Nick Davidson Wins Ameristar East Chicago Main Event for $178,709

Nick Davidson takes the early HPT Player of the Year lead.

Seven hours and eight levels after cards first flew at the $1,650 HPT Ameristar East Chicago Main Event final table, Nick Davidson fought his way back during heads up to best Mike Sabbia for his second HPT title, a championship package and $178,709.

"I still can't believe I won," Davidson said. "It's overwhelming. The first one was amazing and to win two of them is just unreal."

"Tournament poker can go every which way," he added. "You can go up and down all in a level. I just decided to go for it. I figured if I won that hand with ace king I could go on to win."

"I was a little nervous about that hand with the flush," he said about his key double up. "I thought he might have had a full house, I knew he had a big hand."

Davidson said following his trophy presentation that the prize money is going to buy a lot of diapers. His wife is expecting in March and has three kids at home already - the oldest being 3.5 years old.

"I guess I'm just lucky that I can play poker," he said. "I have an amazing wife."

The event drew 554 entrants over three starting flights and generated a near $800,000 prize pool. The top 63 players earned a cash and all the final tablists earned valuable HPT Season XV Player of the Year points. This was the 15th HPT series the Ameristar East Chicago has hosted.

The HPT packs up the table heads to the Caribbean for a seven-day cruise on the HPT On the High Seas tour. The event runs from January 26 - February 2 on the Symphony of the Seas - the flagship of the Royal Carribean fleet.

Following the fun in the sun, the HPT flips the page and heads to the mountains of Colorado for the Golden Gates series kicking off February 6 - 18.

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Mike Sabbia Eliminated in 2nd Place ($110,402)

Nick Davidson opened and Mike Sabbia moved all in for 2.6 million. Davidson thought for a moment, called and the hands were tabled.

Davidson: 9c 8c
Sabbia: 3c 3d

The board ran As Kd Js Qs 8d and the dramatic river ended Sabbia's event and Davidson won the final hand.


BB Ante - 100,000
Blinds - 100,000/200,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 1

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Davidson Doubles

Nick Davidson doubled up to take a large chip lead. The board was As 4d 4d 2s 7s, Sabbia bet 1.2 million on  the river and Davidson moved all in. Sabbia stood up and called.

Sabbia had 6s 5s for a flush but Davidson held Ks 3s for the higher flush.

Nick Davidson - 14.6 million
Mike Sabbia - 2 million

BB Ante - 100,000
Blinds - 100,000/200,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 2

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Davidson Making Up Ground

Mike Sabbia and Nick Davidson went to a raised flop of Jd Jh 6d. Sabbia checked, Davidson bet 400,000 and Sabbia called. The turn came Kd, Sabbia bet 600,000 and Davidson called. The river came 5d, Sabbia bet 1.3 million and Davidson shoved. Sabbia folded and Davidson closed the gap.

BB Ante - 100,000
Blinds - 100,000/200,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 2

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Blend 'Em & Send 'Em

We're back in action after the short break.

Nick Davidson - 6,085,000
Mike Sabbia - 10,565,000

BB Ante - 100,000
Blinds - 100,000/200,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 2

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Short Break

The remaining players have elected to take a 20-minute break in lieu of a dinner break.

BB Ante - 80,000
Blinds - 80,000/160,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 2

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Sabbia Doubles

Nick Davidson opened the action, Mike Sabbia raised to 1.05 million and Davidson moved all in over the top. Sabbia verbalized a call and the hands were tabled.

Davidson: 6s 6d
Sabbia: 4s 4d

The board ran Tc 4c 2s Kc 9d, the four on the flop gave Sabbia a set and the chip lead.

Sabbia - 10.8 million
Davidson - 6.8 million

BB Ante - 80,000
Blinds - 80,000/160,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 2

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

New Blinds & Counts

The blinds are up and we have a quick eyeball count of the stacks.

Nick Davidson - 12,000,000
Mike Sabbia - 4,600,000


BB Ante - 80,000
Blinds - 80,000/160,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 2

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Trading Blows

Nick Davidson and Mike Sabbia aren't afraid to throw chips around and aren't stalling either. They're playing quickly and seeing a lot of flops.

BB Ante - 60,000
Blinds - 60,000/120,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 2

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Davidson Takes Big First Hand

On the first hand of heads-up play Nick Davidson and Mike Sabbia went to a raised flop of Tc 3s 2s. Davidson checked, Sabbia bet 200,000 and Davidson check-raised to 500,000. Sabbia called, the turn came Ks and Davidson bet 800,000. Sabbia called, the river came 7h and Davidson bet 1.4 million.

Sabbia verbalized a call, Davidson tabled 8s 5s for a flush and Sabbia mucked.


BB Ante - 50,000
Blinds - 50,000/100,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 2

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Heads Up Play

Levels drop down to 30-minute levels for heads up play.

Davidson - 9,875,000
Sabbia - 6,775,000


BB Ante - 50,000
Blinds - 50,000/100,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 2

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Jordan DeGrenier Eliminated in 3rd Place ($72,357

Nick Davidson opened the action, Jordan DeGrenier moved all in and Davidson called.

DeGrenier: As Ac
Davidson: Ks Kc

The board ran Kd 5s 5h Qc 9h, Davidson flopped a full house and DeGrenier was drawing to an ace to win but bricked.


BB Ante - 50,000
Blinds - 50,000/100,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 2

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Justin Lee Eliminated in 4th Place ($50,277)

Justin Lee and Nick Davidson went to a raised flop of Ah 6s 4s. Action went bet and call, the turn came 6d and they both put in large bets. The river came 4d, Davidson bet 1 million and Lee moved for in for 3.2 million.

Davidson called holding pocket aces, Lee was beat holding pocket tens and was knocked out in fourth place.

BB Ante - 50,000
Blinds - 50,000/100,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 3

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Sabbia Wins a Hand to Roaring Applause

Mike Sabbia has the largest contingent of supporters at the final table. He gets a good-natured round of applause with every pot he wins. He just took a big pot between Jordan DeGrenier and his rail approved.

