The Final Day of the RunGood Poker Series $800 Main Event: Anticipation at the Hard Rock Casino
As the sun rises over the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel in Tulsa, Oklahoma, excitement fills the air. Today marks the culmination of the highly anticipated $800 Main Event of the RunGood Poker Series. With a remarkable total of 472 entrants across three Day 1 flights, the event has captured the attention of poker enthusiasts and players alike. As 56 competitors prepare for Day 2, the stakes have never been higher, with a guaranteed prize pool of $330,400. Each player is eager to secure a slice of the prize, with the minimum cash payout currently sitting at $1,248 and the grand prize of $65,829 tantalizingly within reach.
Eric Bunch Holds the Lead
Leading the charge into the final day is none other than Eric Bunch, who established his dominance as the chip leader during Day 1a. He bagged an impressive 844,000 chips, a significant lead over his nearest competitor, Michael Perrone, the esteemed World Series of Poker champion, who ended his Day 1a with 472,000 chips—a staggering 372,000 chips behind Bunch. Bunch’s impressive performance is a testament to his skill and tenacity at the poker table, and as he prepares for Day 2, all eyes will be watching to see if he can maintain his momentum.
A Look Back at the Flights
The three initial flights offered a range of competitive dynamics that set the stage for today’s action.
- Day 1a: Witnessed 147 entries, with Bunch securing the top spot and advancing 18 players to Day 2.
- Day 1b: Saw the highest attendance, with 178 players participating. Here, Timothy Hicks emerged as the leader with a formidable 785,000 chips. He also helped elevate the excitement as 22 players from this flight secured their position for Day 2.
- Day 1c: Mirrored the structure of Day 1a, attracting another 147 players. Robert Holly claimed the night’s top chip count, pushing his stack all the way to 596,000 chips while advancing all 18 players from his flight into Day 2.
Chip Counts and Notable Players
As we move into the crucial Day 2, here’s a glance at the top chip counts, emphasizing the fierce competition brewing among the elite players:
| Place | Name | Country | Chip Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eric Bunch | United States | 844,000 |
| 2 | Timothy Hicks | United States | 785,000 |
| 3 | Robert Holly | United States | 596,000 |
| 4 | Lionel Jiang | United States | 496,000 |
| 5 | Ernie Grant | United States | 481,000 |
| 6 | Michael Perrone | United States | 472,000 |
| 7 | David Eiland | United States | 416,000 |
| 8 | Andy Chen | United States | 416,000 |
| 9 | Savanah Mora | United States | 407,000 |
| 10 | Daniel Hughes | United States | 390,000 |
Defending champion Todd Tucker finds himself in a perilous position as he enters Day 2 with just 89,000 chips, which equates to approximately 15 big blinds. While his path to retaining the title is narrow, his experience and resilience could prove invaluable.
The Journey of Chip Baggers
Interestingly, two players have managed to bag chips from multiple flights, showcasing their adaptability and strategic prowess. Matt Rogers, after finishing Day 1a with a meager 22,000 chips, returned to Day 1b and increased his stack to 137,000 chips. Although he was eliminated before the money in Day 1c, he will carry his Day 1b stack into Day 2. Similarly, Melinda Hettick also bagged chips multiple times, indicating that consistency can play a significant role in tournament success.
The Road Ahead
As Day 2 commences, players will begin at Level 14, with blinds set at 3,000/6,000 and a 6,000 ante. Each level is scheduled to last 40 minutes, with players receiving a well-deserved 15-minute break after every two hours of play. The atmosphere is electric, with anticipation surrounding each hand, and the competition fierce as players vie for their ultimate goal: to be crowned the champion of the RunGood Poker Series Main Event.
For those unable to attend, PokerNews will provide comprehensive live coverage and updates throughout the day, ensuring that fans don’t miss a moment of the action.
As the final day unfolds at the Hard Rock Casino, the poker community awaits with bated breath as skill, luck, and strategy collide in thrilling fashion!
