Connor Daynard Leads Day 1b of the WPT Playground Championship
On Friday, October 25, 2024, the much-anticipated Day 1b of the CAD $3,500 buy-in, CAD $1.5 million GTD World Poker Tour (WPT) Playground Championship kicked off, drawing 229 players to the felt. This event has become one of the highlights of the poker calendar, attracting both seasoned pros and enthusiastic amateurs eager to test their skills. Coupled with Day 1a’s 143 entries, the total field count surged to 372, with one more day of qualifying still to come.
Connor Daynard Shines Brightest
After 10 levels of intense competition, it was Connor Daynard who emerged as the chip leader for Day 1b, boasting an impressive stack of 435,500 chips. This strong performance gave him a slight edge over Day 1a chip leader Giuseppe Corapi, who finished with 401,000 chips. Daynard’s performance not only places him in a commanding position heading into Day 2 but also solidifies his reputation in the poker community.
Many other skilled players successfully advanced from Day 1b, including notable figures such as Jeff Reardon with 388,500 chips, Adam Cader holding 383,500, and Guillaume Nolet with 322,000. The notable performances continued with Mike Leah (253,500), Michael Wang (222,500), and NHL legend Phil Kessel, who joined the action with 135,000 chips.
Top 10 Chip Counts from Day 1b
Below is a look at the top 10 chip counts from Day 1b of the WPT Playground Championship:
| Place | Player | Chip Count |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Connor Daynard | 435,500 |
| 2 | Jeff Reardon | 388,500 |
| 3 | Adam Cader | 383,500 |
| 4 | Zhi Gang Yang | 365,000 |
| 5 | Bradley Ellis | 352,000 |
| 6 | Guillaume Nolet | 322,000 |
| 7 | Jeff Cormier | 300,000 |
| 8 | Oleg Boulchyi | 282,500 |
| 9 | Baron Ha | 280,000 |
| 10 | Rob Wazwaz | 266,000 |
Drama and Excitement on the Felt
One of the evening’s most riveting hands involved Jeff Reardon in Level 8, where he dramatically increased his chip stack. Reardon opened for a raise from middle position, leading to a flurry of action that included a three-bet shove from Howard Feingold. After a series of bets and calls, the community cards revealed a series that eventually saw Reardon win with a flush against competitors holding a bluff and a set. Such high-stakes drama is what makes events like the WPT Playground Championship so thrilling.
Friends at the Table
Among the players advancing to Day 2 are friends Rob Wazwaz and Rich Alsup, both celebrated World Series of Poker (WSOP) gold bracelet winners and Mid-States Poker Tour (MSPT) Hall of Famers. Hailing from Minnesota, their camaraderie added a delightful element to the tournament. Wazwaz, making his first trip to this event, noted the pleasure of competing in a location he has heard so much about, while Alsup shared that this venue is one of his favorite spots for poker.
Rich Alsup – A familiar face from the Minnesota poker scene.
Looking Ahead to Day 1c
As anticipation builds, the final qualifier, Day 1c, is set to commence at 11 a.m. local time on Saturday, October 26. Players from all three starting flights will come together for Day 2 on Sunday, October 27, where the excitement will continue as they compete for their share of the substantial prize pool.
The excitement of the WPT Playground Championship continues with PokerNews dedicatedly covering every moment on-site. Players and fans alike can look forward to exhilarating updates, pivotal hands, and player profiles in the coming days, as this thrilling tournament unfolds.
Conclusion
The WPT Playground Championship stands as a testament to the vibrant world of competitive poker, showcasing both the art of strategy and the thrill of chance. With Connor Daynard leading the pack and countless stories waiting to be told, the heart of the poker community beats strong as players strive for glory in this prestigious event.
Photos courtesy of World Poker Tour (WPT) / Alicia Skillman
Written by Chad Holloway, PR & Media Manager, PokerNews. Chad is not only a seasoned media personality but also a celebrated 2013 WSOP Bracelet Winner, bringing a unique perspective to the world of poker journalism.
