WSOP Day 1d Concludes After Much Controversy

The World Series of Poker Day 1d attracted record numbers, much to the chagrin of WSOP officials, who did not have room for the 500 or so extra people who ultimately got shut out, among them big name pros like Patrik Antonius and six-time gold bracelet winner T.J. Cloutier. 

"We are sorry, and I am sorry," said Jeffrey Pollack, World Series of Poker commissioner. "The last thing that we ever want to do is deny people entry into our events."

Hundreds of hopefuls waited in the hallways at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas to see if they could get into the tournament, which had plenty of seats available during its first three opening days. Roughly 2,700 players entered the tournament on Monday.

Monday's field meant a final total of 6,494 players have entered the 2009 World Series of Poker Main Event, creating a total prize pool of $61,043,600. Whoever ends up with all the chips will take home over $8.5 million, and everyone who makes the final table is guaranteed to come away a millionaire.

Of the 2,809 who came out Monday, approximately 1,900 survived the five levels to return on Day 2. Among those who didn't were Michael Binger, Ray Romano, Chip Jett, Scott Clements, Scott Fischman, Sully Erna, David Williams, Jared Hamby, Ivan Demidov, Jeff Madsen, and Phil Galfond. Several notables ended the day with greater than average stacks, including Prahlad Friedman, Bertrand "ElkY" Grospellier, Blair Hinkle, J.C. Tran, Jesper Hougaard, David Benyamine, Kirk Morrison, Chad Brown, Kenny Tran, and Phil Ivey. The biggest stack, however -- by far -- belongs to Troy Weber, who thanks in large part to a massive pot won near day's end moves on to Day 2 with 353,000, the tournament's overall chip leader.

Ace King, Gambling911.com