The flop was Qs 7d 7h, Sabbia check-called 375,000 and the turn came Tc. Both players checked, the river came Kd and Sabbia bet 850,000. DeGrenier folded after a delay and Sabia's corner applauded.

BB Ante - 50,000
Blinds - 50,000/100,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 4

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Counts at the Break

Nick Davidson leads.

Justin Lee - 4,030,000
Nick Davidson - 5,935,000
Mike Sabbia - 3,690,000
Jordan DeGrenier - 2,995,000

BB Ante - 50,000
Blinds - 50,000/100,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 4

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Second Break of the Day

The four remaining players are on another short break after two more levels are in the books.

BB Ante - 40,000
Blinds - 40,000/80,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 4

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Sabbia Wins Big Pot from DeGrenier

Mike Sabbia and Jordan DeGrenier limped to a flop of Qc Jc 6c, Sabbia bet 100,000 and DeGrenier called. The turn came As, Sabbia bet 200,000 and DeGrenier called. The river came 2s, Sabbia measured out 500,000 and DeGrenier called.

Sabbia tabled Ac Kc for the nut flush and DeGrenier mucked.

BB Ante - 40,000
Blinds - 40,000/80,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 4

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Andrew Campbell Eliminated in 5th Place ($36,536)

Nick Davidson and Andrew Campbell got in a preflop raising war that saw Campbell five-bet shove for 2.3 million. Davidson called and the hands were tabled.

Davidson: Ah Kh
Campbell: 9d 9h

The board ran Ks 8s 6h 3d Tc, the king was in the window and Campbell was already leaving his seat by the river.

BB Ante - 30,000
Blinds - 30,000/60,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 4

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Hamid Izadi Eliminated in 6th Place ($28,355

Hamid Izadi and Jordan DeGrenier went to a raised flop of Kh Qh 6h and each put in 250,000 more. The turn came 5d, Izadi checked and DeGrenier bet 420,000. Izadi check-raised all in and DeGrenier snap-called.

Izadi - Kx 2x
DeGrenier - Qc 6s

DeGrenier's two pair were ahead and the river got a little dirtier with the Qd and Izadi was eliminated.


BB Ante - 60,000
Blinds - 30,000/60,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 5

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Brian Thomas Eliminated in 7th Place ($23,828)

Brian Thomas open-shoved his 400,000 short stack from under the gun, Andrew Campbell called as did Jordan DeGrenier. The flop fell Kh 5s 4h, Campbell bet 475,000 into the side pot and DeGrenier called.

The turn came 8c, Campbell moved all in and DeGrenier got out of the way. Campbell showed Kd Qd for top pair and Thomas was on a draw with 9d 6d. The river came 8h, Campbell took the pot and Thomas made his way to the payout desk.

BB Ante - 60,000
Blinds - 30,000/60,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 6

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Lee Doubles through DeGrenier

Jordan DeGrenier opened the action, Justin Lee three-bet to 300,000 on the button and DeGrenier called. The flop came 9c 8h 7h, DeGrenier checked and Lee bet 400,000.

DeGrenier check-raised all in and Lee snap-called.

Lee: Kh Kd
DeGrenier: Qh Th

The board finished 8s 5s, DeGrenier bricked his draws and Lee earned a full double up.

BB Ante - 60,000
Blinds - 30,000/60,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 7

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Caught Stealing

Andrew Campbell opened for 130,000, Justin Lee called and the flop came Qs 5c 5d. Both players checked, the turn came Qh and Lee bet 150,000.

Campbell called after a couple moments, the river came As and Lee bet 275,000. Campbell snap-called, Lee turned up Jd 4d for a bluff and Campbell rolled over Ax Kx to take the pot.

BB Ante - 60,000
Blinds - 30,000/60,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 7

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Back In Action with Fresh Chippies

Cards are back in the air following the break.

Updated counts:
Justin Lee - 2,005,000
Nick Davidson - 2,875,000
Brian Thomas - 550,000
Andrew Campbell - 1,430,000
Mike Sabbia - 3,680,000
Hamid Izadi - 1,525,000
Jordan DeGrenier - 4,585,000

BB Ante - 60,000
Blinds - 30,000/60,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 7

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

First Break of the Day

Two levels are in the books and the field is on their first break of the day.


BB Ante - 50,000
Blinds - 25,000/50,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 7

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Jud Tigerman Eliminated in 8th Place ($19,857)

Mike Sabbia opened to 115,000, Jud Tigerman moved all in and the blinds released. Sabbia called and the cards were tabled.

Sabbia: Kh Qc
Tigerman: Js Jd

The board ran Qs Ts 9c 3d Ac, Tigerman's jacks were beat and he exited in eighth place.

BB Ante - 50,000
Blinds - 25,000/50,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 7

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Jon Cohen Eliminated in 9th Place ($15,885)

Jon Cohen opened the action to 125,000, Mike Sabbia called and Jordan DeGrenier raised to 350,000. Cohen moved all in, Sabbia called and DeGrenier called.

DeGrenier: As Ad
Cohen: Ks Kh

DeGrenier was ahead and had Cohen covered. The board ran Qs 7h 4d 2h 7c, Cohen didn't improve and was the first player eliminated from the final table.

BB Ante - 50,000
Blinds - 25,000/50,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 8

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Izadi Rebounds

Hamid Izadi lost a good chunk of his stack in one of the opening hands of the day. Since, he's played fairly tight but just got back on the good side of things.

He opened for 110,000, Andrew Campbell called and the flop came Qh 9d 8s. Both players checked, the turn came Ac and Campbell checked again. Izadi bet 175,000 and Campbell folded.


BB Ante - 50,000
Blinds - 25,000/50,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 9

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

All the Clubs

Mike Sabbia and Jordan DeGrenier went to a raised flop of Qc 9c 5c and both players checked. The turn came 7c, Sabbia bet 100,000 and DeGrenier called. The river fell Kh, Sabbia bet 250,000 and DeGrenier called.

Sabbia turned up Ac Jh for the ace-high flush and took down the pot.

BB Ante - 40,000
Blinds - 20,000/40,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 9

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Follow the Action on the Stream

HPT Tournament Director Jeremy Smith.

