Level 15 (Blinds 2,000/4,000/500)
Total Day 1B Entries: 318
One of the worst feelings in poker is playing for 10+ hours and busting short of bagging, an emotion that notable Trevor Deeter is feeling at the moment. He was just scene leaving the tournament area shaking his head, and it doesn't seem as if he will be re-entering this flight. The field is down to eight tables, and will take their final break in just moments. Here are some updated chip counts taken from the end of Level 14:
AJ Mastragostino - 405,000
Greg Himmelbrand - 355,000
Steven Sarmiento - 330,000
Joe McKeehen - 295,000
Steve Ricchini - 290,000
DJ MacKinnon - 275,000
Tam Nguyen - 240,000
Sergio Loureiro - 205,000
Ray Ross - 180,000
Christian Horter - 170,000
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Big Stax 300 (Day 1B): Borenstein Builds Back Up
Level 14 (Blinds 1,500/3,000/400)
Total Day 1B Entries: 317
The last time we mentioned Jonathan Borenstein, he was getting unlucky to lose an all-in to Greg Himmlebrand (QQ < AK/AK). After that hand he was left with 5,600, not the 56,000 that was originally posted.
Borenstein has since been able to turn that 5,600 stack into 130,000. He actually had it up to 170,000, but since lost a few pots here and there to drop down.
Players will be going on their final break of the night in (15) minutes, and will return to blinds of 2,000/4,000/500 for the last level of the night.
Total Day 1B Entries: 317
 |
| Jonathan Borenstein |
Borenstein has since been able to turn that 5,600 stack into 130,000. He actually had it up to 170,000, but since lost a few pots here and there to drop down.
Players will be going on their final break of the night in (15) minutes, and will return to blinds of 2,000/4,000/500 for the last level of the night.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1B): Two Levels Remain In The Night
Level 14 (Blinds 1,500/3,000/400)
Total Day 1B Entries: 315
The final second are winding down off of Level 13, and players will begin posting new blinds of 1,500/3,000/400. The final break of the night will take place at the end of this level, while the tournament floor colors off the (100 denomination) chips from the table.
Less than (90) players remain active in the field, with a chip average of 107,000 for those who are looking for that number (which isn't posted on the tournament clock until Day 2).
Total Day 1B Entries: 315
The final second are winding down off of Level 13, and players will begin posting new blinds of 1,500/3,000/400. The final break of the night will take place at the end of this level, while the tournament floor colors off the (100 denomination) chips from the table.
Less than (90) players remain active in the field, with a chip average of 107,000 for those who are looking for that number (which isn't posted on the tournament clock until Day 2).
Big Stax 300 (Day 1B): Notables Still Alive
Level 13 (Blinds 1,200/2,400/300)
Total Day 1B Entries: 314
The field continues to shrink down, as 94 players now remain active, looking to bag chips this flight for Day 2 on Sunday. There are still a bunch of notables alive, including Matt Glantz, who is just sitting back down to his second bullet of the day. Other names that you would recognize that are still active include:
Nancy Martin
David Heck
Sean Wallace
Christian Horter
DJ MacKinnon
Anotnio Walker
Jonathan Borenstein
Michael Drabot
Aaron Mermelstein
Ray Ross
Frank Ingaurdia
Michael Marder
Mike Azzaro
Richard DeVivo
Trevor Deeter
David Inselberg
Total Day 1B Entries: 314
The field continues to shrink down, as 94 players now remain active, looking to bag chips this flight for Day 2 on Sunday. There are still a bunch of notables alive, including Matt Glantz, who is just sitting back down to his second bullet of the day. Other names that you would recognize that are still active include:
Nancy Martin
David Heck
Sean Wallace
Christian Horter
DJ MacKinnon
Anotnio Walker
Jonathan Borenstein
Michael Drabot
Aaron Mermelstein
Ray Ross
Frank Ingaurdia
Michael Marder
Mike Azzaro
Richard DeVivo
Trevor Deeter
David Inselberg
Big Stax 300 (Day 1B): Heading To Break...November Niner In The Field
Level 13 (Blinds 1,200/2,400/300)
Total Day 1B Entries: 310
Players are heading on a (15) minute break, and they will return to Level 13 and blinds of 1,200/2,400/300. There are just over 100 players that remain, with a chip average those those left sitting at 93,000.
We would definitely be remiss if we didn't mention a player that was missed earlier in the day when mentioning notables. Sitting at Table 49 for most of the day is William "Billy" Pappaconstantinou (Lowell, MA). Billy is able to say something that only eight other players in the world can...he's still alive in the 2014 WSOP $10,000 Main Event.
In just over two months, he will return to Las Vegas to finish out the final table of the most prestigious event in the world. He's already been credited for $730,725 (ninth place money), but is still in the hunt for the $10,000,000 first place.
Total Day 1B Entries: 310
 |
| Billy Pappaconstantinou (Lowell, MA) |
We would definitely be remiss if we didn't mention a player that was missed earlier in the day when mentioning notables. Sitting at Table 49 for most of the day is William "Billy" Pappaconstantinou (Lowell, MA). Billy is able to say something that only eight other players in the world can...he's still alive in the 2014 WSOP $10,000 Main Event.
