The glamorous Resorts World Las Vegas played host to an exhilarating opening day of the much-anticipated $25,000 Super High Roller event at the PokerStars North American Poker Tour (NAPT). With a total of 44 runners taking their seats, the stakes were high and the atmosphere electric as the best in the game converged for what promises to be an unforgettable tournament. By the end of the day, the field had been narrowed down to 28 players, eagerly eyeing the lucrative prizes that await in the coming rounds.
Scott Seiver Soars to the Top
Emerging from the day with the chip lead was none other than the 2024 WSOP Player of the Year, Scott Seiver. He finished Day 1 with an impressive stack of 799,000 chips, solidifying his position as a formidable force at the tables. Seiver entered the tournament halfway through the day and quickly demonstrated his mastery of the game, navigating through the complexities of high-stakes poker without losing momentum. With aspirations to add yet another victory to his impressive resume, all eyes will be on Seiver as he prepares for Day 2.
Strong Competition: James Collopy and Shannon Shorr
Seiver was not the only player making waves; James Collopy wrapped up Day 1 in second place with 729,000 chips. His ascent to the top of the leaderboard came in dramatic fashion late at night, when his pocket queens knocked Justin Saliba out of the tournament, proving how quickly fortunes can change in high-stakes poker.
Not far behind was seasoned pro Shannon Shorr, who bagged 663,000 chips, good for third place. Shorr climbed his way to the top by winning a critical hand against Samuel Laskowitz, holding pocket kings against Laskowitz’s ace-king. The competitive spirit among these players has set the stage for an exciting continuation on Tuesday.
The Top Five Chip Counts at Day 1
The competition was fierce, but the following players emerged as the top contenders after the chips were counted:
| Place | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scott Seiver | United States | 799,000 | 133 |
| 2 | James Collopy | United States | 729,000 | 122 |
| 3 | Shannon Shorr | United States | 663,000 | 111 |
| 4 | Clemen Deng | United States | 580,000 | 97 |
| 5 | Thomas Eychenne | France | 528,000 | 88 |
Notable Eliminations
Not every player managed to navigate the treacherous waters of Day 1 unscathed. The first elimination came swiftly as Richard Bai fell victim to Dylan Linde, who hit an ace on the flop, sending Bai’s pocket tens to the rail.
Excitement and heartbreak were synonymous as other players suffered similar fates. Jeremy Becker saw his pocket aces cracked by Jonathan Little‘s ace-king, while Bill Klein couldn’t find any rescue cards after going all-in with king-queen against David Stamm‘s ace-queen.
Adding to the list of unfortunate exits, Jeremy Ausmus met his end when he clashed with Dan Shak’s pocket queens, showcasing just how quickly fortunes can turn in the high-pressure environment of the Super High Roller.
What’s Next for Day 2
Players will return to the tables on Tuesday, November 5, at 12:30 p.m. local time, with blinds starting at 3,000/6,000 and a 6,000 big blind ante. Registration will close at the onset of Day 2, which means some players may try to re-enter the tournament for a chance at victory.
Day 2 promises to keep poker enthusiasts on the edge of their seats, as the plan is to play another eight levels, provided that the flow of the game allows for it. Players and fans alike are eager for action as they prepare for the unfolding drama in one of the most sought-after tournaments on the poker calendar.
Stay Tuned for More Updates
As the tournament progresses, be sure to follow PokerNews for the latest updates, hand analyses, and in-depth player interviews from the $25,000 Super High Roller at the NAPT Las Vegas. The stakes are high, the competition fierce, and the excitement palpable as we continue this remarkable journey into the world of high-stakes poker.
