- $17.8 million prize pool, granting the top 5 finishers over $1 million in earnings and the overall winner a haul of $4.8 million.
- Over $550,000 to be donated to charity.
- Many pros pledge a share of winnings if they cash.
Expectations were exceeded as 166 runners put up the $111,111 buy-in yesterday to take part in event #47, One Drop High Roller No-Limit Hold’em.
According to WSOP.com, the tournament generated a massive prizepool of $17.8 million, granting the top 5 finishers over $1 million in earnings and the overall winner a haul of $4.8 million.
The field did not disappoint either. Many of the biggest names in the industry took their seat to compete including Daniel Negreanu, Jason Mercier, Bertrand Grospellier, Gus Hansen, Phil Laak, Jason Somerville, Vanessa Selbst and, of course, last year’s One Drop Champion Antonio Esfandiari, all of whom are still in action on Day 2. Notably absent was thirteen-time bracelet winner Phil Hellmuth who tweeted support for the charity, but “wasn’t feeling it” yesterday.
At the end of the day though it was professional Brandon Steven who sat atop the chip leader chart headed into Day 2, followed by the talented Tobias Reinkemeier and “amateur” high-stakes tournament player Dan Shak.
Of course, this isn’t merely a High Roller tournament, there’s a charity aspect to it as well. 3% of every entry goes to Guy Laliberté's One Drop Foundation, which aims to bring clean, drinkable water to people worldwide. From event #44 alone, the WSOP and it’s players have generated over $550,000 to be donated to the cause, with many players also pledging to donate an additional 1%, or more, of anything they cash in the event.
The WSOP is giving additional live stream coverage to this One Drop, though without hole cards or commentary, on a 5 minute delay. The stars and wealthy businessmen still alive in this event will return at 1PM PST to try and play down to a final table but, due to the overwhelming turnout, deep chip stacks and structure, the fun may be extended into a fourth day.
Action at the 44th annual WSOP continues today with updates available on WSOP.com.
