Level 15 (Blinds 2,000/4,000/500)
Total Entries: 1,633
It's been a long four day, but it's time to say that players are going on their final Day 1 break of this event. Everyone that is still active will exit the tournament area while the supervisors color off the brown (100) chips. Players will return to Level 15 and blinds of 2,000/4,000/500, and play until 10:00 minutes shows on the clock. The clock will then be paused while the randomly determined amount of hands are played, and the bagging process will then begin. Before all of that madness happens, we will first update you on chip counts:
Kyle Norton - 495,000
Antonio Payne - 440,000
Frank Williams - 395,000
Anthony Caruso - 360,000
Matt Doyle - 340,000
Tom Gliniecki - 330,000
"Princeton" Tom - 305,000
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Big Stax 300 (Day 1B): Big Stacks In The Back Corner
Level 14 (Blinds 1,500/3,000/400)
Total Entries: 1,632
It looks like Table 75 has been hoarding the chips in the back corner of the tournament area, as three players that make up the top ten in the room are seated there. This table has been a revolving door throughout the day, as the empty seats of those that busted were filled by players from broken tables.
The trio at the table is led by Frank Williams (410,000), who may be the chip leader of the entire field, not just that table alone. He is trailed closely by Matt Doyle (320,000) and Raj Desai (295,000).
Also an honorable mention that is sitting at the next table over, is Satish Surapaneni, who currently has 335,000.
Total Entries: 1,632
 |
| Frank Williams (Middle Island, NY) |
The trio at the table is led by Frank Williams (410,000), who may be the chip leader of the entire field, not just that table alone. He is trailed closely by Matt Doyle (320,000) and Raj Desai (295,000).
Also an honorable mention that is sitting at the next table over, is Satish Surapaneni, who currently has 335,000.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1D): It's Never Going To Be Payne Free
Level 14 (Blinds 1,200/2,400/300)
Total Entries: 1,625
There were three players standing at Table 47, which we know means something big is going on. On a flop of 6 2 7, we'd approach the table as Antonio Payne's stack was being count down. He recapped the action, telling us that there was a 55,000 bet that he faced, to which he shoved all-in over for 130,000. A third player in the hand called for less, and the action would be back on player that bet 55,000. He would think for a solid four minutes before asking for the count to call (75,000), before pushing forward the call:
Payne: 2♦ 2♠
Player X (Mets Hat): 8♦ 3♦
Player Y: 6♣ 7♣
Turn: 4♣
River: 10♥
The three players would each be asking for something...literally, they all asked for what they needed out loud. Antonio would just need to hold, but was up against close to half the remaining deck after the turn. The 10♥ on the river was only help to Payne, who would win the monstrous pot worth over 350,000.
Total Entries: 1,625
 |
| Payne Gets Stared Down |
Payne: 2♦ 2♠
Player X (Mets Hat): 8♦ 3♦
Player Y: 6♣ 7♣
Turn: 4♣
River: 10♥
The three players would each be asking for something...literally, they all asked for what they needed out loud. Antonio would just need to hold, but was up against close to half the remaining deck after the turn. The 10♥ on the river was only help to Payne, who would win the monstrous pot worth over 350,000.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1D): It Doesn't Work Out For Dyment
Level 13 (Blinds 1,200/2,400/300)
Total Entries: 1,621
We approached Table 53 just in time to pick up a hand between Ilya Dyment and Tim Ward. The pot was opened by an unknown players to 5,800, with Ilya three-betting to 16,000 in late position. Tim Ward was in the big blind, and he shoved for 26,200. The original raiser flatted, not knowing that Dyment had the option to raise, and that's just what he did, pushing all-in for 150,000. That would end the prospects of a three-way all-in, but it would be Dyment v. Ward for a pot worth close to 80,000:
Dyment: J♠ J♣
Ward: A♠ K♠
Runout: Q♠ J♥ 10♠ 8♠ 2♣
The jack on the flop looked like a good thing for Dyment, but Ward flopped broadway to grab the lead. Ilya needed the board to pair, or his one out to a straight flush after the turn, but it wouldn't be. Ward scooped up the pot worth 80,000, while Dyment dropped down to 130,000.
Total Entries: 1,621
We approached Table 53 just in time to pick up a hand between Ilya Dyment and Tim Ward. The pot was opened by an unknown players to 5,800, with Ilya three-betting to 16,000 in late position. Tim Ward was in the big blind, and he shoved for 26,200. The original raiser flatted, not knowing that Dyment had the option to raise, and that's just what he did, pushing all-in for 150,000. That would end the prospects of a three-way all-in, but it would be Dyment v. Ward for a pot worth close to 80,000:
Dyment: J♠ J♣
Ward: A♠ K♠
Runout: Q♠ J♥ 10♠ 8♠ 2♣
The jack on the flop looked like a good thing for Dyment, but Ward flopped broadway to grab the lead. Ilya needed the board to pair, or his one out to a straight flush after the turn, but it wouldn't be. Ward scooped up the pot worth 80,000, while Dyment dropped down to 130,000.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1D): Only Two More Breaks Remain
Level 13 (Blinds 1,200/2,400/300)
Total Entries: 1,610
Players are heading on another (15) minute break, and they will be returning to Level 13 and blinds of 1,200/2,400/300. There are approximately 210 players that are active in the field, giving us a chip average of 99,000.
