After a dramatic Day 2A of the Super Main Event, the WSOP is on course to hit its massive $60 million guarantee, helped by a number of pros taking full advantage of the unlimited re-entries.
Daniel Negreanu might have made the headlines after firing eight so far, but he’s not the only player looking to take shots at the $60 million guaranteed prize pool. And, when he wasn't involved in the action, he spent Day 2A finding out who else is in for a big number – and what the number would be for most bullets fired.
Jesse Lonis has a line set at 23. He's taken the under but has someone betting against him.
Negreanu asked Lonis what he thinks the right number is. “19,” he replied, making Negreanu laugh.
That equals $475,000, which would mean getting very close to the final table to just break even. Chris Moneymaker got $500K for finishing in 10th place last year.
How many is too many?
That's the key question. Talking on his daily vlog, Negreanu explained why the number could escalate.
"You don’t find anyone in this tournament in for eight bullets who says, ‘You know what, I don’t think I want to pull for the ninth.’" Negreanu said. "If you’re in, you’re in, and that’s us. You’re in till the end.”
That’s certainly true for Aussie pro James Hopkins, who’s currently in for seven (and no bag for Day 3): “It’s just such a good tournament,” he explained.
Negreanu hasn’t fired the most. That honor goes to Stephen Chidwick, who’s fired 10, including seven on Day 2A, although he cashed for $50K, bringing his effective investment down to eight bullets.
Chidwick was also the victim of a pretty nasty cooler on Day 2A.
Chip leader in for two
Critics might call foul, and another player who you’re likely to hear say, “Not like that!” is Martin Kabrhel. He’s the current chip leader from the first half of the bracket, and he’s only on his second bullet.
The WSOP will love it, though. It would have been worried about a sizeable overlay from the $60 million guarantee but will now be hopeful they can hit it – especially if Negreanu and Chidwick come back for more.
After the first half of the opening flight – Days 1A, B and 2A – the Super Main Event was up to 1,550 entries, way over half of the 2,400 they need to hit the guarantee. On the first break of the day, Day 1C currently has 238 entries.
Bullets fired through Day 2A
| Player | Bullets | Chips |
|---|---|---|
| Stephen Chidwick | 10 | 0 |
| Daniel Negreanu | 8 | 0 |
| Affif Prado | 8 | 0 |
| James Hopkins | 7 | 0 |
| Bryn Kenney | 5 | 0 |
| Alex Foxen |
4 | 10,425,000 |
| Martin Kabrhel | 2 | 22,675,000 |