The HPT production crew is here in force for the first live stream of Season XV. You can follow all the action at the HPT Twitch channel or on Facebook Live.

Follow along and chat with other fans until we crown a winner.

BB Ante - 40,000
Blinds - 20,000/40,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 9

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Action Turn Card

Nick Davidson opened to 100,000, Mike Sabbia called from the big blind and the flop came Ad Jh Td. Sabbia checked, Davidson bet 160,000 and Sabbia check-raised to 450,000.

Davidson called, the turn came Qd and Sabbia checked after a lengthy delay. Davidson bet 600,000 and took down the pot.

BB Ante - 40,000
Blinds - 20,000/40,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 9

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Cards Are in the Air

Everything's a go on the production side and cards are in the air for the start of Day 2.

BB Ante - 40,000
Blinds - 20,000/40,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 9

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Final Table Production Underway

The players have arrived on set for the final table of the $1,650 HPT Ameristar East Chicago Main Event. The tournament drew 554 entrants across three starting flights and they're down to the final nine players.

Players are getting mic'd up, unbagging their chips and receiving directions from HPT Tournament Director Jeremy Smith.

The live stream on the HPT Twitch channel and Facebook Live runs on a 30-minute delay and this blog will publish spoilers from time-to-time. There are 53 minutes remaining in Level 25 and the plan is take a break every two levels as they did Day 2.

BB Ante - 40,000
Blinds - 20,000/40,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 9

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Jordan DeGrenier Leads East Chicago Final Table

Just under ten levels of action reduced the Day 2 East Chicago Main Event field from 93 down to the final table of nine players. Jordan DeGrenier just edged out Michael Sabbia for the lead - 2.44 million to 2.43 million respectively - over a tightly packed final nine.

Hamid Izadi (2.3 million) and Jon Cohen (2.27 million) are on their heels leading the chase pack of Nicholas Davidson, Justin Lee and Jud Tigerman. Briand Thomas and Andrew Campbell are two short stacks but both have seven-figure stacks.

Each player has $15,885 locked up with their final table seat but all eyes are on the top prize of $178,709 plus a $3,500 championship package.

Cards hit the air at noon with all the action streaming live on HPT's Twitch channel on a 30-minute delay.

Final Table by Chips

1. Jordan DeGrenier - 2,440,000
2. Michael Sabbia - 2,430,000
3. Hamid Izadi - 2,300,000
4. Jon Cohen - 2,270,000
5. Nicholas Davidson - 1,905,000
6. Justin Lee - 1,505,000
7. Jud Tigerman - 1,495,000
8. Andrew Campbell - 1,165,000
9. Brian Thomas - 1,140,000

BB Ante - 40,000
Blinds - 20,000/40,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 9

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Final Table Seats & Chips

Final Table Seat & Chips

1. Jon Cohen - 2,270,000
2. Justin Lee - 1,505,000
3. Nicholas Davidson - 1,905,000
4. Brian Thomas - 1,140,000
5. Andrew Campbell - 1,165,000
6. Michael Sabbia - 2,430,000
7. Jud Tigerman - 1,495,000
8. Hamid Izadi - 2,300,000
9. Jordan DeGrenier - 2,440,000

BB Ante - 40,000
Blinds - 20,000/40,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 9

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Ossama Estafanous Eliminated in 10th Place ($12,232)

Jon Cohen open the action, Ossama Estafanous moved all in and Cohen called.

Cohen: Ac Ks
Estafanous: Ah Js

The board ran As Th 7h Qd Jh, Cohen made Broadway and Estafanous was eliminated.


BB Ante - 40,000
Blinds - 20,000/40,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 9

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Ten Handed Table Seats

Final Table Seats

1. Jon Cohen
2. Justin Lee
3. Nicholas Davidson
4. Brian Thomas
5. Ossama Estafanous
6. Andrew Campbell
7. Michael Sabbia
8. Jud Tigerman
9. Hamid Izadi
10. Jordan DeGrenier


BB Ante - 30,000
Blinds - 15,000/30,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 10

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Mark Schmid Eliminated in 12th Place, Hassan Tahsidar 11th Place ($12,232)

There was a large preflop confrontation at Table 2 when Mark Schmid open shoved holding pocket jacks. Michael Sabbia woke up with pocket kings and called.

The board ran 8c 5d 2d Td 2h and Schmid was eliminated.

At the same time Hassan Tahsidar was eliminated from Table 7 in unknown action.

The clock was paused for a redraw to a single table of ten.


BB Ante - 30,000
Blinds - 15,000/30,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 10

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

David Gutfreund Eliminated in 13th Place ($9,134)

While Bill Brudenell's elimination hand was talking place at Table 7, David Gutfreund played his final hand at Table 2. He shoved his short stack in preflop with Qs 5h and Andrew Campbell called with Ad 3c.

The board ran Qc Qh Jc Ts Kd, Campbell made Broadway on the river and Gutfreund was eliminated.

BB Ante - 30,000
Blinds - 15,000/30,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 12

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Bill Brudenell Eliminated in 14th Place ($9,134)

Bill Brudenell open-shipped his short stack preflop and Jud Tigerman called.

Tigerman - Ac Jh
Brudenell - As 2d

The board ran Ah 8h 4s Th 7d, Tigerman's kicker played and Brudenell was eliminated.

BB Ante - 30,000
Blinds - 15,000/30,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 13

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Ron Rindone Eliminated in 15th Place ($9,134)

Ron Rindone was under ten big blinds and shipped it in holding Qh Th and David Gutfreund called with pocket nines. The board ran dry for Rindone and Gutfreund stacked

BB Ante - 30,000
Blinds - 15,000/30,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 14

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

The Big Hundos Coming Up

Over the break the 1,000 chips were raced off and the blue 100,000 are in play

Justin Lee - 1,210,000
Ron Rindone - 135,000
Ossama Estafanous - 675,000
Mark Schmid - 1,250,000
David Gutfreund - 440,000
Andrew Campbell - 1,150,000
Michael Sabbia - 1,130,000
Hassan Thahsildar - 583,000
Jud Tigerman - 1,800,000
Hamid Izadi - 1,645,000
Jon Cohen - 1,885,000
Nicholas Davidson - 1,400,000
Bill Brudenell - 310,000
Jordan DeGrenier - 2,455,000
Brian Thomas - 540,000

BB Ante - 30,000
Blinds - 15,000/30,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 15

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Break Time

Two more levels are in the books following the dinner break and the field is on a break.