The Twitter-verse has been fairly quiet throughout the day, but we caught some tweets just as players began to exit the tournament area:
Total Entries: 1,610
Players are heading on another (15) minute break, and they will be returning to Level 13 and blinds of 1,200/2,400/300. There are approximately 210 players that are active in the field, giving us a chip average of 99,000.
The Twitter-verse has been fairly quiet throughout the day, but we caught some tweets just as players began to exit the tournament area:
26.2k. 3 more levels in day need to start building lol
— Jerry Callahan (@callahanja911) October 5, 2014
Busted shipped 10bb with a9 last try #6
— Jose Montes (@suganills) October 5, 2014
Big Stax 300 (Day 1D): Sear's Tower
Level 12 (Blinds 1,000/2,000/300)
Total Entries: 1,604
The landscape has changed in regards to the chip counts, as expected...it's really rare that you go through a day like Wednesday, when John Wickizer grabs a lead and never looks back. Our earlier chip lead Krysztof Mochol has dropped down from over 300,000 to just over 200,000, while Charles Sears (Virginia Beach, VA) has put his name on top of the list. Sears has close to 330,000 at the moment, but a few names a close behind:
Tom Gliniecki - 305,000
Kyle Norton - 235,000
Anthony Caruso - 200,000
John Allan Hinds - 170,000
Bob Brady - 150,000
Norman Michalek - 150,000
Scott Blumstein - 145,000
Alex Rocha - 120,000
Total Entries: 1,604
 |
| Charles Sears (Virginia Beach, VA) |
Tom Gliniecki - 305,000
Kyle Norton - 235,000
Anthony Caruso - 200,000
John Allan Hinds - 170,000
Bob Brady - 150,000
Norman Michalek - 150,000
Scott Blumstein - 145,000
Alex Rocha - 120,000
Big Stax 300 (Day 1D): Level Going Up
Level 12 (Blinds 1,000/2,000/300)
Total Entries: 1,596
Tournament Director Tom Martucci has just announced to the field that Level 12 has started, and blinds are now going up to 1,000/2,000/300. If a players was to buy-in during this level, they would sit down with 15 blinds, which is most likely a push or fold situation. We have seen numerous players run that amount up this late, so it wouldn't surprise anyone if we see one of those success stories pop up by the end of the night.
Total Entries: 1,596
Tournament Director Tom Martucci has just announced to the field that Level 12 has started, and blinds are now going up to 1,000/2,000/300. If a players was to buy-in during this level, they would sit down with 15 blinds, which is most likely a push or fold situation. We have seen numerous players run that amount up this late, so it wouldn't surprise anyone if we see one of those success stories pop up by the end of the night.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1D): First Player Over 300,000
Level 11 (Blinds 800/1,600/200)
Total Entries: 1,577
We have our first players to eclipse the 300,000 mark, and it is Kryztof Mochol (Penndel, PA). Mochol is a tournament regular here at Parx, but tends to play more daily tournaments than Big Stax events. Mochol has $15,325 in career earnings, with his largest cash coming in 2010 when he finished runner-up in a seasonal mini-series at Borgata ($8,515).
The numbers have been updated on the tournament clock, now showing that 270 players are active in this field. With that information, we can give you the chip average at the moment, which equates to 73,000.
The payouts have also began scrolling on the tournament clock, showing a piece of information that many people want to know. First place in the Big Stax VIII 300 will be over $90,000!!! That's just an incredible number for a $300 buy-in event.
Total Entries: 1,577
 |
| Kryzsztof Mochol (Penndel, PA) |
The numbers have been updated on the tournament clock, now showing that 270 players are active in this field. With that information, we can give you the chip average at the moment, which equates to 73,000.
The payouts have also began scrolling on the tournament clock, showing a piece of information that many people want to know. First place in the Big Stax VIII 300 will be over $90,000!!! That's just an incredible number for a $300 buy-in event.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1D): All Together Now
Level 10 (Blinds 600/1,200/200)
Total Entries: 1,563
The final outer tournament tables has just been broken, and everyone that remains active in this Day 1D flight is now in the tournament area. That table consisted of mostly late reg players, including Kevin Grabel, Jack Duong, and Anthony Caruso. While Grabel was the newest to the table, Caruso and Duong spent enough time there to build up so sizable stacks. Both players find their new tables with over 170,000, doing quick work of entries made just before dinner.
Antonio Payne (Hazlet, NJ) has voiced clearly his frustration on Twitter in regards to his past fews days, and the bullets fired into this event. Payne looks to have finally gained some traction, sitting with 164,000 in front of him.
