Another entertaining table draw brought together the likes of James Mackey, Mike Matusow, Dan Smith, and Tony Ma.
A few yards away sits Dzmitry Urbanovich, who was one of the latest arrivals before registration closed. The tournament staff will announce the official numbers later, but the screens are now showing 595 entries.
"Captain" Tom Franklin was all in and at risk going to the river with two pair, jacks and deuces, against an opponent with open eights. Franklin flipped over a blank on the river, but his opponent missed, as well.
The aforementioned get-together of the heavyweights brought a battle of two legends of different generations. Mike Matusow, one of the top old-schoolers, tangled with a symbol of the internet prodigies who came to fame as youngsters, Dan Smith.
They were on sixth street, and Matusow led out, having two pair on his board. Smith was ready to fight, raising Matusow's bet and putting the four-time bracelet winner in agony. Matusow mumbled something and then let this pot go Smith's way.
Mike Matusow: / (folded on the sixth street)
Dan Smith: /
A prize pool breakdown has been made available by the WSOP. With 595 entries, the tournament will pay 90 places. The first-place prize will be $173,228 and a gold bracelet, while a min-cash in 90th will be worth $2,242. Full prize pool information can be seen by clicking the "Payout" tab.
Four players were involved in a pot on third street, and Allen Kessler noted that there was already more than a starting stack in the middle.
All four players remained in the contest even after fourth street, which saw a player with two low cards bet to receive three calls.
Kessler himself paired fours on fifth street and took the betting lead. One player laid down but another raised but both remaining players came along for two bets.
Kessler hit his third low card on sixth street, and he led out again but neither of his rivals wanted to back off. One of them called of for his remaining 300 chips (a quarter of the bet) and the other called to continue for the side pot.
Seventh street brought another lead from Kessler, and his active opponent eventually mucked.
Allen Kessler: /
All-in player: /
Third player: / (folded on the seventh street)
Kessler announced, "A Boat", turning up his hole cards. The all-in player declared, "No low," signalling his departure and Kessler's scoop.