Main Event mania moments

2024 Main Event bracelet
Mo Afdhal
Posted on: July 21, 2024 06:30 PDT

The Main Event at the World Series of Poker remains, without question, the biggest stage in the poker world. After 2023 saw the end of long-standing entry record from Jamie Gold's winning year, the poker world showed up in 2024 to break the record all over again. 

10,112 souls ponied up the $10,000 buy-in and at the end of more than two weeks of grueling play, Jonathan Tamayo stood alone, victorious. 

Tamayo outlasted the field and maneuvered his way through with a final table stacked with fierce competition to win the $10,000,000 top prize. 

Jonathan Tamayo by Matthew Berglund Poker's newest World Champion, Jonathan Tamayo
Matthew Berglund

The final table isn't the only portion of the Main Event worth paying attention to. The early days see storylines form around the everyman player, as well as the professionals. Stories like Jim Reid's deep run with the whole of the RecPoker community behind him. Or Lonny Eisenberg, the garage game hero firefighter from Illinois. Then there's Joshua Suyat and Sarah Lee, the married duo from Las Vegas that both made it deep.

While the Main Event and the WSOP may have ended, it's as good a time as any to look back on some snapshots from poker's biggest tournament.

The early days

2023 Main Event Champion Daniel Weinman announces "Shuffle Up and Deal" 2023 Main Event Champion Daniel Weinman announces "Shuffle Up and Deal."
Matthew Berglund
Jeff Platt played Day 1A to avoid cursing anyone in the early goings Jeff Platt played Day 1A to avoid cursing anyone in the early goings.
Matthew Berglund
Octopi Poker's Victoria Livschitz entered the fray on Day 1B. Octopi Poker's Victoria Livschitz entered the fray on Day 1B.
Maria Ho jumped in on Day 1C. Maria Ho jumped in on Day 1C.
Matthew Berglund

Jim Reid began his epic Main Event journey on Day 1D. Jim Reid began his epic Main Event journey on Day 1D.
Matthew Berglund

In the thick of it

The Main Event bubble, guaranteed mayhem every year. The Main Event bubble, guaranteed mayhem every year.
Brian Rast on Day 5, no surprise there. Brian Rast on Day 5, no surprise there.
Matthew Berglund
WPT's Tony Dunst looked sharp at the feature table on Day 6. WPT's Tony Dunst looked sharp at the feature table on Day 6.
Matthew Berglund
Kristen Foxen out in 13th Kristen Foxen's 13th place finish captivated and inspired all across the poker world.

The final table... and beyond

The final nine players in the 2024 WSOP Main Event. The final nine players in the 2024 WSOP Main Event.
As per usual, the Main Event rail was bumping. As per usual, the Main Event rail was packed and loud as can be.
Matthew Berglund
Boris Angelov survives to fight on. Boris Angelov survives to fight on.
Matthew Berglund
Niklas Astedt Niklas Astedt faces a tough decision for his tournament life three-handed in the Main Event.
Matthew Berglund
Jonathan Tamayo celebrates Jonathan Tamayo floats on air as he soaks in his Main Event victory.
Matthew Berglund