Antonio isn't alone though, there are players that are in this event for multiple bullets, all trying to make sure they give themselves a chance to bag chips.
Total Entries: 1,563
 |
| Antonio Payne (Hazlet, NJ) |
Antonio Payne (Hazlet, NJ) has voiced clearly his frustration on Twitter in regards to his past fews days, and the bullets fired into this event. Payne looks to have finally gained some traction, sitting with 164,000 in front of him.
Antonio isn't alone though, there are players that are in this event for multiple bullets, all trying to make sure they give themselves a chance to bag chips.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1D): The Registration Window Is Closing
Level 10 (Blinds 600/1,200/200)
Total Entries: 1,544
Players are back from dinner, and there is a long line of players waiting to get a seat into this flight. It's not known how long this rush to the tournament podium will last, but we've already seen players bust in the first fews hands back, and go directly to the cage. Just a reminder for players or followers still interested in playing this event, registration is technically open until the cards are in the air tomorrow afternoon (12:00pm).
Total Entries: 1,544
Players are back from dinner, and there is a long line of players waiting to get a seat into this flight. It's not known how long this rush to the tournament podium will last, but we've already seen players bust in the first fews hands back, and go directly to the cage. Just a reminder for players or followers still interested in playing this event, registration is technically open until the cards are in the air tomorrow afternoon (12:00pm).
Big Stax 300 (Day 1D): Dinner Break
Level 10 (Blinds 600/1,200/200)
Total Entries: 1,512
Players are exiting the tournament area and heading on dinner break, which will last from 6:30-7:45pm. Play will return to Level 10, with the blinds going up to 600/1,200/200. Live coverage of the event will continue once the cards are back in the air.
Total Entries: 1,512
Players are exiting the tournament area and heading on dinner break, which will last from 6:30-7:45pm. Play will return to Level 10, with the blinds going up to 600/1,200/200. Live coverage of the event will continue once the cards are back in the air.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1D): Playing Catch-er Up
Level 9 (Blinds 500/1,000/100)
Total Entries: 1,504
Players are finishing up the first half of the day, as the end of Level 9 is the extended (75) minute dinner break. Surprisingly, there aren't a plethora of big stacks out there, which usually happens with a field this size. The leader at the moment is Jay Catcher, a relative unknown in the tournament community, sitting with over 245,000. Here are some other counts taken during the level's transition:
Thai Ha - 235,000
Chris Mochol - 205,000
Steven Thorton - 168,000
Michael Sandler - 155,000
Dennis O'Brien - 140,000
Devin Christie - 130,000
Tony Wey - 120,000
"Princeton" Jim - 120,000
Antonio Lombardi - 120,000
Craig Bateman - 105,000
Total Entries: 1,504
 |
| Jay Catcher |
Thai Ha - 235,000
Chris Mochol - 205,000
Steven Thorton - 168,000
Michael Sandler - 155,000
Dennis O'Brien - 140,000
Devin Christie - 130,000
Tony Wey - 120,000
"Princeton" Jim - 120,000
Antonio Lombardi - 120,000
Craig Bateman - 105,000
Big Stax 300 (Day 1D): Alright...The Word Is Out
Level 8 (Blinds 400/800/100)
Total Entries: 1,483
It's not often that we get a chance to do this when covering a tournament, but with so many new notables arriving in the past hour, we can make mention of who has joined the fun. Lou Santoro has been a Parx regular since the room's opening, and he's giving this tournament another shot (after failing to bag on Day 1A). He's just one of a long list of players that know the value in this tournament and couldn't pass up the opportunity to play this afternoon:
Anthony Caruso
Jimmy Lillis
Ilya Dyment
Jerry Callahan
Bobby Sembler
Kevin Tran
Satish Surapeneni
Daniel Chan
Kevin Lutz
Stephanie Johnston
Joe Cappuccio
Scott Blumstein
Kheong Chin
Craig Bateman
Keith Crowder
Total Entries: 1,483
 |
| Lou Santoro (Philadelphia, PA) |
Anthony Caruso
Jimmy Lillis
Ilya Dyment
Jerry Callahan
Bobby Sembler
Kevin Tran
Satish Surapeneni
Daniel Chan
Kevin Lutz
Stephanie Johnston
Joe Cappuccio
Scott Blumstein
Kheong Chin
Craig Bateman
Keith Crowder
Big Stax 300 (Day 1D): Level Going Up...Numbers Breakdown
Level 8 (Blinds 400/800/100)
Total Day 1D Entries: 1,464
Tournament supervisor David Rolo has once again announced the beginning of a new level, as players are now posting 400/800/100. Here is a numbers breakdown of the action up until now:
Day 1A Entries: 297
Players To Bag: 40
Day 1B Entries: 318
Players To Bag: 46
Day 1C Entries: 298
Players To Bag: 46
Total Players To Have Bagged: 132
Day 1D Entries: 553
Day 1D Players Remaining: 385
Total Day 1D Entries: 1,464
Tournament supervisor David Rolo has once again announced the beginning of a new level, as players are now posting 400/800/100. Here is a numbers breakdown of the action up until now:
Day 1A Entries: 297
Players To Bag: 40
Day 1B Entries: 318
Players To Bag: 46
Day 1C Entries: 298
Players To Bag: 46
Total Players To Have Bagged: 132
Day 1D Entries: 553
Day 1D Players Remaining: 385
Big Stax 300 (Day 1D): Beckley v. Rocha
Level 7 (Blinds 300/600/100)
Total Entries: 1,449
We approached Table 54 as a hand was beginning between Alex Rocha and Joshua Beckley. Rocha opened the pot, with Beckley calling in position. The dealer placed down a flop of J♣ J♥ 10♦, with the action following check-check. After the Q♦ on the turn, Rocha bet 3,300 and Beckley made the call. Things got interesting after the river 7♥, when Alex check-raised Joshua's 4,500 river bet to 15,000.