In just over two months, he will return to Las Vegas to finish out the final table of the most prestigious event in the world. He's already been credited for $730,725 (ninth place money), but is still in the hunt for the $10,000,000 first place.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1B): Winning Some Pots-luri
Level 12 (Blinds 1,000/2,000/300)
Total Day 1B Entries: 310
Players are half the way through Level 12, and will be going on a (15) minute break at the end of this level. The landscape is ever changing when looking at the stacks across the room, as one time chip leaders aren't even present anymore. Here are some updated counts tallied mid-level:
AJ Mastragostino - 310,000
Venkata Potluri - 275,000
Greg Himmelbrand - 240,000
Ryan Pochgouisy - 205,000
Ray Ross - 168,000
Aaron Mermelstein - 160,000
DJ MacKinnon - 155,000
Mike Dimaiuta - 140,000
Sergio Loureiro - 130,000
Nancy Martin - 105,000
Total Day 1B Entries: 310
 |
| Venkata Potluri (Middletown, NJ) |
AJ Mastragostino - 310,000
Venkata Potluri - 275,000
Greg Himmelbrand - 240,000
Ryan Pochgouisy - 205,000
Ray Ross - 168,000
Aaron Mermelstein - 160,000
DJ MacKinnon - 155,000
Mike Dimaiuta - 140,000
Sergio Loureiro - 130,000
Nancy Martin - 105,000
Big Stax 300 (Day 1B): Loureiro Looking Good
Level 11 (Blinds 800/1,600/200)
Total Day 1B Entries: 306
Sergio Loureiro (Newark, NJ) is no stranger to navigating a field like this, having made the final table of this event during the last Big Stax series. Sergio had been managing an average stack for most of the day, but had an opportunity to eliminate two short stacked opponents and win a sizable pot. The three-way all-in would take place at Table 47, as we walked over just before the dealer began fanning out the flop:
Loureiro: K♠ K♥
Player Y: A♥ K♦
Player Z: A♠ K♣
Flop: 10♥ 4♥ 8♦
Turn: 6♥
River: A♥
Loureiro had his opponents drawing to one out, but seeing this ace on the river still brought a reaction from Sergio. Loureiro made the nut-flush on the river, and would bust both players, chipping up to 130,000 in the process.
Total Day 1B Entries: 306
 |
| Sergio Loureiro (Newark, NJ) |
Loureiro: K♠ K♥
Player Y: A♥ K♦
Player Z: A♠ K♣
Flop: 10♥ 4♥ 8♦
Turn: 6♥
River: A♥
Loureiro had his opponents drawing to one out, but seeing this ace on the river still brought a reaction from Sergio. Loureiro made the nut-flush on the river, and would bust both players, chipping up to 130,000 in the process.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1B): Ask And You Shall Receive
Level 11 (Blinds 800/1,600/200)
Total Day 1B Entries: 301
The level has just gone up, with blinds increasing to 800/1,600/200. With only a few minutes left in Level 10, we would approach Table 50, with chips laid out in front of three players. Greg Himmelbrand had 7,000 in front of him, with an unknown player all-in for 32,600, and Jonathan Borenstein flatting that all-in. Action was on Greg, and after a few minutes of tanking and shuffling his chips, he announced himself all-in. Borenstein made the call (having both players covered), and the hands were tabled:
Himmelbrand: A♥ K♣
Borenstein: Q♣ Q♦
Player X: A♣ K♥
Runout: 6♥ J♣ 9♠ 10♥ Q♥
It looked bleak after the flop for both at risk players, but Greg asked for running straight cards, and out they came. Borenstein was left shocked at what he witnessed, and watched as the dealer worked on figuring out the main and side pots. After everything was figured out, here are where the players stood:
Greg Himmelbrand - 230,000
Player X - 55,000
Jonathan Borenstein - 46,000
Total Day 1B Entries: 301
 |
| Greg Himmelbrand (Orchard Hills, NY) |
Himmelbrand: A♥ K♣
Borenstein: Q♣ Q♦
Player X: A♣ K♥
Runout: 6♥ J♣ 9♠ 10♥ Q♥
It looked bleak after the flop for both at risk players, but Greg asked for running straight cards, and out they came. Borenstein was left shocked at what he witnessed, and watched as the dealer worked on figuring out the main and side pots. After everything was figured out, here are where the players stood:
Greg Himmelbrand - 230,000
Player X - 55,000
Jonathan Borenstein - 46,000
Big Stax 300 (Day 1B): Losing Ladies Post Dinner
Level 10 (Blinds 600/1,200/200)
Total Day 1B Entries: 299
Since returning from dinner just over (15) minutes ago, more than a handful of players have been seen leaving the tournament area. Two of the many notable ladies in the field made up the departed, with Judy Bielan losing A♣ J♥ < J♠ J♣ of Jen Chang for a 50,000 pot, and Lexi Gavin falling with pocket tens against her opponents pocket kings for a 65,000 pot. Neither of those two re-entered this flight, but Bielan has already confirmed that she will be back tomorrow for Day 1C.
For those interested in some of the numbers related to this current flight, here is a quick reminder:
Total Day 1B Entires: 299
Day 1B Players Remaining: 160
Chip Average: 57,000 (46 big blinds)
Total Day 1B Entries: 299
Since returning from dinner just over (15) minutes ago, more than a handful of players have been seen leaving the tournament area. Two of the many notable ladies in the field made up the departed, with Judy Bielan losing A♣ J♥ < J♠ J♣ of Jen Chang for a 50,000 pot, and Lexi Gavin falling with pocket tens against her opponents pocket kings for a 65,000 pot. Neither of those two re-entered this flight, but Bielan has already confirmed that she will be back tomorrow for Day 1C.
