Day 1b of the WPT Playground Championship: An Unforgettable Start
The excitement in the air was palpable at the Playground Poker Club in Montreal on October 26, 2024, as players gathered for Day 1b of the illustrious CAD $3,500 buy-in, CAD $1.5 million guaranteed World Poker Tour (WPT) Playground Championship. With a stunning array of talent on display, the tournament attracted 229 runners, adding to the 143 entries from Day 1a. This brought the impressive total field up to 372 entries, with anticipation building for Day 1c, the final starting flight.
Stars of Day 1b
After an intense ten levels of play, 74 players emerged from the fray, with Connor Daynard topping the leaderboard with a massive stack of 435,500 chips. Daynard’s stack not only placed him in a strong position for the subsequent rounds but also outpaced the Day 1a chip leader, Giuseppe Corapi, who ended with 401,000 chips.
The action was fierce, and amongst those who managed to bag chips were notable names such as Jeff Reardon (388,500), Adam Cader (383,500), and Guillaume Nolet (322,000). Contributions from seasoned players like Mike Leah (253,500) and Michael Wang (222,500) further added to the tournament’s competitive spirit. Other contributors included Senthuran Vijayaratnam (167,500), Ami Alibay (135,000), and Ema Zajmovic (95,000). Even hockey legend Phil Kessel, a newcomer to the WPT as a Global Ambassador, found himself in the action with a respectable stack of 135,000 chips.
The Day 1b Top Chip Counts
| Place | Player | Count |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Connor Daynard | 435,500 |
| 2 | Jeff Reardon | 388,500 |
| 3 | Adam Cader | 383,500 |
| 4 | Zhi Gang Yang | 365,000 |
| 5 | Bradley Ellis | 352,000 |
| 6 | Guillaume Nolet | 322,000 |
| 7 | Jeff Cormier | 300,000 |
| 8 | Oleg Boulchyi | 282,500 |
| 9 | Baron Ha | 280,000 |
| 10 | Rob Wazwaz | 266,000 |
Friendships and Rivalries at the Table
Two prominent players re-entering for Day 2 were friendly rivals Rob Wazwaz (266,000) and Rich Alsup (104,000). Both players boast impressive poker credentials, including WSOP gold bracelets and induction into the Mid-States Poker Tour Hall of Fame. The Minnesota natives made the two-hour flight together, with Wazwaz attending the WPT for the first time, while Alsup expressed his enthusiasm for competing in a venue he holds dear.
Notable Hands and Turning Points
As the tournament progressed, each player fought hard for their chance to advance. Jeff Reardon made headlines in Level 8 (600/1,200/1,200) when he significantly increased his stack by winning a pot against Howard Feingold. Reardon opened for 2,500 from middle position, leading to a three-bet all-in by Feingold for 14,500. Three players, including Reardon, proceeded to see a flop of 3♦ 8♦ 7♥. The stakes intensified with a turn card of 10♦ and a river of 9♠, allowing Reardon to claim the pot with a flush, putting him in a solid position heading into Day 2.
However, while some rose to the occasion and claimed their chips, others fell short on Day 1b. Notable casualties included Vitalijs Zavorotnijs, Stuart Taylor, Erik Lemarquand, and former poker reporter Tyler Warken.
Looking Ahead
With Day 1c set to kick off at 11 a.m. local time on Saturday, the excitement will only escalate as players vie for their spot in the next round. The surviving competitors from all three starting flights will face off on Day 2, which is scheduled for Sunday, October 27.
Follow the Action
PokerNews will be onsite for the next week, providing real-time updates and stories that emerge from the thrilling tournament floor. As the competition heats up, players will need strategy, skill, and a little bit of luck to advance in the prestigious WPT Playground Championship.
Stay tuned, as each day unfolds more drama, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments in the world of poker!
Photos courtesy WPT / Alicia Skillman
This article showcases the excitement of the WPT Playground Championship while highlighting significant players, notable turning points, and the camaraderie and competitiveness that defines this thrilling tournament.