Beckley was in the tank for close to five minutes, looking like if he may fold on numerous occasions. He would eventually make the call, and it would be the right one, as his K♠ J♠ bested the A♠ 8♠ of Rocha.
Rocha would be left with less than 8,000 after losing the pot, with Beckley chipping up to 60,000.
Total Entries: 1,449
 |
| Joshua Beckley |
Beckley was in the tank for close to five minutes, looking like if he may fold on numerous occasions. He would eventually make the call, and it would be the right one, as his K♠ J♠ bested the A♠ 8♠ of Rocha.
Rocha would be left with less than 8,000 after losing the pot, with Beckley chipping up to 60,000.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1D): Sea Of Players Taking A Break
Level 7 (Blinds 300/600/100)
Total Entries: 1,416
The room is about to look like a train station at rush hour as all of the players exit the tournament area to allow the floor a chance to color off the green (50) chips. Players will return in just over (15) minutes to Level 7 and blinds of 300/600/100. So far there has been 503 total entries to this point, with under 400 active at the moment.
Another question that players have asked the media is: How many players have moved on over the first three starting flights? The were 132 player that successfully bagged chips since Wednesday, with somewhere around that number expected to bag this flight.
Total Entries: 1,416
The room is about to look like a train station at rush hour as all of the players exit the tournament area to allow the floor a chance to color off the green (50) chips. Players will return in just over (15) minutes to Level 7 and blinds of 300/600/100. So far there has been 503 total entries to this point, with under 400 active at the moment.
Another question that players have asked the media is: How many players have moved on over the first three starting flights? The were 132 player that successfully bagged chips since Wednesday, with somewhere around that number expected to bag this flight.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1D): Above Average From Day 1C
Level 6 (Blinds 250/500/50)
Total Day 1D Entries: 1,413
There have been a few questions that players have repeatedly asked the media today, including what the chip average is going into Day 2. That number will not be official until all of the flight have concluded, but we can tell you that it's been in the 200-220,000 range for the first two flight. At the end of play yesterday, the average sat at 197,000, with the following players bagging above that amount:
Total Day 1D Entries: 1,413
There have been a few questions that players have repeatedly asked the media today, including what the chip average is going into Day 2. That number will not be official until all of the flight have concluded, but we can tell you that it's been in the 200-220,000 range for the first two flight. At the end of play yesterday, the average sat at 197,000, with the following players bagging above that amount:
| Dhaual | Joshi | Hoboken,NJ | 479,000 |
| Earnest | Whistler | Fairfax,VA | 446,000 |
| Dan | DiZenzo | Vernon,NJ | 397,000 |
| Katayon | Khaterzai | Levittown,NY | 358,500 |
| Joe "Black" | Reddick | Bronx,NY | 354,000 |
| Susan | Giosso | Philadelphia,PA | 341,000 |
| Vernon "Uncle" | Bludson | Brooklyn,NY | 334,000 |
| Dominick | Christiano | Wiles Barre,PA | 319,500 |
| Mohammad | Farah | Bensalem,PA | 306,000 |
| Ian | Hodges | Bryn Mawr,PA | 298,500 |
| Gregory | Fishberg | Huntington Valley,PA | 288,500 |
| Keith | Woernle | Montgomery,AL | 268,500 |
| Anonymous | Anoymous | Hometown,USA | 266,500 |
| Travis | Greenawalt | Landisville,PA | 246,000 |
| Nunzio | Russo | Sewell,NJ | 233,500 |
| William | Pappas | Boston,MA | 207,000 |
| Martin | Labriola | North Wales | 206,500 |
| Mike | Lovenburg | Montville,NJ | 204,500 |
Big Stax 300 (Day 1D): Level Up...Updated Chip Counts
Level 6 (Blinds 250/500/50)
Total Entries: 1,386
Tournament supervisor David Rolo has just announced the beginning of Level 6, with blinds going up to 250/500/50. One good thing about the "sport" of poker is the fact that you can always play the game, even injured. Antonio Lombardi is making the best of a busted shoulder, as he sits with the early Day 1D chip lead. Antonio's largest cash came here in 2012 (before the Big Stax), when he finished third in Parx Open Winter Showdown $460 Main Event for $13,465.