For those interested in some of the numbers related to this current flight, here is a quick reminder:
Total Day 1B Entires: 299
Day 1B Players Remaining: 160
Chip Average: 57,000 (46 big blinds)
Big Stax 300 (Day 1B): Time For The Homestretch
Level 10 (600/1,200/200)
Total Day 1B Entries: 298
Players have once again taken their seats, and tournament supervisor just David Rolo gave the go ahead for dealers to get the cards back in the air. We have already eclipsed the total number of entries from yesterday, and it looks like we will be going into the third starting flight with over 600 entries.
Total Day 1B Entries: 298
Players have once again taken their seats, and tournament supervisor just David Rolo gave the go ahead for dealers to get the cards back in the air. We have already eclipsed the total number of entries from yesterday, and it looks like we will be going into the third starting flight with over 600 entries.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1B): It's Dinner Time
Level 10 (Blinds 600/1,200/200)
Total Day 1B Entries: 293
Players are now heading on dinner break, with play to resume at 7:45pm. When players return to the tables, they will be posting blinds of 600/1,200/200 in Level 10. Live updates will continue once the cards are back in the air.
Total Day 1B Entries: 293
Players are now heading on dinner break, with play to resume at 7:45pm. When players return to the tables, they will be posting blinds of 600/1,200/200 in Level 10. Live updates will continue once the cards are back in the air.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1B): Chip Counts Updated
Level 9 (Blinds 500/1,000/100)
Total Day 1B Entries: 288
With players exiting the tournament area shortly, we wanted to bring you some updated chip counts before they head out. Some of the outer tables are beginning to break as the field shrinks, with players finding new table mates as we type. Here are some of the updated counts from the beginning of Level 9:
Sean Wallace - 230,000
Joe Palmeroni - 160,000
Jonathan Borenstein - 150,000
Adam Pace - 145,000
Adam Larkin - 145,000
Matt McLaughlin - 125,000
David Clarke - 120,000
Aaron Mermelstein - 110,000
Greg Himmelbrand - 85,000
Nancy Martin - 73,000
Patti Haggerty - 60,000
Total Day 1B Entries: 288
With players exiting the tournament area shortly, we wanted to bring you some updated chip counts before they head out. Some of the outer tables are beginning to break as the field shrinks, with players finding new table mates as we type. Here are some of the updated counts from the beginning of Level 9:
Sean Wallace - 230,000
Joe Palmeroni - 160,000
Jonathan Borenstein - 150,000
Adam Pace - 145,000
Adam Larkin - 145,000
Matt McLaughlin - 125,000
David Clarke - 120,000
Aaron Mermelstein - 110,000
Greg Himmelbrand - 85,000
Nancy Martin - 73,000
Patti Haggerty - 60,000
Big Stax 300 (Day 1B): Last Level Before Dinner
Level 9 (Blinds 500/1,000/100)
Total Day 1B Entries: 283
The tournament supervisor has just announced to the field that blinds are now up (500/1,000/100), and that this will be the last level before the (75) dinner break. Just before break, Aaron Mermelstein (Philadelphia, PA) got his remaining chips in (20,000) with A♦ 10♦ against Q♦ J♦ on a Q♣ 8♦ 3♦ flop. His opponent would give a small celebration after the 7♦ on the turn, not realizing that it gave Aaron the nut-flush, and making the river just a formality. Mermelstein is over 50,000 (50 big blinds), and is around chip average for the first time today.
Total Day 1B Entries: 283
The tournament supervisor has just announced to the field that blinds are now up (500/1,000/100), and that this will be the last level before the (75) dinner break. Just before break, Aaron Mermelstein (Philadelphia, PA) got his remaining chips in (20,000) with A♦ 10♦ against Q♦ J♦ on a Q♣ 8♦ 3♦ flop. His opponent would give a small celebration after the 7♦ on the turn, not realizing that it gave Aaron the nut-flush, and making the river just a formality. Mermelstein is over 50,000 (50 big blinds), and is around chip average for the first time today.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1B): Larkin Making Quick Work Of Things
Level 8 (Blinds 400/800/100)
Total Day 1B Entries: 269
Adam Larkin (New York, NY) played his first hand as player returned from break one level ago...he is now one of the chip leaders in the room. The critical pot came about (10) minutes ago when Larkin busted Jimmy Lillis with K♠ K♣ > Q♠ Q♥, giving Adam triple the starting stack only two orbits into his day.
Larkin has continued to pressure the table, and now sits with just over 170,000. Larkin's table housed a handful of notables when he first sat down, but a couple of them have left their seats since, including Renata Colache.
Colache relayed to the media that she ran K♦ K♥ into A♠ A♣, and will not be re-entering the event. Her work schedule does not allow her time to fire another bullet in this event, but she will likely be back for either the 500 or 1000 later in the series.
Total Day 1B Entries: 269
 |
| Adam Larkin (New York, NY) |
Larkin has continued to pressure the table, and now sits with just over 170,000. Larkin's table housed a handful of notables when he first sat down, but a couple of them have left their seats since, including Renata Colache.