BB Ante -
Blinds -
Entries

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Adam Lamphere Eliminated in 16th Place ($6,989)

Adam Lamphere was short stacked and on a draw on a Td 8c 6h board. He moved in and Andrew Campbell called holding Th 7h. The board finished 3h 4d and Lamphere was eliminated.


BB Ante - 24,000
Blinds - 12,000/24,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 15

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Rashad Ibrahim Out in 18th, Jay Goldenberg 17th

Rashad Ibrahim was all in with the short stack holding Ax Jx and Andrew Campbell called holding Ax Kx. The board ran all rags, the king played and Ibrahim was eliminated.

Jay Goldenberg was eliminated in 17th place at the next table in unknown action. They each earned $6,989 for their efforts.


BB Ante - 24,000
Blinds - 12,000/24,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 16

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Kenny Nguyen Out in 19th, Final Two Tables

Kenny Nguyen moved his short stack all in from the button and Brian Thomas called from the big blind.

Nguyen: Qh Tc
Thomas: 6h 6d

The board ran 9s 7h 2d Jc 5d, Nguyen didn't improve and was sent to the payout desks. The remaining players are split across two tables.

Table 2
1. Justin Lee
2. Ron Rindone
3. Ossama Estafanous
4. Rashad Ibrahim
5. Mark Schmid
6. David Gutfreund
7. Adam Lamphere
8. Andrew Campbell
9. Michael Sabbia

Table 7
1. Hassan Tahsildar
2. Jud Tigerman
3. Hamid Izadi
4. Jon Cohen
5. Nicholas Davidson
6. Bill Brudenell
7. Jordan DeGrenier
8. Jay Goldenberg
9. Brian Thomas

BB Ante - 24,000
Blinds - 12,000/24,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 18

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Back in Action

The players are back from break and motivated to play down to the final table. Kenny "Super Tuan" Nguyen is enjoying the game and the play down to the final nine.


BB Ante - 20,000
Blinds - 10,000/20,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 20

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Verde Birdie Dergie

It's dinner time with another two levels in the books. The remaining field is on a 60-minute dinner break. They'll return to play down to a final table of nine.

BB Ante - 16,000
Blinds - 8,000/16,000
Entries - 554
Remaning - 20

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Flurry of Eliminations

There was a flurry of action and we lost seven players in short order - each earning $5,242 for their efforts.

27th - Tim Barany
26th - Josh Hergott
25th - Kevin McGee
24th - Chris Carriger
23rd - Eric Adelstein
22nd - Lance Venduheida
21st - David Kenniston

BB Ante -
Blinds -
Entries

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Final Three Table Redraw Seats & Chips

The field is down to 27 players and there was a complete redraw. Here's how they were shuffled:

Table 2
1. Justin Lee - 850,000
2. Ron Rindone - 572,000
3. Ossama Estafanous - 584,000
4. Chris Carriger - 301,000
5. Mike Schmid - 478,000
6. David Gutfreund - 463,000
7. Adam Lamphere - 365,000
8. Andrew Campbell - 793,000
9. Tim Barany - 288,000

Table 3
1. Anthony Kastelic - 198,000
2. Kenny Nguyen - 260,000
3. Kevin McGee - 252,000
4. Rashad Ibrahim - 318,000
5. Brian Thomas - 244,000
6. Michael Sabbia - 908,000
7. Hamid Izadi - 859,000
8. Jay Goldenberg - 451,000
9. Bill Brudenell - 249,000

Table 7
1. Hassan Tahsildar - 837,000
2. Jud Tiggerman - 1,067,000
3. Josh Hergott - 558,000
4. Jon Cohen - 1,900,000
5. Nicholas Davidson - 601,000
6. David Kenniston - 1,112,000
7. Jordan DeGrenier - 1,330,000
8. Lance Vonderheide - 375,000
9. Eric Adelstein - 355,000


BB Ante - 16,000
Blinds - 8,000/16,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 27

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Hergott Chips Up

Josh Hergott opened for 40,000 in early position and Mike Sabbia bumped to 100,000 behind him. Hergott called, the flop came 8c 2c 2d and both players checked.

The turn came 4c, Hergott bet 100,000 and Sabbia called. The river came 4s, Hergott counted down his stack, organized it as if he  was pushing it all forward but checked. Sabbia checked behind him and Hergott showed 9h 8h to take the pot after Sabbia surrendered his hand.

Josh Hergott - 730,000

BB Ante - 16,000
Blinds - 8,000/16,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 31

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Keeping Up with the Jones'

Mike Schmid - 575,000
David Kenniston - 680,000
Andrew Campbell - 1,000,000
Jud Tigerman - 570,000
Kenny Nguyen - 215,000
Make Parisi - 305,000
Anthony Kastek - 155,000
Nicholas Davidson - 700,000
Troy Weber - 400,000
Hassan Tahsildar - 375,000
Jay Goldenburg - 560,000
Josh Hergott - 520,000
Lance Venduheida - 215,000
Mike Sabbia - 638,000
Ron Rindone - 670,000
Kevin McGee - 1,150,000
David Gutfreund - 475,000
Justin Lee - 600,000
Jordan DeGrenier - 1,200,000
Tim Barany - 160,000
Hamid Izadi - 1,200,000
Jon Cohen - 800,000
Rahsee Ibrahim - 340,000

BB Ante - 16,000
Blinds - 8,000/16,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 31

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Brandon Sowers Eliminated

Three players went to a raised flop of 7d 2d 2s, two players checked and Brandon Sowers moved his short stack all in. The player in Seat 1 called and Mike Sabbia moved in over the top and got a call.