Antonio Lombardi - 166,000
Joe Beachnau - 146,000
A. Nonymous - 110,000
Kevin Grabel - 95,000
"Princeton" Jim - 90,000
Joey Catcher - 83,000
John Allan Hinds - 82,000
Total Entries: 1,386
 |
| Antonio Lombardi (Brooklyn, NY) |
Antonio Lombardi - 166,000
Joe Beachnau - 146,000
A. Nonymous - 110,000
Kevin Grabel - 95,000
"Princeton" Jim - 90,000
Joey Catcher - 83,000
John Allan Hinds - 82,000
Big Stax 300 (Day 1D): Kraut Still Sour
Level 5 (Blinds 200/400/50)
Total Entries: 1,351
Alan Kraut (Doylestown, PA) fired some bullets earlier in the week, and chose to wait until today to return and try and bag chips. He was trending upward, but continued his trend of getting unlucky to not only hit a wall, but find himself with just 20 big blinds.
On a flop of Q♥ 5♣ 3♦, two players checked to Kraut who was on the button. Alan put out a bet of 5,500 and was immediately min-raised to 11,000. A player who we all know (but asked to be kept A. Nonymous) shoved over that bet for 23,275, with Kraut re-shoving for more. The player than min-raised folded behind, and the two hands would be exposed:
Kraut: 5♥ 5♦ (middle set)
A. Nonymous: 6♦ 4♥ (open ended straight draw)
Turn: J♦
River: 2♠
Alan's set would fall to the rivered straight, and he would be left with just over 8,000 in front of him. A. Nonymous chips up to 60,000 with the lucky river, and will continue on under the cloak of mystery for the afternoon.
Total Entries: 1,351
Alan Kraut (Doylestown, PA) fired some bullets earlier in the week, and chose to wait until today to return and try and bag chips. He was trending upward, but continued his trend of getting unlucky to not only hit a wall, but find himself with just 20 big blinds.
On a flop of Q♥ 5♣ 3♦, two players checked to Kraut who was on the button. Alan put out a bet of 5,500 and was immediately min-raised to 11,000. A player who we all know (but asked to be kept A. Nonymous) shoved over that bet for 23,275, with Kraut re-shoving for more. The player than min-raised folded behind, and the two hands would be exposed:
Kraut: 5♥ 5♦ (middle set)
A. Nonymous: 6♦ 4♥ (open ended straight draw)
Turn: J♦
River: 2♠
Alan's set would fall to the rivered straight, and he would be left with just over 8,000 in front of him. A. Nonymous chips up to 60,000 with the lucky river, and will continue on under the cloak of mystery for the afternoon.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1D): Where Are They All Coming From?
Level 4 (Blinds 150/300/50)
Total Entries: 1,335
The field is growing so large, there are tournament tables that have opened in the middle of the poker room. Those five tables house a handful of notables, including Justin Liberto (Baltimore, MD). Liberto is number six on the all-time earnings list at Parx with over $144,000, a bulk of that coming from Big Stax VI when he finished runner up in both the 300 and 500 event.
Also seated at those outer tables:
Charles Welch
Antonio Payne
Harvey Schultz
Abe Faroni
Jonathan Kramer
Level 5 has just started, with the blinds now going up to 200/400/50.
Total Entries: 1,335
 |
| Justin Liberto (Baltimore, MD) |
Also seated at those outer tables:
Charles Welch
Antonio Payne
Harvey Schultz
Abe Faroni
Jonathan Kramer
Level 5 has just started, with the blinds now going up to 200/400/50.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1D): Late Arrivals
Level 4 (Blinds 150/300/50)
Total Day 1D Entries: 1,301
The tournament field continues to grow larger, with a prize pool that's about to cross the $400,000 mark. There are some new faces to the field, including Frederick Ferrell (Philadelphia, PA), who finished 3rd in the last Big Stax 300 in August. Three handed play between Ferrell, Scott Blackman, and Michael Jelaso took longer than anyone expected, with Frederick being knocked close to 7:00am. He did earn $33,516 for the finish, which was...and still is his largest score to date.
A face that we aren't seeing for the first time is Raj Desai (Randolph, NJ), who you may remember from Day 1A. Raj had over 270,000 in Level 14, but couldn't manage to get through the final hour of the night to bag chips. Desai joins Mike Azzaro, Sandeep Patel, and Ron Vitalle as late arrivals to the flight.
