The final "Day 1" of the World Series of Poker saw 1,783 players begin a quest for the Main Event final table, bringing the entry total to 6,358.
While the total down about 27.5 percent from the 8,773 that played last year, first place will still pay $8.25 million, and it is the second-largest live poker tournament in history.
Josh Evans emerged from Day 1D with $237,300 chips, the most on the day and fourth in the overall field. Kevin Kim was second on Day 1D with $196,100.
Other notable players who advanced past the first day include: Bill Edler ($168,000); Dan Heimiller ($152,900), Ted Forrest ($150,500); Chip Jett ($122,900); Thor Hansen ($118,000); Gus Hansen ($100,100); Michael Binger ($89,900); Paul Magriel ($88,200); Carlos Mortensen ($86,800); Susie Isaacs ($62,700); Isaac Haxton ($57,800); Leif Force ($56,400); Gavin Smith ($50,000); Prahlad Friedman ($49,800); Daniel Negreanu ($43,100); David Chiu ($27,800); Mimi Tran ($21,000); Padraig Parkinson ($18,600); John Phan ($17,100); Casey Kastle ($13,700); and Brett Jungblut ($11,300).
Vinnie Vinh, who twice this Series had his stack blinded off in other bracelet events when he did not return for Day 2, didn't return from the dinner break last night. He did, however, manage to advance to Day 2 of the Main Event, though he has just $3,200 chips.
Six hundred and forty-one players advanced from Day 1D and will join the 663 players who made it through Day 1C to play Day 2B tomorrow. Players who advanced from Day 1A and Day 1B will resume play today at noon PST in Day 2A action. The entire field will be playing in one flight starting on Thursday.