Sowers: Ad 7h
Sabbia: Ac Ah
Player 1: 9d 7s

The board finished 5h 4h, Sowers was eliminated and Sabbia chipped up to 600,000.

BB Ante - 12,000
Blinds - 6,000/12,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 31

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Waltenberg Eliminated Holding Mid Pair

Jon Cohen opened the action in late position, Scott Waltenburg raised to 80,000 behind him and Cohen moved all in. Waltenburg called and the hands were tabled.

Cohen: Jh Ts
Waltenburg: 9d 9h

The board ran Ac Ks 7s 5h Jc and the river ended Waltenburg's run.

BB Ante - 12,000
Blinds - 6,000/12,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 33

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Second Break of the Day

Two more levels are dust and the remaining players are on their second break of the day.


BB Ante - 10,000
Blinds - 5,000/10,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 34

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Estafanous Doubles Through Gutfreund

David Gutfreund opened for 23,000 and Ossama Estafanous raised to 53,000 from the button. The blinds released, Gutfreund called and the flop came 7c 3d 2s.

Gutfreund check-called 50,000, the turn came 6c and Gutfreund checked a second time. Estafanous moved all in for 184,000 and Gutfreund called after a short tank.

Estafanous: As Ac
Gutfreund: 8s 8h

The river came 4s and Estafanous took the pot.

Estafanous: 550,000
Gutfreund: 370,000

BB Ante - 10,000
Blinds - 5,000/10,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 34

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Leading the Field

Justin Lee - 1,460,000
Hamid Izadi - 1,200,000
Kevin McGee - 810,000
Tim Barany - 850,000
David Kenniston - 1,300,000
Andrew Campbell - 740,000
Troy Weber - 780,000
Chris Carriger - 530,000
Jay Goldenberg - 640,000
Hassan Tahsildar - 550,000
David Gutfreund - 460,000


BB Ante -
Blinds -
Entries

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Lee Levels DeGrenier

Jordan DeGrenier opened to 20,000 from under the gun, Justin Lee called from the small blind and so did the big blind. The flop came 6s 4h 2s, action checked to DeGrenier and he bet 35,000.

Lee called, the big blind folded and the turn came 6d. Lee checked, DeGrenier bet 55,000 and Lee check-raised to 150,000. DeGrenier called after a few moments and the river came 2d.

Lee pushed out 200,000 and DeGrenier called pretty quickly. Lee turned up pocket sevens, DeGrenier tapped the felt and showed Ac Kx as he folded.


BB Ante - 10,000
Blinds - 5,000/10,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 38

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Barany Treads Lightly

We found Hassan Tahsildar, an unknown player and Tim Barany on a flop of Ts 6s 3d. Tahsildar checked, Barany bet 22,000 and both opponents called. The turn came Kc, Tahsildar checked and Barany bet 60,000.

The unknown player got out of the way, Tahsildar called and the river came 7d. Both players checked, Tahsildar announced a pair of tens but some of the table thought they heard him say "kings."

Tahsildar showed Tc 2d, Barany turned up Jc Jh after a moment because he thought he was beat and apologized if it came off as a slowroll.


BB Ante - 8,000
Blinds - 4,000/8,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 38

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Puccio Runs Out of Steam

Hamid Izadi opened for 18,000, Mike Puccio three-bet to 50,000 and Izadi called. The flop came 5s 2c 2h, Izadi checked and Puccio moved in for 137,000.

Izadi thought for a minute, slid calling chips forward and tabled pocket fours. Puccio needed help holding Ad Jd but the board blanked on him with Qd Ks.

Izadi - 1,350,000
Puccio - Out

BB Ante - 8,000
Blinds - 4,000/8,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 43

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Estafanous Outruns Wang

Ossama Estafanous and Xunchang Wang got their stacks in the middle preflop with Wang at risk.

Estafanous: Kh Qs
Wang: Ac Jh

The board ran Tc 9c 3d Qd 5s, Estanfous paired up while Wang missed his draw and Estafanous stacked up 270,000.

BB Ante - 8,000
Blinds - 4,000/8,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 46

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

First Break of the Day

The first two levels are in the books and the field was trimmed by about 40% in 120 minutes.


BB Ante - 6,000
Blinds - 3,000/6,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 53

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Izadi Joining the Leaders

Hamid Izadi ran hot during the last level and joined the top of the leaderboard as a result. He chipped up initially with a set over set situation and recently he was involved with Andy Horn.

They went to a flop of As 9s 6s, Horn bet 15,000 and Izadi called. The turn came 2d, Horn bet 45,000 and Izadi moved all in. After some short thought Horn called holding Ah Qd and Izadi showed him Ac 9d.

The river came 2s, Izadi's two pair held and he stacked up over 900,000.

BB Ante - 6,000
Blinds - 3,000/6,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 54

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Bubble Bursts on First Hand

Hand-for-hand play only lasted one round, avoiding a lengthy march to the money. The bubble boy shoved Qx Tx short stacked, Michael Lane called with pocket fives and flopped a set to ensure the field would get paid.

BB Ante - 6,000
Blinds - 3,000/6,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 63

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Markers Measuring Strength in the Contest

Paul Welke - 310,000
Ossama Estafanous - 120,000
David Gutfreund - 220,000
Jay Goldenberg - 360,000
Josh Hergott - 180,000
Brandon Sowers - 200,000
Cody Brinn - 120,000
Michael Lane - 340,000
Lance Vonccerheide - 333,000
Jordan DeGrenier - 265,000
Gary Herstein - 420,000
Mark Morris - 260,000
Ben Grise - 300,000
Tim Barany - 530,000
Justin Lee - 1,000,000
Dave Kenniston - 400,000
Ravi Raghavan - 400,000
Mike Shanahan - 250,000
Hassan Tahsildar - 600,000
Hamid Izadi - 365,000
Craig Trost - 440,000
Jud Tigerman - 550,000
Andrew Campbell - 640,000

BB Ante -
Blinds -
Entries

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Money Bubble Approaches

The field is down to 64 players and on the money bubble. The dealers are now dealing hand-for-hand until the bubble bursts.