Total Day 1D Entries: 1,301
The tournament field continues to grow larger, with a prize pool that's about to cross the $400,000 mark. There are some new faces to the field, including Frederick Ferrell (Philadelphia, PA), who finished 3rd in the last Big Stax 300 in August. Three handed play between Ferrell, Scott Blackman, and Michael Jelaso took longer than anyone expected, with Frederick being knocked close to 7:00am. He did earn $33,516 for the finish, which was...and still is his largest score to date.
A face that we aren't seeing for the first time is Raj Desai (Randolph, NJ), who you may remember from Day 1A. Raj had over 270,000 in Level 14, but couldn't manage to get through the final hour of the night to bag chips. Desai joins Mike Azzaro, Sandeep Patel, and Ron Vitalle as late arrivals to the flight.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1D): It's A Cooler Spot
Level 3 (Blinds 100/200/25)
Total Entries: 1,265
As we passed Table 56, Sean Smith would be doubling up at his river all-in of 11,000 would be called by an opponent on a board of 10♥ J♦ 8♥ 7♣ A♠. Smith would table K♠ Q♣ for the nut straight, with his opponent claiming to have had 6♥ 9♥. It didn't matter what his adversary had, as Sean picked up the pot and chipped up to over 32,000.
Then only moments later, Smith would be all-in pre, with his opponent just covered. He would hold A♠ A♣ against K♥ K♠, with the player holding pocket kings looking up and saying, "It's just a cooler spot man." The board would run out clean for Smith, and his 15,000 stack minutes ago was now 80,000.
Players are heading on their first break of the day (15 minutes), and they will return to Level 4 and blinds 150/300/50.
Total Entries: 1,265
 |
| Sean Smith (Conshohocken, PA) |
Then only moments later, Smith would be all-in pre, with his opponent just covered. He would hold A♠ A♣ against K♥ K♠, with the player holding pocket kings looking up and saying, "It's just a cooler spot man." The board would run out clean for Smith, and his 15,000 stack minutes ago was now 80,000.
Players are heading on their first break of the day (15 minutes), and they will return to Level 4 and blinds 150/300/50.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1D): Keeping Up With The Field
Level 3 (Blinds 100/200/25)
Total Entries: 1,236
New tables are opening up at a rapid pace now, as the rush of players continues into the poker room. Angela Gambone (Colingswood, NJ) is a familiar face in the room, but maybe not to the tournament players. Primarily a cash game player, Gambone does have two results on her resume, both runner-up finishes. Her first was from the Ladies Event during the Borgata Summer Poker Open, and the other from a daily tournament here at Parx.
Other notables that we've spotted recently:
Zach Daly
Jay Sharon
James Sloat
Jeff Gross
Pierre Diessler
Ken Silberstein
Total Entries: 1,236
 |
| Angela Gambone (Colingswood, NJ) |
Other notables that we've spotted recently:
Zach Daly
Jay Sharon
James Sloat
Jeff Gross
Pierre Diessler
Ken Silberstein
Big Stax 300 (Day 1D): Big Stax Superlatives (Best Beard)
Level 2 (Blinds 75/150)
Total Entries: 1,201
It started yesterday as a way to make things entertaining during the early parts of the starting flights, and ended up being a hit with the readers. While today's superlative is only related to one gender in the field, we turn our attention to the best beard in the field.
It didn't take long for today's winner to to be spotted, as Kyle Norton (Coram, NY) is crowned with the "Best Beard." Norton has four career cashes, all coming this calendar year, and totaling $17,684. Of those cashes, Norton has two final tables, including a third place finish in a $400 NLH event during the Foxwoods Mega Stack Challenge in May ($12,306).
While there are many other players who rock the facial hair, honorable mention has to go to Andrew Zhu...and if he was here, Jesse Cohen would be giving Norton some serious competition for the top spot.
Total Entries: 1,201
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| Kyle Norton (Coram, NY) |
It didn't take long for today's winner to to be spotted, as Kyle Norton (Coram, NY) is crowned with the "Best Beard." Norton has four career cashes, all coming this calendar year, and totaling $17,684. Of those cashes, Norton has two final tables, including a third place finish in a $400 NLH event during the Foxwoods Mega Stack Challenge in May ($12,306).
While there are many other players who rock the facial hair, honorable mention has to go to Andrew Zhu...and if he was here, Jesse Cohen would be giving Norton some serious competition for the top spot.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1D): Outer Tables Opening
Level 2 (Blinds 75/150)
Total Entries: 1,144
Anna Antimony (River Vale, NJ) was one of the stories during the last series, grabbing a chip lead midway through Day 2 of the Big Stax 500. While Maggie Morris holds the torch for female players here at Parx with her Big Stax 300 win, there haven't been many others to make the final table of these main trophy events, with the exception of Stephanie Hubbard and Cathy Dever. Antimony would end up finishing in 50th place ($1,846), adding to her total career earnings of $17,835. She is one of the newest players to join the field, as tournament tables begin to open in the "cash" side of the room.
