The 55th World Series of Poker (WSOP) has ended in Las Vegas. This year, the Main Event broke attendance records again, making it one of the most spectacular and dramatic tournaments in recent years. You can find a detailed chronicle of the event in our article.
This year’s Main Event set two records for entries
5,014 on Day 1D, the best ever for a single starting day;
10,112 for the entire tournament, 69 more than last year.
The second record was in question until the final moments. As per the rules, late registration ends after the second level of Day 2. The first four starting flights saw 9,200 entries, and Day 2ABC had 652 participants. The record was surpassed on Day 2D, which attracted the last 350 players.
However, despite the record attendance, this year’s champion was not destined to earn a record prize money, because the organizers made the payout structure more smooth. Participants of the final table were promised from $1,000,000 to $10,000,000 (deals are prohibited at the WSOP).
Phil Hellmuth’s traditional costumed appearance was a disappointment this year
He made his public debut on Day 1C as a karate black belt, dressed in a kimono and accompanied by a team of “students” that included Scotty Nguyen, Joe Stapleton, Jeff Gross, American Pie actress Shannon Elizabeth, and Dan “Jungleman” Cates.
In recent years, Hellmuth’s bright appearances are interspersed with rather unremarkable ones. I wouldn’t be surprised if he simply goes out into the hall in a “Phil Hellmuth costume” in his natural form next time.
WSOP 2024 Main Event bubble
As with last year, the bubble was determined in a hand where kings lost to aces.
This time it was Lucas Reeves who was the loser, 7-betting all-in for 120BB against Marcelo Tadeu, and the board didn’t change anything.
WSOP 2024 Main Event Final Table
The final table was initially slow-moving, with Malo Latinois busting first after failing to double up with A K against chip leader Griff’s 3 3 (after an ace on the flop, the turn brought a three).
The next two players were eliminated by Niklas Astedt: Joe Serock had the misfortune of shoving AJ into QQ, and Brian Kim who 3-bet from the small blind with K 6 and cold-shoved after a 4-bet from “Lena900”. The Swede looked less than pleased when he asked for a recount, but eventually called with 10 10 and flopped a set.
With two more eliminations, Niklas led the final three with a slight edge over Jonathan Tamayo and Jordan Griff. However, the final day did not go well for him. First, he lost the lead to Griff, and then, in the ninth hand, he was ignominiously eliminated. This disappointed his fans in the stands and around the world.
At the 2,000,000/4,000,000 level, Astedt min-raised with K J and called Griff’s 3-bet to 28,000,000. Griff bet another 28,000,000 on the 10 9 3 flop, and Niklas called again, and the J turned with top pair. Griff shoved for 159,000,000 and the Swede, taking off his sunglasses, thought for seven minutes before moving his chips to the center. Alas, Griff showed 9 9 and even the K on the river could not help Astedt.
In the final hand, Tamayo opened with 8 3 , made two pair on the 9 8 3 flop, and bet. Griff outraised him with 9 6 to 4x, Tamayo shoved and got called. The turn and river were A and 5 .
“Not real life. My roommate’s picture is right there from 2015. We both have banners now. What in the world just happened?” – said Jonathan after winning his first WSOP bracelet.
2024 WSOP Main Event Final Table Payouts
| Place | Player | Country | Prize (USD) |
| 1 | Jonathan Tamayo | United States | $10,000,000 |
| 2 | Jordan Griff | United States | $6,000,000 |
| 3 | Niklas Astedt | Sweden | $4,000,000 |
| 4 | Jason Sagle | Canada | $3,000,000 |
| 5 | Boris Angelov | Bulgaria | $2,500,000 |
| 6 | Andres Gonzalez | Spain | $2,000,000 |
| 7 | Brian Kim | United States | $1,500,000 |
| 8 | Joe Serock | United States | $1,250,000 |
| 9 | Malo Latinois | France | $1,000,000 |