Colache relayed to the media that she ran K♦ K♥ into A♠ A♣, and will not be re-entering the event. Her work schedule does not allow her time to fire another bullet in this event, but she will likely be back for either the 500 or 1000 later in the series.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1B): Wallace's Kings Makes A Sour-Kraut
Level 7 (Blinds 300/600/100)
Total Day 1B Entries: 262
Table 55 has had a revolving door of notables throughout the day, with two of those still there just getting involved in a sizable pot. Alan Kraut opened UTG to 1,500, with a player also in early position calling behind, and action then folding to Sean Wallace (Horsham, PA) in the big blind. Sean three-bet to 5,200, with Alan then four-bet shoving for 32,000. The player who flatted prior folded behind, and Sean immediately made the call:
Kraut: Q♠ J♣
Wallace: K♠ K♣
Runout: 3♥ 4♦ 5♠ 7♠ 7♣
The runout would be a great one for Wallace, who never had to sweat much throughout. Sean raked in his new chips, and sits with one of the larger stacks in the room (163,000).
Total Day 1B Entries: 262
Table 55 has had a revolving door of notables throughout the day, with two of those still there just getting involved in a sizable pot. Alan Kraut opened UTG to 1,500, with a player also in early position calling behind, and action then folding to Sean Wallace (Horsham, PA) in the big blind. Sean three-bet to 5,200, with Alan then four-bet shoving for 32,000. The player who flatted prior folded behind, and Sean immediately made the call:
Kraut: Q♠ J♣
Wallace: K♠ K♣
Runout: 3♥ 4♦ 5♠ 7♠ 7♣
The runout would be a great one for Wallace, who never had to sweat much throughout. Sean raked in his new chips, and sits with one of the larger stacks in the room (163,000).
Big Stax 300 (Day 1B): Some Quick Exits...And Returns
Level 7 (Blinds 300/600/100)
Total Day 1B Entries: 252
As the day grows longer and the blinds get higher, we see an increase in players leaving the tournament area (some for good, and some for only a few moments). In the (20) minutes since returning from break, we have already seen David Inselberg, DJ MacKinnon, and Ben Coren bust...but all three are already back in action.
While the stream of players to enter the field for the first time has slowed down significantly, we did see one new face just give his entry receipt to the supervisor. Adam Larkin (New York, NY) was one of the stories during the Big Stax VII 1500 Main Event, experiencing a roller coaster day on Day 2, eventually bubbling the final table (11th Place - $6,688).
Total Day 1B Entries: 252
As the day grows longer and the blinds get higher, we see an increase in players leaving the tournament area (some for good, and some for only a few moments). In the (20) minutes since returning from break, we have already seen David Inselberg, DJ MacKinnon, and Ben Coren bust...but all three are already back in action.
While the stream of players to enter the field for the first time has slowed down significantly, we did see one new face just give his entry receipt to the supervisor. Adam Larkin (New York, NY) was one of the stories during the Big Stax VII 1500 Main Event, experiencing a roller coaster day on Day 2, eventually bubbling the final table (11th Place - $6,688).
Big Stax 300 (Day 1B): Color Up Break
Level 7 (Blinds 300/600/100)
Total Day 1B Entries: 238
Players are heading on their second (15) minute break of the day, and will clear the tournament area while the supervisors color off the green (25 denomination) chips. Play will resume with Level 7 and blinds of 300/600/100. We are currently on the same pace as yesterday (in lines of total entries), which means we could end the day with over 600 total entries. There will be three more levels played once everyone returns, and the next break will be the extended (75) minute dinner break.
Total Day 1B Entries: 238
Players are heading on their second (15) minute break of the day, and will clear the tournament area while the supervisors color off the green (25 denomination) chips. Play will resume with Level 7 and blinds of 300/600/100. We are currently on the same pace as yesterday (in lines of total entries), which means we could end the day with over 600 total entries. There will be three more levels played once everyone returns, and the next break will be the extended (75) minute dinner break.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1B): Cracking The Aces
Level 6 (Blinds 250/500/50)
Total Day 1B Entries: 235
We hadn't witnessed many big hands over the first third of the day, but was at the table just now when Harold Snyder cracked aces. The chips got in on a flop of K♥ 7♥ 8♣ between Snyder and his opponent, both battling for a pot worth over 100,000:
Snyder: K♦ 8♦
Player X: A♣ A♠
Turn: 4♠
River: 5♥
Snyder's opponent was only left to watch as the dealer cut out his stack, which was 48,000. That amount was just over what "Player X" held, and Harold would scoop up his new found chips, and stack them up in neat piles. Snyder is now top ten in the room with just under 25,000.