BB Ante - 6,000
Blinds - 3,000/6,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 64

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Campbell Hits Two-Outer for Massive Pot

We found a huge pot developing between Josh Hergott, Roger Campbell and Bryan Skreens on the button. Skreens flatted a raise on the button, then Hergott made it 30,000 from the small blind and Campbell called. Skreens moved all in for 134,000, Hergott let his hand go and Campbell shrugged when he moved his stack all in.

Skreens: Ks Kc
Campbell: Jx Jx

The board ran Qd Jd 2c Th 2h, Campbell came from behind to soar to over 300,000 and Skreens was left with around 30,000.

BB Ante - 5,000
Blinds - 2,000/5,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 74

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Cards in the Air

Cards are in the air for the start of Day 2. The 93 returning players have eyes set on the 63 spots that pay. They'll play down to the final table of nine today, regardless of how long it takes.

Day 2 features 60-minute levels and the field will take a break every two hours.


BB Ante - 5,000
Blinds - 2,000/5,000
Entries - 554
Remaining - 93

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Day 2 Seating Assignments

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Justin Lee Bags Massive Stack for Day 1C Chip Lead

The third and final flight of the HPT East Chicago Main Event drew 250 entrants to combine for 554 total across three Day 1 flights. After wrapping up 15 levels of action on Saturday just 43 players remain with Justin Lee grabbing the overall chip lead with 585,000.

Bill Brudenell and Jon Cohen join Lee at the top of the overall leaderboard with stacks in excess of 400,000. Also joining the Day 2 field are Brandon Sowers, David Gutfreund, Nicholas Davidson and Kenny Nguyen.

A combined 93 players return for Day 2 on Sunday - with an 11 am start time - to play for the 63 positions that earn a payout. The $797,760 prize pool gives the top 12 players five-figure payouts with the top two finalists earning $178,709 and $110,402 respectively.

The players that cash also have the first chance for Season XV Player of the Year points.

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Five More Hands

The clock hit ten minutes remaining in the level and the field will play five more hands and then bag and tag for the night. Full chip counts to follow.

BB Ante - 4,000
Blinds - 2,000/4,000
Entries - 250
Remaining - 44

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

We're Talking Broadway

Table 20 just had a huge all in and a call on the flop with Bill Brudnell and an unknown player. The flop was As Qh Tc and Brudnell held Kh Jc for Broadway and his opponent held Ac Qd for top two pair. The board completed Js 4c and Brudnell chipped up somewhere in the neighborhood of 300,000.


BB Ante - 4,000
Blinds - 2,000/4,000
Entries - 250
Remaining - 44

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

The Rising Waters of Level 14

Justin Lee - 400,000
Kenny "Super Tuan" Nguyen - 200,000
David Gutfreund - 180,000
David Kenniston - 228,000
Brad Oliver - 375,000
Michael Lane - 320,000
John Cohen - 310,000
John Hughes - 210,000
Boban Nikolic - 230,000

BB Ante - 3,000
Blinds - 1,500/3,000
Entries - 250
Remaining - 63

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Estafanous Shows Brown Respect

Ossama Estafanous

We found this hand taking place with Ossama Estafanous tanking on the river facing a huge raise from Derrick Brown. There was between 20,000 - 25,000 in the pot with a board of Qd Qs Th Js Ts.

Estafanous bet 15,000 on the river and Brown raised to 76,000 - leaving less than 20,000 behind. After some tanking, Estafanous folded a ten face up.

Brown nodded, dragged the pot and thanked him for showing the card.

Brown - 155,000
Estafanous - 120,000

BB Ante - 2,400
Blinds - 1,200/2,400
Entries - 250
Remaining - 72

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Gutfreund Bit by Aces

David Gutfreund and Craig Troast got it all in preflop with Troast at risk with a short stack.

Gutfreund: As Ah
Troast: 4h 4c

The board ran 9d 7h 5h 4s 5d, the turn made Gutfreund wince and he doubled up Troast to 50,000. Gutfreund still has 150,000 in front him though.

BB Ante -
Blinds -
Entries

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Final Break of the Nigh

A tough three levels trimmed the field down to nine tables and they're heading on their last break of the day.

They'll return for three more levels, bag up for the night and then return at 11 am with the 50 other surviving players from the previous flights.

BB Ante - 2,000
Blinds - 1,000
Entries - 250
Remaining - 81

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

The Upper Class

Keith Heine - 130,000
Terry Thomasson - 90,000
John Cohen - 100,000
David Gutfreund - 120,000
David Kenniston - 180,000
Brekstyn Schutten - 150,000
Brandon Sowers - 135,000
Matt Lushin - 87,000
Mike Paski - 123,000
Troy Weber - 126,000
Richard Ault - 117,000
Boban Nikolic - 183,000
Jeff Hill - 155,000
Carly Gorman - 150,000
Elwood Whitney - 115,000
Nicholas Davidson - 215,000
Brad Oliver - 140,000
Frank Maggio - 125,000


BB Ante - 2,000
Blinds - 1,000/2,000
Entries - 250
Remaining - 99

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Broadway Card Shoves

We found an action table on the far side of the room with three short stacks all in preflop.

Greg Kitarlac: Qs Qc
Player 1: Ad Kh
Player 2: As Qs

The board ran Ac Jd 3c 7d 2c and Player 1 scooped the pot.

BB Ante - 1,600
Blinds - 800/1,600
Entries - 250
Remaining - 108

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

What We're Playing For

The numbers are in and the 554 entrants combined to make a $797,760 prize pool. The top 63 finishers earn a payout, the min-cash comes in at $2,859 and five-figure payouts kick in for the top dozen finishers.

Making the final table locks up $15,885 while the winner walks away with $178,709 plus a $3,500 championship package.

BB Ante - 1,200
Blinds - 600/1,200
Entries - 250
Remaining - 126

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

In for the Home Stretch

Brandon Sowers has heaps.

The players have returned from a dinner break after a busy raid on the restaurants downstairs. It appears everyone is mostly full, as is registration, closing with 250 entrants on the flight.

