The 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event has been a thrilling spectacle, drawing in a record-breaking 10,112 players from around the globe. This year's event, held at the Paris and Horseshoe Las Vegas casinos, has seen intense competition, dramatic eliminations, and unforgettable moments. With a $10 million top prize and a custom WSOP bracelet on the line, the stakes couldn't be higher.

Key Players and Their Journeys

Jordan Griff has been one of the standout players in this year's Main Event. Starting Day Eight tied for the shortest stack, Griff managed to climb to the top, ending the day with a hefty chip lead of 143,700,000 chips. His journey has been nothing short of remarkable, with significant hands, including flopping sets and rivering quads, propelling him to the forefront. Griff, who hails from New City, New York, and resides in Scottsdale, Arizona, has lifetime live tournament earnings of $47,192. His biggest previous cash was $18,104, making his current run a dream come true.

Brian Kim, a successful poker pro from Los Angeles, has also made headlines. With over $7.3 million in live tournament earnings, Kim's experience and skill have been evident throughout the event. However, a critical hand involving a five-bet shove cost him a shot at the WSOP Main Event title. Despite this setback, Kim's performance has been impressive, and he finished in seventh place, securing a $1,500,000 payout.

Niklas Astedt, known online as “Lena900,” has been another key player. With lifetime live tournament earnings of $3,031,190 and over $50 million won online, Astedt's prowess is well-known. He ended Day Eight with 94,200,000 chips, close behind Kim. Astedt's journey has been marked by strategic plays and significant eliminations, making him a formidable contender.

Notable Hands and Eliminations

One of the most talked-about hands involved Brian Kim. Three hours into the session, Boris Angelov raised to 4.6 million from the button. Kim three-bet to 11.8 million with K♣6♣ from the small blind. Niklas Astedt cold four-bet to 18 million with T♠T♦ from the big blind. Angelov folded, and Kim five-bet all-in for 53.9 million. Astedt called after asking for a count. The flop came Q♣10♥8♠, giving Astedt a middle set and leaving Kim needing runner-runner straight or flush cards. The turn was a helpful 5♣ for Kim, but the river 6♠ ended his run.

Another significant elimination was that of Malo Latinois, who finished in ninth place with a $1,000,000 payout. Latinois lost with A♥K♥ against Jordan Griff's pocket threes when a three hit on the turn. Joe Serock also faced elimination, finishing eighth with a $1,250,000 payout after running AxJx into Astedt's QxQx.

Final Table Dynamics

The final table of the 2024 WSOP Main Event has been set with nine players, each guaranteed at least $1 million. The chip counts are as follows:
– Seat 1: Boris Angelov – 52,900,000
– Seat 2: Malo Latinois – 25,500,000
– Seat 3: Brian Kim – 94,600,000
– Seat 4: Niklas Astedt – 94,200,000
– Seat 5: Joe Serock – 83,600,000
– Seat 6: Jordan Griff – 143,700,000
– Seat 7: Jonathan Tamayo – 26,700,000

Jonathan Tamayo has also made a significant impact, moving from seventh in chips to nearly even atop the leaderboard. Tamayo, supported by notable players like Joe McKeehen and Dominik Nitsche, ended Day Eight with 197,000,000 chips. His journey has been marked by strategic plays and a fighting spirit, making him a strong contender for the title.

Prize Money and Payouts

The winner of the 2024 WSOP Main Event will receive a staggering $10 million, along with the coveted WSOP bracelet. The remaining players have already secured significant payouts, with the final three guaranteed at least $4 million each. The prize money breakdown for the final table is as follows:
– 1st Place: $10,000,000
– 2nd Place: $6,000,000
– 3rd Place: $4,000,000
– 4th Place: $3,000,000
– 5th Place: $2,500,000
– 6th Place: $2,000,000
– 7th Place: $1,500,000
– 8th Place: $1,250,000
– 9th Place: $1,000,000

Player Highlights and Backgrounds

Jordan Griff entered Day Eight tied for last place in chips but moved up to lead after an excellent first hand. Prior to the Main Event, he had $47,192 in live tournament earnings, with his largest previous score being $18,104. Griff expressed that making it to the final table is a dream come true for him.

Brian Kim finished No.23 in the WSOP Main Event in 2022; this year marks his first appearance at the final table. He developed a significant interest in tournaments after his run in the 2022 Main Event and has been working hard to improve since then.

Niklas Astedt notched up four eliminations, ending with a stack of 223,000,000 chips. Known for his online poker moniker “Lena900,” Astedt commented on staying composed and making good decisions during play. His preparation for the final day includes simple routines like sleeping well and eating a banana.

Current Status and Final Day Details

As of the latest updates, six players remain out of the original field of 10,112 entrants in this $10,000 buy-in world championship event. The final three players, Jordan Griff, Niklas Astedt, and Jonathan Tamayo, will return at 2 p.m. local time on Wednesday, July 17, to play down to a winner. The final day will be broadcasted on the PokerGO platform, with updates published on delay to avoid spoilers.

Additional WSOP Events and Highlights

The 2024 WSOP has been marked by several other notable events and achievements. Jared Bleznick won his first bracelet in Event #92 ($50k High Roller No-Limit Hold’em), earning $2,037,947 after defeating Jesse Lonis heads-up. Gary Bolden bested John Racener for his first WSOP gold bracelet in Event #91 ($3k H.O.R.S.E.), earning $206,321.

In the Mid-Stakes Championship, Taylor Black led Day Three of Event #89 ($3k Mid-Stakes Championship) with Adam Owen close behind. Only seventeen players remained from an initial field of one hundred forty-seven entrants. Adrian Mateos amassed another big stack in Event #94 ($10k Six-Handed No-Limit Hold’em), ending Day Two among twenty-eight remaining players from four hundred fourteen entries.

Conclusion

The 2024 WSOP Main Event has been a historic and thrilling competition, showcasing the best of poker talent from around the world. With the final table set and the top prize within reach, the remaining players are gearing up for an intense showdown. As the event draws to a close, poker enthusiasts eagerly await to see who will emerge as the champion and take home the $10 million prize and the prestigious WSOP bracelet. Stay tuned for more updates and live coverage on the PokerGO platform.

All contents are ©

18+ Worried about your gambling?   
Gamcare - When the fun stops – STOP!