Total Day 1B Entries: 235
 |
| Harold Snyder |
Snyder: K♦ 8♦
Player X: A♣ A♠
Turn: 4♠
River: 5♥
Snyder's opponent was only left to watch as the dealer cut out his stack, which was 48,000. That amount was just over what "Player X" held, and Harold would scoop up his new found chips, and stack them up in neat piles. Snyder is now top ten in the room with just under 25,000.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1B): First Look At Chip Counts
Level 5 (Blinds 200/400/50)
Total Day 1B Entries: 221
The first starting flight of this event started off pretty slowly, with nobody separating themselves from the field until John Wickizer (Philadelphia, PA) began to take flight. John accomplished a rare feat, basically holding onto the chip lead from wire-to-wire (well at least from when we first started noticing him). Today's Wickizer is Darren Clarke, who has over 130,000 at the moment, and it clearly the chip leader in this early field. Clarke doesn't have much competition at the moment, and could be the only player above 100,000. Here are some other counts tallied from the midway point of Level 5:
Matt McLaughlin - 82,000
Ben Coren - 70,000
Gregory Whiting - 65,000
Joseph McKeehen - 64,000
Jamie Kestetter - 63,000
Sheri Moores - 55,000
Alan Kraut - 51,000
Richard DeVivo - 50,000
Ilya Ekshtut - 47,000
Total Day 1B Entries: 221
The first starting flight of this event started off pretty slowly, with nobody separating themselves from the field until John Wickizer (Philadelphia, PA) began to take flight. John accomplished a rare feat, basically holding onto the chip lead from wire-to-wire (well at least from when we first started noticing him). Today's Wickizer is Darren Clarke, who has over 130,000 at the moment, and it clearly the chip leader in this early field. Clarke doesn't have much competition at the moment, and could be the only player above 100,000. Here are some other counts tallied from the midway point of Level 5:
Matt McLaughlin - 82,000
Ben Coren - 70,000
Gregory Whiting - 65,000
Joseph McKeehen - 64,000
Jamie Kestetter - 63,000
Sheri Moores - 55,000
Alan Kraut - 51,000
Richard DeVivo - 50,000
Ilya Ekshtut - 47,000
Big Stax 300 (Day 1B): Today's Leading Lady
Level 5 (Blinds 200/400/50)
Total Day 1B Entries: 207
While there are other ladies in the field with impressive resumes, none have had the last month that Patti Haggerty (Brigantine, NJ) has had. Patti never had a five-figure score in her career, but chose to skip that last month, and just grab herself a six-figure one.
Patti navigated her way through a field of 4,158 in the opening event of the 2014 Borgata Poker Open ($500 + 60 No Limit Hold'em), reaching the live streamed final table, representing the hometown crowd very well. Haggerty eliminated the first three players at the final table, but hit a wall before finishing in fourth place ($118,981).
Patti is seated at Table 74, and highlights a continuing list of notables to join the field. Also scattered around the room is Aaron Mermelstein, Ed Pham, Christopher Horter, Kevin Tran, Ibraim Ibraimovich, and Scott Blumstein.
Total Day 1B Entries: 207
 |
| Patti Haggerty (Brigantine, NJ) |
Patti navigated her way through a field of 4,158 in the opening event of the 2014 Borgata Poker Open ($500 + 60 No Limit Hold'em), reaching the live streamed final table, representing the hometown crowd very well. Haggerty eliminated the first three players at the final table, but hit a wall before finishing in fourth place ($118,981).
Patti is seated at Table 74, and highlights a continuing list of notables to join the field. Also scattered around the room is Aaron Mermelstein, Ed Pham, Christopher Horter, Kevin Tran, Ibraim Ibraimovich, and Scott Blumstein.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1B): The Man Who Started It All
Level 4 (Blinds 150/300/50)
Total Day 1B Entries: 189
It seems like ages ago, but the first tournament series ever run in this room was in August of 2011, and it opened with a $300 + 40 No Limit Hold'em event (Parx Open Classic). The event attracted 479 total entries and had a prize pool of $139,389. The tournament was won by Kheong Chin, who earned himself $27,393 for the finish, to this date his only recorded cash.
Looking at the results from that tournament, many of the names are now strangers to the room, but one stands out because he is in the field today. Jonathan Borenstein (Teaneck, NJ) finished in sixth place at that final table ($6,760), and just recently took his seat in this field. Some other notables to cash in that opening event include Daniel Yoo, Keith DeAngelis, Mickey Woll, and Steve Sutton.
This morning has definitely had a little historical aspect to it, but we will shift gear to the present, and the Day 1B action at hand.
Total Day 1B Entries: 189
 |
| Kheong Chin (Edison, NJ) |
Looking at the results from that tournament, many of the names are now strangers to the room, but one stands out because he is in the field today. Jonathan Borenstein (Teaneck, NJ) finished in sixth place at that final table ($6,760), and just recently took his seat in this field. Some other notables to cash in that opening event include Daniel Yoo, Keith DeAngelis, Mickey Woll, and Steve Sutton.
This morning has definitely had a little historical aspect to it, but we will shift gear to the present, and the Day 1B action at hand.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1B): And Now It's A Party
Level 4 (Blinds 150/300/50)
Total Day 1B Entries: 170
Things may have started off slowly today, but it was like Grand Central Station during the last break. The field has almost doubled in size in less than an hour, as the late arrival seems to be the trend for some of the notables. Sean Wallace's (Horsham, PA) last recorded cash came during this event in the Big Stax VII series, finishing in 50th place ($1,676). Wallace is still looking for his breakout score here at Parx, his home casino since the moment it opened.
Notables that were spotted in the sea of players returning from break included:
Jamie Kerstetter
Matt Glantz
Trevor Deeter
Mike Azzaro
Renata Colache
David Inselberg
Total Day 1B Entries: 170
 |
| Sean Wallace (Horsham, PA) |
Notables that were spotted in the sea of players returning from break included:
Jamie Kerstetter
Matt Glantz
Trevor Deeter
Mike Azzaro
Renata Colache
David Inselberg
Big Stax 300 (Day 1B): First Break Of The Day
Level 4 (Blinds 150/300/50)
Total Day 1B Entries: 157
Players are clearing the tournament area to head on their first (15) minute break of the day. When they return to play, they will be posting blinds of 150/300/50 in Level 4. The "Poker Concessions" stand is open once again, ready to handle the rush of players looking to grab a quick bite during these breaks throughout the day. The stand is located smack in the middle of the poker room (in front of the bar) and offers many of the staple dishes on the poker room menu. This area is open to all players in the room, not just those involved in the tournament.