Day 1A: Entrants 109, Remaining 19
Day 1B: Entrants 195, Remaining 31
Day 1C: Entrants 250

Total Entrants: 554

Once prize pool information is made available it will be posted.

BB Ante - 1,200
Blinds - 600/1,200
Entries - 250

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Dinner Time

Nine levels have come and gone for Day 1C and the field is going on a 60-minute dinner break. There are 241 entrants with registration open through the next hour.


BB Ante - 1,000
Blinds - 500/1,000
Entries - 241

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Color Coded Instruments of Wagering

David Gutfreund - 100,000
Brekstyn Schutten - 125,000
Shawn Roberts - 65,000
Terry Thomason - 140,000
Keith Heine - 130,000
John Cohen - 118,000
David Kenniston - 140,000
Curtis Turner - 145,000
Phillip Davis - 115,000
Nick Davidson - 140,000
Bradley Oliver - 122,000
Jeff Orlowski - 80,000
Frank Maggio - 105,000
Matt Lushin - 70,000
Brent Ballantine - 84,000
Harold Evans - 50,000
Jeffrey Hall - 55,000
Rah Dhamekula - 120,000
Jacob Baumgartner - 27,000
Derrick Brown - 110,000
Brandon Sowers - 105,000
Steven Kelly - 115,000
Marc Bernall - 120,000

BB Ante - 1,000
Blinds - 500/1,000
Entries - 241

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Davis KO's with Kings

We found three players at a flop of 9d 6h 3c. Joseph Hiudt checked, Phil Davis bet 5,000 and the third player folded. Hiudt check-raised to 11,000 and Davis played right back and moved all in.

Hiudt tank-called, showed pocket eights and Davis was ahead with Kd Kh. The river came Qs, Hiudt was eliminated and Davis chipped up to 115,000.

BB Ante - 800
Blinds - 400/800
Entries - 236

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

"Now You're Uninvited to Dinner"

We found veteran HPT players David Gutfrend and Robert Castoire locked up in a hand on the flop of Qc Js 8h. Castoire led from the big blind for 3,500, Gutfreund called and the turn came Kd.

Castoire bet 6,000 and Gutfreund took several moments to move all in. Castoire tanked and after a bit said, "Every bone in my body is telling me to call. Give me a minute."

Castoire decided to fold after a few moments and Gutfreund showed Kh Qh and Castoire told him he had a pair and a wrap.

"Ah, so pocket tens," Gutfreund said.

"Yeah, but now you're uninvited to dinner," Castoire ribbed Gutfreund.


BB Ante - 800
Blinds - 400/800
Entries - 228

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Shepsky Finding His Footing

We found this hand at the river with a board of 9d 7s 2c 9c 5h. Matt Shepsky bet 8,800 on the river and left himself with about 5,500 behind.

His opponent sat back in his seat, thought for a bit and then tossed in the call. Shepsky tabled 9h 8d for trips and took the pot, chipping up to almost 40,000.

BB Ante - 600
Blinds - 300/600
Entries - 222

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Second Break of the Day

That's six levels in the books and the field is on their second break of the day. They'll take a 15-minute refresher and then get right back into action.



BB Ante - 500
Blinds - 200/500
Entries - 218

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Freeroll Winner Pulling Ahead

We saw three players toss in 1,200 preflop, Shawn Roberts raised to 6,300 from the small blind, Terry Thomasson called and so did David McGowen.

The flop came Ac 6d 3c, Roberts checked, Thomasson bet 10,000 and McGowan called. Roberts let his hand go, the turn came 2h and Thomasson bet 25,000. McGowan sat for a moment, threw out a call and the river came Jh.

Thomasson checked, McGowan moved in for a little over 20,000 and Thomasson tanked for a bit. He landed on a call, McGowan tabled 8c 7c for a flush draw turned bluff and Thomasson took the pot with pocket nines.

Thomasson won his entry into the Main Event through a freeroll contest from pro poker player Jonathan Little.

BB Ante - 500
Blinds - 200/500
Entries - 218

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Nikolic Joins Century Club

We saw Angelo Peralta and Boban Nikolic got a raised flop of Ah 9d 9c, Peralta bet 2,200 and Nikolic called. The turn came Js, Peralta bet 3,200 and Nikolic flatted. The river came 7c, Peralta bet 5,500, Nikolic called and the cards were turned face up.

Peralta showed Ad Qc but Nikolic caught a second pair holding As Jh and stacked up 100,000.

BB Ante - 500
Blinds - 200/500
Entries - 209

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Flopped Set is Worst Hand Until Turn

There was a lot of commotion over at Table 16 and players were waving us over as the dealer shipped the pot to Justin Lee. They were kind enough to replay the action of the hand.

On a flop of Tx 9x 7x, there was a bet, a raise, a shove and two calls.

David Berman: Jx 8x
Bekr Ali: Tx Tx
Lee: 9x 9x

Berman was the short stack and looked to be a lock to double up with a flopped straight. But the board completed with a blank on the turn and the river was the case nine for Lee to make quads and go from worst to first after flopping middle set.

Justin Lee - 70,000

BB Ante - 500
Blinds - 200/500
Entries - 204

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Underwood Calls, Hits Century Mark

We saw this hand on the river on a board of 7s 6h 2c Jc Kd, Anthony Potis bet 12,500 and Chris Underwood tanked for a few moments. He found the call button, Potis said "nice call" and tabled 9h 8c for a busted straight draw.

Underwood flipped up 7c 6c for two pair and stacked the pot to reach 100,000.

BB Ante - 400
Blinds - 200/400
Entries - 198

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Players on the Uptick

Nick Davidson - 40,000
Alex Maturi - 60,000
Elwood Whitney - 36,000
Mike Kamenjarin - 30,000
Tammi Endemann - 32,000
Carly Gorman - 34,000
Richard Ault - 50,000
Perry Ernest - 52,000
Craig Trost - 48,000
Brekstyn Schutten - 100,000
David McGowan - 53,000
Terry Thomason - 55,000
Brandon Sowers - 51,000
Robert Keeling - 63,000
Matt Lushin - 57,000

BB Ante - 300
Blinds - 100/300
Entries - 175

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

First Break of the Day

The first three levels are in the books with 166 entrants spread across 18 tables. Today's action pushes the total entrants to 470 at this point with five and a half hours remaining of open registration.


