The 2024 World Series of Poker Kicks Off with a Bang: Event #3 Highlights

The 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP) is off to a thrilling start, drawing a staggering 3,485 entrants to the Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas for Event #3: $500 Kickoff No-Limit Hold’em Freezeout. As the cards hit the felt and players vied for supremacy, the event not only marked a significant moment in poker history but also set the stage for an unforgettable series.

Key Takeaways:

• A massive field of 3,485 entrants competed in the $500 Kickoff No-Limit Hold’em Freezeout, generating a prize pool of $1,463,700.
• Only 151 players have advanced to Day 2, with Qiang Xu leading the pack.
• The champion of this event will walk away with $175,578 and the coveted WSOP bracelet.

After an intense Day 1, where the battle of wits and luck saw many hopefuls fall, only 151 contenders made it through to Day 2, slated for May 30. The event, a new addition to the WSOP roster, has already captured the imagination of the poker world with its significant prize pool of $1,463,700, promising the victor a hefty sum of $175,578 and the prestigious WSOP bracelet.

At the end of 22 grueling levels of play, Qiang Xu emerged as the frontrunner, amassing a colossal chip stack of 2,130,000. Hot on his heels is Steven Borella, who bagged 1,835,000, setting the stage for a riveting showdown on Day 2.

The event saw poker luminaries like Joe Cada, Greg Raymer, Brad Owen, Shaun Deeb, Josh Arieh, and Jeremy Ausmus vie for glory, though they fell short of cashing in. Meanwhile, stars such as Maria Ho and Justin Saliba made it into the money but couldn’t advance further. Still in contention for the bracelet are notable names like Jason Wheeler, Marco Johnson, Dan Shak, and Daniel Negreanu, ensuring the battle ahead is fraught with talent and anticipation.

As the tournament progresses, players will return to the Horseshoe on May 30 at 11:00 a.m., with blinds escalating to 15,000/30,000 and a 30,000 big blind ante. The poker community awaits with bated breath as the remaining competitors vie for one of the most coveted titles in poker.

Stay tuned as the PokerNews Live Reporting team brings you all the nail-biting action from Day 2, alongside our extensive coverage of the 2024 WSOP at the iconic Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas. Whether you're a poker aficionado or a casual observer, this event promises excitement, drama, and poker at its finest.