Total Day 1B Entries: 157
Players are clearing the tournament area to head on their first (15) minute break of the day. When they return to play, they will be posting blinds of 150/300/50 in Level 4. The "Poker Concessions" stand is open once again, ready to handle the rush of players looking to grab a quick bite during these breaks throughout the day. The stand is located smack in the middle of the poker room (in front of the bar) and offers many of the staple dishes on the poker room menu. This area is open to all players in the room, not just those involved in the tournament.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1B): Top 10 Lists
Level 3 (Blinds 100/200/25)
Total Day 1B Entries: 147
After making the mention of Joe Palma and his standing on the Parx Poker all-time cashes list, it's probably good writing to follow with the top ten on that list. Some research would also uncover the Parx Poker all-time money list, to which we will publish the top ten on each:
Parx Poker All-Time Money List (Top Ten):
Total Day 1B Entries: 147
After making the mention of Joe Palma and his standing on the Parx Poker all-time cashes list, it's probably good writing to follow with the top ten on that list. Some research would also uncover the Parx Poker all-time money list, to which we will publish the top ten on each:
Parx Poker All-Time Money List (Top Ten):
- Anthony Gregg - $416,127
- Stephen Reynolds - $244,877
- Emad Alabsi - $164,963
- Mike Dentale - $160,380
- Chris Lee - $158,450
- Justin Liberto - $144,171
- James Anderson - $137,597
- Patrick Halter - $137,078
- Robert Boyko - $135,950
- Aditya Prasetyo - $118,725
Parx Poker All-Time Cashes List (Top Ten):
- Joe Palma - 13
- Jason Rivkin - 11
- Mohammed Farah - 10
- Peter Ippolito - 10
- Marvin Siegel - 9
- Matt Glantz - 9
- Joe McKeehen - 9
- Jeffrey Spence - 9
- Jeff Wicker - 8
- Rocco Luciano - 8
Big Stax 300 (Day 1B): "Worm Time" Leads The Rankings
Level 3 (Blinds 100/200/25)
Total Day 1B Entries: 133
There have been four new tables to open in the tournament area over the past (30) minutes, with a rush of new entries into the field. One of those new to the field is Joe Palma (Bensalem, PA), who still sits on top of the Parx Poker Room all-time cashes list. Palma has (13) recorded cashes during to his name, not including those from daily tournaments played. Those results are from Big Stax series, or any of the "Poker Classics" that were run before. The list of all-time money leaders and all-time number of cashes will be posted later in the day, for your reading pleasure.
Other notables to walk in during that rush included Ray Ross and Kevin Grabel, representing Team Kitten to the fullest. Grabel is coming off of the live streamed final table of Event 1 at Borgata during the 2014 Borgata Poker Open. Kevin's stay wasn't as long as he would of liked, but the $52,432 cash for seventh place was the second largest of his career.
Total Day 1B Entries: 133
 |
| Joe Palma (Bensalem, PA) |
Other notables to walk in during that rush included Ray Ross and Kevin Grabel, representing Team Kitten to the fullest. Grabel is coming off of the live streamed final table of Event 1 at Borgata during the 2014 Borgata Poker Open. Kevin's stay wasn't as long as he would of liked, but the $52,432 cash for seventh place was the second largest of his career.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1B): Above Average From Day 1A
Level 2 (Blinds 75/150)
Total Day 1B Entries: 119
As mentioned a couple of times already, yesterday's field size came as a surprise to many people who are involved in the behind the scenes aspect of these events. A total of (40) players were able to bag chips from the (297) entries that walked in and out of the tournament area. The chip average at the end of the night was 223,000, with (17) players bagging amounts that were above that number. Of the names that you see listed below, you'll see one that you may not recognize (Marthen Bone). Marthen continues the trend of players traveling to Parx from the midwest poker community, after word spread about the value of these tournament:
Total Day 1B Entries: 119
As mentioned a couple of times already, yesterday's field size came as a surprise to many people who are involved in the behind the scenes aspect of these events. A total of (40) players were able to bag chips from the (297) entries that walked in and out of the tournament area. The chip average at the end of the night was 223,000, with (17) players bagging amounts that were above that number. Of the names that you see listed below, you'll see one that you may not recognize (Marthen Bone). Marthen continues the trend of players traveling to Parx from the midwest poker community, after word spread about the value of these tournament:
| John | Wickizer | Philadelphia PA | 593,500 |
| Marthen | Bone | Evansville, IN | 415,000 |
| Eric | Rappaport` | Lansdale PA | 405,500 |
| Mark | Manitzas | New York NY | 393,000 |
| Matt | Fitzgerald | West Chester PA | 342,000 |
| Igor | Rabinovich | Richboro PA | 340,000 |
| Robert | Klein | New York NY | 331,500 |
| William | Miller | Stratford CT | 314,500 |
| James | McKeon | Lattingtown NY | 290,500 |
| Jon | Rinko | Las Vegas NV | 280,500 |
| Daniel | Mulhall | Little Neck NY | 270,500 |
| William | Kirschner | Trevose PA | 259,000 |
| Kevin | Darouvar | Brookville NY | 258,500 |
| Chris | Csik | Hoboken NJ | 249,000 |
| Christopher | Leong | New York NY | 249,000 |
| Joseph | Miceli | New York NY | 240,000 |
| Joseph | Galazzo | Union NJ | 232,500 |
Big Stax 300 (Day 1B): It's Steven...Not Steve
Level 2 (Blinds 75/150)
Total Day 1B Entries: 111
Steven Sarmiento (Forest Hills, NY) has twelve recorded results on his resume, with exactly half of them coming from Big Stax cashes. Two of those are final table finishes, the first coming in the Big Stax III 1000 event (9th Place - $7,769), and the latter a three-way chop in the Big Stax IV 300 (3rd Place - $39,315). He clearly feels comfortable in this room, and plays some of his best poker here, as his results show.
