The excitement of the PokerStars North American Poker Tour (NAPT) continues to captivate players and fans alike as Day 2 of the prestigious $25,000 Super High Roller unfolded at Resorts World Las Vegas. With an enthralling atmosphere and significant cash on the line, the action was nothing short of electric.
Day 1 and Player Turnout
Day 1 of the Super High Roller attracted a competitive field of 44 entrants, and as players reconvened for Day 2, 28 made their way back to the felt. The late registration option saw an additional 16 players join the fray just before the action resumed, bringing the total number of participants to 60. This influx not only added drama but also exponentially increased the prize pool to $1,440,600, establishing a minimum cash of $57,600 and a top prize of $439,400.
The Chip Leaders
When the dust settled at the end of Day 2, only four players remained in contention for the champion’s title, with Stephen Song topping the leaderboard. Song navigated the minefield that is high-stakes poker with precision, bagging an impressive 9,010,000 chips from the 15,000,000 chips in play. His ascent to the chip lead was marked by a strategic double knockout just before the final table, where he held pocket aces against short-stacked Clemen Deng and Justin Saliba, who had Ace-King.
End of Day 2 Chip Counts
Here’s a look at the end-of-day chip counts:
Key Moments from Day 2
Sean Winter’s Rollercoaster Ride
Sean Winter experienced a whirlwind of fortunes throughout the day. After a massive double-up with aces against kings that pushed his stack over 1,400,000, Winter saw his chip count drop back to 525,000 after a series of unpredictable hands. Yet, demonstrating resilience, he climbed back up using pocket queens to secure another double up, propelling him to the final table.
James Collopy’s Steady Performance
Three-time WSOP bracelet winner James Collopy entered Day 2 with an impressive stack and managed to stay near the top tier throughout the day. He narrowly avoided catastrophe when Stephen Song made a full house against him. Showing great craft, Collopy held pocket kings and maintained his composure, evading a significant chip loss.
Spotlight on Edward Sebesta
Edward Sebesta, who began the day as the short stack, is no stranger to high-stakes poker. With over $1,300,000 in tournament earnings, he could break his personal best of $311,915 if he can muster a victory in this event. As the tensions rise heading into Day 3, Sebesta’s focus will be on turning his chip count into a formidable stack.
New Faces and Busts
Day 2 also welcomed several prominent players, such as Nick Schulman, David Peters, and Andrew Lichtenberger. A thrilling aspect of the high roller format is the chance for elimination and re-entry. Some players from Day 1, including Jeremy Ausmus and Justin Saliba, gave it another go but ultimately fell short without cashing.
One notable misfortune was that of Scott Seiver, Day 1’s chip leader. After a torrid bout with Elias Gutierrez that saw him eliminated with just 55,000 chips left, Seiver’s bid for the title came to an unceremonious end, underscoring the rugged nature of high-stakes competition.
Final Table Overview
The final table consisted of nine players, but only eight could finish in the money, leading to the unfortunate exit of Nicholas Seward, who became the bubble boy after losing a classic flip with Ace-King to Collopy’s pocket queens. Following were notable eliminations, including Paul Jager and Brock Wilson, with Stephen Song continuing to assert dominance, rapidly trimming the field down.
Looking Ahead to the Final Day
As we gear up for the final day, the competition is heating up. The payouts are tantalizing with a grand prize of $439,400 awaiting the victor, and the final table promises high-intensity action with seasoned professionals at play.
Prize Pool and Payouts
For your reference, here’s the anticipated payout structure as players approach the finish line:
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1 | $439,400 |
| 2 | $288,100 |
| 3 | $208,900 |
| 4 | $158,500 |
| 5 | $122,500 |
| 6 | $93,600 |
| 7 | $72,000 |
| 8 | $57,600 |
Conclusion
With only one more day left, all eyes will be on the final four and their battle for supremacy in this fierce competition. Don’t forget to tune into PokerNews for live updates and coverage as we witness the conclusion of the $25,000 Super High Roller at the NAPT festival in Las Vegas. The stakes are high, the players are elite, and one major victory is just around the corner!
