Playground’s Bad Beat Jackpot and the Exciting WPT Playground Championship
In the world of poker, few moments create as much excitement as the eruption of a Bad Beat Jackpot. Just after midnight on a Saturday, Playground, a bustling poker venue located just outside Montreal, Canada, witnessed a significant event when its Bad Beat Jackpot was triggered. This jackpot, an impressive CAD $964,471, came only three weeks after another astounding payout of CAD $2.2 million, which was recognized as the second-largest Bad Beat Jackpot in history. For attendees and players, these moments create a buzz that reverberates through the poker community.
The Bad Beat Incident: A Night to Remember
The unforgettable hand that set off this significant jackpot involved two players: Aymen Rhammaz and Chad Whittaker. In a dramatic showdown, Rhammaz secured victory with a straight flush against Whittaker’s quad kings. While a rare feat, the Bad Beat rules meant that Whittaker, despite losing, earned the lion’s share of this life-changing jackpot. This hand not only made headlines for its financial implications but also showcased the unpredictable and thrilling nature of poker—where victory and loss can come down to the narrowest of margins.
The WPT Playground Championship: The Action Continues
Less than 12 hours later, the stakes at Playground elevated as the third and final flight of the CAD $3,500 buy-in World Poker Tour (WPT) Playground Championship took place. With a generous guarantee of CAD $1.5 million, players poured in, seeking their share of the prize pool. Day 1c saw a robust turnout of 434 players, swelling the overall field to 806 entries when combined with the previous Day 1a and 1b flights.
As Day 1c progressed through 10 levels of play, only 168 players remained, with Jackson Oniske emerging at the top with a stack of 379,000 chips. However, he was closely followed by Day 1b chip leader Connor Daynard, boasting a formidable stack of 435,500, and Day 1a’s Giuseppe Corapi at 401,000. This competitive atmosphere illustrated the high caliber of players vying for a piece of the championship pie.
Notable Players and Chip Counts
As the tournament unfolded, several familiar names bagged chips, adding to the intrigue and excitement of competition. Among them were:
- Duff Charette: 319,500 chips
- Patrick Tardif (WPT Global Ambassador): 204,500 chips
- Eric Afriat (three-time WPT Champion): 115,000 chips
These players, with their impressive poker resumes, added star power to the tournament, capturing the attention of both fans and fellow competitors.
Day 1c Final Chip Counts
Here’s a glimpse of the top 10 chip counts from Day 1c:
| Place | Player | Count |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jackson Oniske | 379,000 |
| 2 | Gianluca Cedolia | 326,000 |
| 3 | Brady Spencer | 325,000 |
| 4 | Duff Charette | 319,500 |
| 5 | Robin Wezelenburg | 304,000 |
| 6 | Jamie Sequeira | 300,000 |
| 7 | Mahmut Zor | 293,000 |
| 8 | Vadim Rozin | 285,000 |
| 9 | Alexander Bylicki | 262,000 |
| 10 | Felix Martel-Racine | 257,000 |
Setbacks on the Felt
Despite the excitement, Day 1c also saw its share of heartbreaks as several notable players were eliminated. Among those who exited were Ori Hasson, Henry Tran, and Diana Shamshoum. Each elimination carved out a tale of resilience, as competitors faced the highs and lows of tournament poker.
A memorable moment involved Yuan Yuan Li, who found himself all-in during Level 8 with an ace-king against Josh Silverman’s pocket jacks. Unfortunately for Li, a flush on the board sealed his fate, underscoring the unpredictable nature of poker. However, for those players who didn’t survive, there remains a silver lining, as they have the opportunity for a second chance with late registration open until the commencement of Day 2.
Looking Ahead
The excitement at Playground is far from over. With the earlier flights setting a thrilling stage, Day 2 is set to commence at 11 a.m. local time, promising renewed action as players vie for the title and a share of the lucrative prize pool. The atmosphere is electric, as PokerNews will be on-site, delivering daily updates and stories directly from the tournament floor to keep fans engaged.
In conclusion, the recent events at Playground highlight the allure and excitement inherent in the world of poker. From groundbreaking jackpots to an esteemed championship, the narrative continues to unfold, creating bonds within the community while sparking interest in the next hand, the next showdown, and the next unforgettable moment.
Photos courtesy of World Poker Tour (WPT) / Alicia Skillman
Written by Chad Holloway
PR & Media Manager for PokerNews, Podcast host & 2013 WSOP Bracelet Winner.
Follow Chad on Twitter to stay updated on all things poker!