Sarmiento is just one of a bunch of notables that were spotted during the second lap around the room:
Milton Jaffee
Greg Himmelbrand
Nancy Martin
Arthur Bressler
Sergio Loureiro
Ken Silberstein
Frank Ingaurdia
Joseph Spillane
Total Day 1B Entries: 111
 |
| Steven Sarmiento (Forest Hills, NY) |
Sarmiento is just one of a bunch of notables that were spotted during the second lap around the room:
Milton Jaffee
Greg Himmelbrand
Nancy Martin
Arthur Bressler
Sergio Loureiro
Ken Silberstein
Frank Ingaurdia
Joseph Spillane
Big Stax 300 (Day 1B): Second Time Around
Level 1 (Blinds 50/100)
Total Day 1B Entries: 94
The tournament area is filling up slowly but surely, mimicking the trend we saw from yesterday, when we finished with almost (300) total entries. There are many players that were here yesterday, but also new faces we are seeing for the first time this series. Gregory Whiting (Philadelphia, PA) had a very up and down day yesterday, but critical losses in hands to eventual chip leader John Wickizer would be his demise, and he is once again in the field today. Whiting it joined by the likes of:
Michael Marder
Michael Sandler
George Alberto
Michael Drabot
Alan Kraut
Kevin Bressler
Sherri Moores
Richard DeVivo
Jeffrey Spence
Total Day 1B Entries: 94
The tournament area is filling up slowly but surely, mimicking the trend we saw from yesterday, when we finished with almost (300) total entries. There are many players that were here yesterday, but also new faces we are seeing for the first time this series. Gregory Whiting (Philadelphia, PA) had a very up and down day yesterday, but critical losses in hands to eventual chip leader John Wickizer would be his demise, and he is once again in the field today. Whiting it joined by the likes of:
Michael Marder
Michael Sandler
George Alberto
Michael Drabot
Alan Kraut
Kevin Bressler
Sherri Moores
Richard DeVivo
Jeffrey Spence
Big Stax 300 (Day 1B): Let's Get Things Started
Level 1 (Blinds 50/100)
Total Day 1B Entries: TBD
The tournament supervisor just finished the rules announcement for the players already seated in the tournament area, and cards are in the air for Day 1B of the Big Stax 300. Here is a short breakdown of the layout for the day:
Players will sit down to 30,000 in chips, with levels lasting (45) minutes throughout each of the four starting days. There is unlimited re-entry while registration is open, which means that players can buy in up until cards are in the air for Day 2 on Sunday (12:00pm). Players are allowed to enter as many flights as they choose, moving forward with their largest stack (if they bag). Dinner break will begin at 6:30pm each day, and will last (75) minutes.
As players continue to take there seats, we will scan the room for notables in the field and bring them to you shortly.
Total Day 1B Entries: TBD
The tournament supervisor just finished the rules announcement for the players already seated in the tournament area, and cards are in the air for Day 1B of the Big Stax 300. Here is a short breakdown of the layout for the day:
Players will sit down to 30,000 in chips, with levels lasting (45) minutes throughout each of the four starting days. There is unlimited re-entry while registration is open, which means that players can buy in up until cards are in the air for Day 2 on Sunday (12:00pm). Players are allowed to enter as many flights as they choose, moving forward with their largest stack (if they bag). Dinner break will begin at 6:30pm each day, and will last (75) minutes.
As players continue to take there seats, we will scan the room for notables in the field and bring them to you shortly.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1B): The Foundation Of A Big Field
Level 1 (Blinds 50/100)
Total Day 1B Entries: TBD
The tournament area is now quiet, but in less than (30) minutes, the cards will be in the air for Day 1B of the Big Stax 300. We saw a very successful addition to the tournament yesterday, as a fourth starting flight went off without a hitch (and with a lot of players). There were a total of 297 entries, with (40) players successfully bagging chips at the end of this night. It was John Wickizer (Philadelphia, PA) bagging the chip lead at the end of the night, setting the pace for flights that follow with a staggering 593,500. There were many notables to earn themselves a few days off, including Eric Rappaport (405,000), Robert Klein (331,500), Chris Csik (249,000), and Chris Leong (249,000).
Action for Day 1B will be underway at 11:00am, and we look forward to bringing you updates throughout the day!!!
Total Day 1B Entries: TBD
The tournament area is now quiet, but in less than (30) minutes, the cards will be in the air for Day 1B of the Big Stax 300. We saw a very successful addition to the tournament yesterday, as a fourth starting flight went off without a hitch (and with a lot of players). There were a total of 297 entries, with (40) players successfully bagging chips at the end of this night. It was John Wickizer (Philadelphia, PA) bagging the chip lead at the end of the night, setting the pace for flights that follow with a staggering 593,500. There were many notables to earn themselves a few days off, including Eric Rappaport (405,000), Robert Klein (331,500), Chris Csik (249,000), and Chris Leong (249,000).