Some other names to have been spotted over the last few minutes include:
John Allan Hinds
Joe Simmons
Allison Schultz
Alan Kraut
Leonardo Palermo
James Kaplan
Total Entries: 1,144
Anna Antimony (River Vale, NJ) was one of the stories during the last series, grabbing a chip lead midway through Day 2 of the Big Stax 500. While Maggie Morris holds the torch for female players here at Parx with her Big Stax 300 win, there haven't been many others to make the final table of these main trophy events, with the exception of Stephanie Hubbard and Cathy Dever. Antimony would end up finishing in 50th place ($1,846), adding to her total career earnings of $17,835. She is one of the newest players to join the field, as tournament tables begin to open in the "cash" side of the room.
Some other names to have been spotted over the last few minutes include:
John Allan Hinds
Joe Simmons
Allison Schultz
Alan Kraut
Leonardo Palermo
James Kaplan
Big Stax 300 (Day 1D): The Early Bird Special
Level 1 (Blinds 50/100)
Total Day 1D Entries: 195
What have we said each day of this event? Tournament players just have a hard time waking up "early," with a majority of them arriving "fashionably late." The early birds are about though during the first of two pre-ante levels, some of which we are actually seeing for the first time. Andrew Zhu (South Plainfield, NJ) has a Big Stax trophy on his resume, it's just not in one of the "main events." Andrew took down the $300 No Limit Hold'em Six-Max event during the Big Stax III, winning $9,021 after beating Aristedes Santana heads-up. This is the first time we are seeing him in the field, as well as Bob Brady, a Parx Poker regular making his way into the field. Those two are joined by numerous notables, including:
Norman Michalek
Fritz Stoner
Jesse Letchworth
Joe Palma
Matthew Itkin
Benjamin Scholl
Tim West
Christopher Kusha
Total Day 1D Entries: 195
What have we said each day of this event? Tournament players just have a hard time waking up "early," with a majority of them arriving "fashionably late." The early birds are about though during the first of two pre-ante levels, some of which we are actually seeing for the first time. Andrew Zhu (South Plainfield, NJ) has a Big Stax trophy on his resume, it's just not in one of the "main events." Andrew took down the $300 No Limit Hold'em Six-Max event during the Big Stax III, winning $9,021 after beating Aristedes Santana heads-up. This is the first time we are seeing him in the field, as well as Bob Brady, a Parx Poker regular making his way into the field. Those two are joined by numerous notables, including:
Norman Michalek
Fritz Stoner
Jesse Letchworth
Joe Palma
Matthew Itkin
Benjamin Scholl
Tim West
Christopher Kusha
Big Stax 300 (Day 1D): Shuffle Up And Deal
Level 1 (Blinds 50/100)
Total Day 1D Entries: TBD
The tournament area was quiet for a good portion of the morning, but players are already beginning to find their seats for Day 1C play. The tournament supervisor is going over the rules announcement for those in the room, but we will still give you the landscape 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.
Total Day 1D Entries: TBD
The tournament area was quiet for a good portion of the morning, but players are already beginning to find their seats for Day 1C play. The tournament supervisor is going over the rules announcement for those in the room, but we will still give you the landscape 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.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1D): Action Underway Shortly
Level 1 (Blinds 50/100)
Total Day 1D Entries: TBD
We know how many we are coming in with, with the only question remaining begin how many will we end with? A total of 913 entries have made their way to the tournament area over the past three starting flight, with 132 players successfully bagging chips for tomorrow's Day 2. One of the only questions surrounding today's fourth and final starting flight is whether or not we will see some record numbers when things are all said and done. The cards will be in the air at 11:00am, with live coverage of the flight beginning at that moment, and running through the last hand dealt in Level 15.