BB Ante - 0
Blinds - 100/300
Entries - 166

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Brudenell Eliminates Ivens

We saw the dealer pull in two fairly large turn bets in a hand between Todd Ivens and William Brudenell. The river completed the board of Ah 9c 5d Jc 4s. Brudenell moved in, Ivens called and Brudenell tabled pocket fives.

Ivens showed Ax with an unknown kicker as he left the table.

Brudenell - 46,000

BB Ante - 0
Blinds - 100/300
Entries - 163

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Collate and Disseminate

Cards are in the air for the start of Day 1C with players still in line to register.

BB Ante - 0
Blinds - 100/100
Entries - 83

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Third & Final Flight Expected to be Huge

The third and final Day 1 flight for the $1,650 Ameristar East Chicago Main Event is set to kick off and tournament organizers are expecting in excess of 350 entrants despite the snow flurries in the area.

The action gets going a little earlier than the prior two flights with cards in the air at noon. But they'll play the same schedule that the prior flights did, with registration open through the start of the dinner break - approximately 7:30.

There were 19 players from Day 1A and 31 from 1B for a total of 50 players moving on to Day 2 already. Players should note that Day 2 gets going even earlier with an 11 am start time.


BB Ante -
Blinds -
Entries

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Adam Lamphere Tops Day 1B Field

Friday was full of action and high emotions for the Day 1B of the $1,650 Main Event, which drew 195 entrants and graduated 31 players to Day 2 on Sunday. Four separate players all bagged over 300,000, which made for a tight chip lead race, but Adam Lamphere topped them all with 385,000.

Kevin Maahs, Gary Herstein and Bob Peppe all finished over the 300,000-mark while Ed Brooks, Mike Puccio, Ravi Raghavan and Roger Campbell all finished neared to the middle of the pack. Season XIV Player of the Year Aaron Johnson bagged up one of the shorter stacks but will return for Day 2 on Sunday.

Saturday's final Day 1 flight kicks off earlier than the previous two with cards in the air at noon. Registration will remain open until about 7:30 pm when the field returns from the dinner break.


-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Day 1B Chip Counts

Adam Lamphere	385,000
Kevin Maahs	367,000
Gary Herstein	345,000
Bob Peppe	328,000
Jud Tigerman	287,000
Tim Barany	284,000
Mark Schmid	280,000
Ed Brooks	273,000
Mike Puccio	270,000
Mark Morris	243,000
Jim Kasputis	238,000
Ravi Raghavan	228,000
Frank Cerminana	193,000
Xunchang Wang	186,000
Ben Grise	174,000
Roger Campbell	169,000
Scott Sisler	166,000
Chris Carriger	162,000
James Richison	160,000
Bryan Skreens	141,000
Cody Brinn	135,000
Michael Shanahan	132,000
Richard Ali	121,000
Brian Batt	110,000
Hamid Izadi	105,000
Andrew Horn	96,000
Josh Shmerl	88,000
Andrev Rogowski	84,000
Joe Maxwell	64,000
Brian Thomas	47,000
Aaron Johnson	36,000

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Three More Hands for the Night

The clock reached 10 minutes remaining and the field will play three more hands and then bag up for the night. Full chip counts to follow.

BB Ante - 4,000
Blinds - 2,000/4,000
Entries - 195
Remaining - 33

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Maas Doubles Up

An unknown player open-shoved for 44,000, Ben Grise called behind him and Kevin Maas moved in over the top for 118,000. Grise thought for a while, folding pocket nines face up and Maas told him "good fold" as he had pocket tens.

The unknown player had Kh 4d and watched the board run Qc Th 7h 8s 5c to end his day.

Maas - 200,000


BB Ante - 4,000
Blinds - 2,000
Entries - 195
Remaining - 37

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Joke Turned Sour

Table 8 was a loud and seemingly good-natured table. But Mark Morris just sent the entire table into a near riot and earned a one round penalty.

He was early in the action preflop, with cards, and pushed his entire 200,000+ stack forward and told the dealer he wanted to color up as he was done for the night and wanted to go back to his room.

The dealer was confused as there is no coloring up in tournaments and interpretted his action as an all in.

Three players behind him folded and the player on the button asked what happened. Nearly everyone started arguing and the dealer called the floor.

Morris held his ground that he wasn't all in, despite all his chips moved forward holding cards, and repeated that he just wanted to be done for the night and color up his stack.

The floor ruled his action was just a call, forced the action of the hand, which saw the button raise, the blinds fold and Morris fold. He was given a one-round penalty but his tablemates ranged from letting him off the hook to kicking him out.

BB Ante - 3,000
Blinds - 1,500/3,000
Entries - 195
Remaining - 44

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Johnson Finds a Better Spot

We heard a dealer announce all in on a board of Th 7h 7s Jh 3s between Chris Carriger and Aaron Johnson. The pot was already north of 40,000 and Johnson had about 52,000 in front of him.

After a tank, he ultimately layed his hand down.

BB Ante - 2,400
Blinds - 1,200/2,400
Entries - 195
Remaining - 45

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen

Composite Plastics on Rent from the House

Osama Estafanous - 50,000
Mike Shanahan - 260,000
Mark Morris - 200,000
Adam Lamphere - 250,000
Mike Puccio - 135,000
Ravi Raghavan - 250,000
John Sun - 120,000
Mark Schmidt - 143,000
Cody Brinn - 230,000
Roger Campbell - 200,000
Ben Grise - 135,000
Bob Peppe - 280,000
Bryan Skreens - 150,000
Aaron Johnson - 50,000
Brian Batt - 130,000
Scott Sisler - 170,000
Ed Brooks - 200,000
Tim Barany - 118,000
Chris Carriger - 200,000
Jim Kasputis - 150,000

BB Ante - 2,400
Blinds - 1,200/2,400
Entries - 195
Remaining - 50

-- Live Updates by Paul Oresteen