Action for Day 1B will be underway at 11:00am, and we look forward to bringing you updates throughout the day!!!
Big Stax 300 (Day 1A): End Of Day 1A Chip Counts
Level 15 (Blinds 2,000/4,000/500)
Total Day 1A Entries: 297
Total Day 1A Entries: 297
| Total Players: | 297 | Players left: | 40 |
| Total Chips: | 8,910,000 | Average Chips: | 223,000 |
| Name | Last Name | Hometown | Chip Count |
| John | Wickizer | Philadelphia PA | 593,500 |
| Marthen | Bone | 415,000 | |
| Eric | Rappaport` | Lansdale PA | 405,500 |
| Mark | Manitzas | New York NY | 393,000 |
| Matt | Fitzgerald | West Chester PA | 342,000 |
| Igor | Rabinovich | Richboro PA | 340,000 |
| Robert | Klein | New York NY | 331,500 |
| William | Miller | Stratford CT | 314,500 |
| James | McKeon | Lattingtown NY | 290,500 |
| Jon | Rinko | Las Vegas NV | 280,500 |
| Daniel | Mulhall | Little Neck NY | 270,500 |
| William | Kirschner | Trevose PA | 259,000 |
| Kevin | Darouvar | Brookville NY | 258,500 |
| Chris | Csik | Hoboken NJ | 249,000 |
| Christopher | Leong | New York NY | 249,000 |
| Joseph | Miceli | New York NY | 240,000 |
| Joseph | Galazzo | Union NJ | 232,500 |
| Christopher | Senape | New York NY | 212,000 |
| Prince | Stephens | Bronx Ny | 211,500 |
| Jake | Ross | Warrington | 211,000 |
| Haratio | Hu | Fresh Meadows NY | 208,500 |
| Brian | Kim | Mays Landing NJ | 201,500 |
| Ryan | Eriquezzo | Danbury CT | 201,500 |
| Dan | Pettit | Hatboro PA | 192,000 |
| Robert | Boyko | Yonkers NY | 189,000 |
| Megan | Milburn | Brigantine NJ | 187,000 |
| Hua | Wei | Edison NJ | 178,500 |
| Mike | Kemeter | Allentown PA | 172,500 |
| Harold | Siroka | Staten Island NY | 146,000 |
| Martin | Shapiro | East Brunswick NJ | 140,000 |
| Marvin | Siegel | Monroe Twp NJ | 137,000 |
| Gretchen | Sonne | Red Lion PA | 125,000 |
| Michael | Brown | Cheltenham PA | 125,000 |
| Sardor | Gaziev | North Brunswick NJ | 111,500 |
| Scott | Blackman | Atlantic City NJ | 107,000 |
| Richard | Wible | Ocean City | 101,500 |
| Geoffrey | Lewit | Brooklyn NY | 95,500 |
| John | Critelli | New Egypt NJ | 92,000 |
| William | Pastorick | Rydal | 76,000 |
| Kyle | Torriero | Philadelphia PA | 40,000 |
Big Stax 300 (Day 1A): Getting Ready To Bag
Level 15 (Blinds 2,000/4,000/500)
Total Day 1A Entries: 295
Tournament Director Tom Martucci has just announced to the remaining players that there are (3) hands left in the night. Once those hands are finished at each table, those still active will bag their chips for Day 2 on Sunday (12:00pm).
The end of Day 1A chip counts will be posted about (90) minutes after the end of the night, with live updates picking back up tomorrow at 11:00am.
Total Day 1A Entries: 295
Tournament Director Tom Martucci has just announced to the remaining players that there are (3) hands left in the night. Once those hands are finished at each table, those still active will bag their chips for Day 2 on Sunday (12:00pm).
The end of Day 1A chip counts will be posted about (90) minutes after the end of the night, with live updates picking back up tomorrow at 11:00am.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1A): Last Look At Counts Before Bagging
Level 15 (Blinds 2,000/4,000/500)
Total Day 1A Entries: 295
Even though there is no chip lead bonus at stake during this series, this is still the time that we always look at chip counts for the final time of the night. We most always see players come from nowhere to bag top five stacks, but here are some of the larger counts minutes into the final level:
John Wickizer - 440,000
Eric Rappaport - 370,000
Martin Vone - 360,000
Chris Leong - 330,000
Richard Wible - 240,000
Prince Stevens - 210,000
Megan Milburn - 200,000
Danny Mulhall - 185,000
Bill Miller - 170,000
Tables Remaining: 6
Day 1A Players Remaining: 50
Chip Average: 177,000
Total Day 1A Entries: 295
Even though there is no chip lead bonus at stake during this series, this is still the time that we always look at chip counts for the final time of the night. We most always see players come from nowhere to bag top five stacks, but here are some of the larger counts minutes into the final level:
John Wickizer - 440,000
Eric Rappaport - 370,000
Martin Vone - 360,000
Chris Leong - 330,000
Richard Wible - 240,000
Prince Stevens - 210,000
Megan Milburn - 200,000
Danny Mulhall - 185,000
Bill Miller - 170,000
Tables Remaining: 6
Day 1A Players Remaining: 50
Chip Average: 177,000
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