Total Day 1D Entries: TBD
We know how many we are coming in with, with the only question remaining begin how many will we end with? A total of 913 entries have made their way to the tournament area over the past three starting flight, with 132 players successfully bagging chips for tomorrow's Day 2. One of the only questions surrounding today's fourth and final starting flight is whether or not we will see some record numbers when things are all said and done. The cards will be in the air at 11:00am, with live coverage of the flight beginning at that moment, and running through the last hand dealt in Level 15.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1C): End Of Day 1C Chip Counts
Level 15 (Blinds 2,000/4,000/500)
Total Day 1C Entries: 297
Total Day 1C Entries: 297
| Total Players: | 298 | Players left: | 46 |
| Total Chips: | 8,940,000 | Average Chips: | 194,348 |
| Name | Last Name | Hometown | Chip Count |
| Dhaual | Joshi | Hoboken,NJ | 479,000 |
| Earnest | Whistler | Fairfax,VA | 446,000 |
| Dan | DiZenzo | Vernon,NJ | 397,000 |
| Katayon | Khaterzai | Levittown,NY | 358,500 |
| Joe "Black" | Reddick | Bronx,NY | 354,000 |
| Susan | Giosso | Philadelphia,PA | 341,000 |
| Vernon "Uncle" | Bludson | Brooklyn,NY | 334,000 |
| Dominick | Christiano | Wiles Barre,PA | 319,500 |
| Mohammad | Farah | Bensalem,PA | 306,000 |
| Ian | Hodges | Bryn Mawr,PA | 298,500 |
| Gregory | Fishberg | Huntington Valley,PA | 288,500 |
| Keith | Woernle | Montgomery,AL | 268,500 |
| Anonymous | Anoymous | Hometown,USA | 266,500 |
| Travis | Greenawalt | Landisville,PA | 246,000 |
| Nunzio | Russo | Sewell,NJ | 233,500 |
| William | Pappas | Boston,MA | 207,000 |
| Martin | Labriola | North Wales | 206,500 |
| Mike | Lovenburg | Montville,NJ | 204,500 |
| Kevin | Johnson | Raritan,NJ | 196,500 |
| Trveor | Deeter | Langhorne,PA | 194,000 |
| Nichelas | Spence | Bensalem,PA | 193,000 |
| Matthew | Zambanini | Wilmington,DE | 186,000 |
| Eugene | Sung | Philadelphia,PA | 182,500 |
| Ken | Moyer | Kunkletown,PA | 165,500 |
| Carl | Emigholz | Bethpage,NY | 164,500 |
| Tony | Cheng | Philadelphia,PA | 152,000 |
| Joey | Mancini | Philadelphia,PA | 149,000 |
| Rich | Kates | Metuchen,NJ | 142,000 |
| Michael | Hollenberg | Rockaway,NJ | 141,500 |
| Stephanie | Hubbard | Tinton Falls,NJ | 141,000 |
| Derek | Eldridge | Freehold,NJ | 128,500 |
| Paul | Tong | Nanuet,NY | 120,000 |
| Andrew | Weinstein | Basking Ridge,NJ | 104,500 |
| Naga | Obillaneni | Newark,DE | 97,500 |
| Lung | Chan | E.Patchogue,NY | 97,000 |
| Pete | McGinnis | North Brunswick,NJ | 95,500 |
| Aileen | Freifeld | Philadelphia,PA | 90,500 |
| Scarlett | Dumpernickle | New Egypt,NJ | 85,500 |
| Michael | Marder | Sewell,NJ | 79,000 |
| Vincent | Teutonico | Staten Island,NY | 77,500 |
| Thomas | McMahon | Plainview,NY | 77000 |
| Ricardo | Matco | Clifton,NJ | 76,000 |
| Lyle | Diamond | Brick,NJ | 68,500 |
| Kyle | Gentile | Hainesport,NJ | 63,000 |
| Robert | Harding | Perkasie,PA | 60,500 |
| Cary | Poulos | Feasterville,PA | 58,500 |
Big Stax 300 (Day 1C): Final Four Hands
Level 15 (Blinds 2,000/4,000/500)
Total Day 1C Entries: 297
Tournament supervisor Andrew Merlino has just announced that there will be four hands left for each table, before stopping and bagging chips for the night. The end of Day 1C chip counts will be posted about (90) after minutes of the end of the night.
Tomorrow's Day 1C flight begins at 11:00am, and you can be sure that the room will be full. Live coverage will continue tomorrow when the cards are in the air.
Total Day 1C Entries: 297
Tournament supervisor Andrew Merlino has just announced that there will be four hands left for each table, before stopping and bagging chips for the night. The end of Day 1C chip counts will be posted about (90) after minutes of the end of the night.
Tomorrow's Day 1C flight begins at 11:00am, and you can be sure that the room will be full. Live coverage will continue tomorrow when the cards are in the air.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1C): Best Hair To Big Stax
Level 15 (Blinds 2,000/4,000/500)
Total Day 1C Entries: 297
Dominic Christiano didn't want to let us take his picture earlier, but when he found out it was hair related and not poker related, he was more inclined to give permission. Now Dominic will get mentioned for his poker though, as he leads the way with just a few hands remaining in the night.
Christiano has just over 410,000 in front of him, looking to go into Day 2 with over (100) bigs. We've yet to see anything close to the 595,000 that John Wickizer bagged on Day 1A, but you can expect some big numbers to end the day tomorrow.
Day 1C should attract numbers in the 700-900 range, will a prize pool at stake that's likely to surpass $400,000. Unless you're buying in with (6) six big blinds on Sunday afternoon, tomorrow's Day 1D flight is your last chance to play.
Total Day 1C Entries: 297
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| Dominic Christiano (Wilkess-Barre, PA) |
Christiano has just over 410,000 in front of him, looking to go into Day 2 with over (100) bigs. We've yet to see anything close to the 595,000 that John Wickizer bagged on Day 1A, but you can expect some big numbers to end the day tomorrow.
Day 1C should attract numbers in the 700-900 range, will a prize pool at stake that's likely to surpass $400,000. Unless you're buying in with (6) six big blinds on Sunday afternoon, tomorrow's Day 1D flight is your last chance to play.
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