eyes on the action as the world’s best players battle it out for poker glory.
