Getzwiller goes for second bracelet
June 23rd, 2011 | by Jessica Teakle |Through 23 events, 22 players have become new World Series of Poker bracelet holders, but with the events coming up, that trend might change a bit. The WSOP is ready to offer some of the biggest buy-in events that most definitely will include past champions. Perhaps of more significance, Thursday offers us the possibility of the first double-bracelet winner of 2011.
Last week I wrote about Sean Getzwiller defeating the monstrous field of 4,178 players to win the first $1,000 event of the WSOP. The previously unheralded Getzwiller had cashed in the WSOP eight times before his victory, all of them coming in events with buy-ins of less than $3,000. It seems that with an expanded bankroll, Getzwiller was ready to put some of his $611,185 to work and entered the Event 24, $5,000 shootout. After two rounds of shootout play, he has moved on to reach the final 10-handed table. Those remaining in contention are some of the brightest stars in the game, but Getzwiller is in the spotlight.
Each year for the past decade, the WSOP has seen a double-bracelet winner. With such limited events, it sounds nearly impossible for one player to twice make it through hundreds (or thousands) of players to win. Call it running great or luck or whatever, but after the repeat successes year after year, it just isn’t a surprise anymore that the situation exists.
As much as I’m hyping Getzwiller, he isn’t the first player to have made a final table after winning a bracelet this year. That honor goes to John Juanda, who finished sixth in Event 23, the $2,500 eight-game mix, on Wednesday. Unfortunately, timing wasn’t in Juanda’s favor, and as a result, Getzwiller gets the exposure.
In the spotlight or not, Getzwiller will face off at a 10-handed table that includes Tom Marchese, Adam Junglen, Todd Terry, Nicolas Fierrogottner, Jeffrey Gross, Nikita Lebedev, Scott Baumstein and Dan Smith. It’s a group that includes NAPT champions, WSOP Circuit title holders, online legends, tournament regulars and tough foreigners, and if he wants that second bracelet of 2011, Getzwiller will most definitely have to earn it.
Here’s what else is on tap on Thursday:
Event 25: $1,500 seven-card stud high-low eight or better
I love . It’s a great source of information but also offers gems like this: “I am now going to sleep, exhausted but peaceful, knowing I’ve made it to the final 23 in the stud8 event, with 179,000 chips. Stuff happens.” And “I HAVE CASHED. In a related development, Todd Brunson was rushed to a local ER with a case of suspended disbelief.”
Both of those tweets were courtesy of Norman Chad, who is fourth out of the final 23 left in Event 25. Yes, that Norman Chad, host of ESPN’s WSOP coverage.
Cory Zeidman leads the field that includes Chad, 2010 WSOP Player of the Year Frank Kassela, stud-pro Cyndy Violette, defending champion David Warga, Poker Hall of Famer Mike Sexton, Kristy Gazes, Karina Jett, the Poker Player Alliance’s John Pappas, Kirill Gerasimov and a bunch of others who love scooping pots.
But let’s get back to Chad, who is making his second WSOP cash in this event. Two years ago, he finished 32nd, and the comedian/writer/ESPN poker host must be pleased to get in this spot. If he actually wins the bracelet, will he move from the ex-wife jokes to bragging about his finish? In any case, this could be a big day for one of my favorite poker commentators. Good luck, Norm, and if you win the first-place $200,459, I hope we can go to the poker kitchen to celebrate.
Event 26: $2,500 six-handed no-limit hold ‘em
Newly named Team Rise pro Jean-Robert Bellande was all business on Wednesday, racking up the second-largest stack in the 1,378-player six-handed event. Bellande trails Tyler Cornell and has earned his first cash of the series. Of the 189 Day 1 survivors, 126 will make the money and earn at least $5,235. The winner of the event will take home $689,739, one of the largest top prizes we’ve seen to date.
Once again (I’m sounding like a broken record at this point), the WSOP saw an increase in attendance year over year. Up from 1,245 a year ago, the six-handed events continue to appeal to aggressive players who like to be more active. The starting-hand requirements in this type of event are reduced, and given how the game has evolved, it’s no surprise that more than 1,100 players hit the rail on Day 1.
Event 27: $10,000 limit hold ‘em
As the smaller no-limit buy-in events continue to see increased attendance, the story in the $10,000 world championships hasn’t really been the same. The $10,000 limit hold ‘em event in 2010, won by Matt Keikoan, attracted a field of 171 players. This year, only 152 hit the felt. The seven-card stud that ElkY won on Wednesday had 126 players versus 150 a year ago. Of course the game was different, but the $25,000 heads-up event (128 players) to start the WSOP was well down from the 191 who played in the $25,000 six-max in 2010.
Considering the masses that are turning out for the lower events, the WSOP is still thrilled and has seen double-digit growth in attendance this year. With cash games, satellites and daily “Deepstack” events always under way, the WSOP admitted that it has had to shuffle tables to accommodate for capacity issues and that it’s hoping that 14 more tables will be in play shortly.
Turnout concerns aside, Daniel Negreanu leads the 111 who made it through to Day 2. Negreanu has one small cash so far this series and referred to his “secret solution” on Twitter that would get him out of the funk.
The bracelet in this event is worth $378,642, and those who return to action on Thursday will play a full 10 levels.
The big picture
I alluded to the WSOP’s capacity issues above, but I believe the organization is more excited than concerned. According to the WSOP, it expects 12,000 players in the four noon events that begin on Thursday and continue through Sunday. Thursday and Saturday offer a $1,500 no-limit event, while Friday and Sunday offer $1,000 events. Friday’s Seniors event is expected to have a huge field after 3,142 players participated a year ago. Can it really hit 12,000? It seems very possible.
The second event that begins on Thursday is the 10-game mixed event. It’s a $2,500 buy-in that will play six-handed and arguably will be one of the toughest events on the schedule. Just like the eight-game mix won by John Monnette, to emerge with a win in this tournament you’ll need to prove that you can play each game. Many players often attempt just to get by.
Small blinds: The World Poker Tour announced on Wednesday that its television ratings have jumped 35 percent. I can’t attribute all of it to the Royal Flush Girls, but I’m sure they’ve had an influence. Congratulations in any case to the WPT on seeing a return on its changes this season. Brian Koppelman, the co-author of “Rounders,” wrote on Grantland regarding “The Beauty of Black Friday.” Give it a read. For those who can still play poker online, PokerStars adjusted its tournament schedule to offer more big events on Saturday. Rise Poker announced its initial roster of players. The subscription side has signed Maria Ho, Jean-Robert Bellande, Dani Stern and Scotty Nguyen. Sam Trickett and Marvin Rettenmaier have re-signed with Titan Poker.
Tags: Bracelet