With the economy down and the buy-in up, many thought the WPT Festa al Lago would have trouble attracted a field of over 300 players. Even the optimists were predicting a bit of a slump. But the popularity of poker ultimately prevailed and a whopping 215 runners made their way to the Fontana Lounge at Bellagio for Day 1B. When added to Day 1A’s count, the grand total of entrants for this year’s Festa al Lago was 368, creating a prize pool of $5,354,400.
Here are the official numbers and prize information for the event:
Entrants: 368
Prize Pool: $5,354,400
Places Paid: 50
Total Chips In Play: 15,560,000
1. $1,411,015
2. $943,215
3. $506,245
4. $373,010
5. $266,445
6. $186,510
7. $133,225
8. $106,580
9. $85,260
10. $63,945
11-15. $53,290
16-20. $42,630
21-30. $31,975
31-40. $26,645
41-50. $21,315
Despite the 45,000 in starting chips and 90-minute levels, many notable players were unable to survive the day including David Williams, Amir Vahedi, Patrik Antonius, Barry Shulman, Mark Seif, Jeff Madsen, John Phan and Michael Mizrachi.
High-stakes cash game player Brian Rast quietly separated himself from the pack, much like Antonio Esfandiari did on Day 1A. Rast, who plays online as tsarrast, took out Dustin "Neverwin" Woolf late in the day and finished with 206,225 in chips, good for fourth overall.
Other notables to finish the day strong included Ryan Young, Nenad Medic, Brad Booth, J.C. Alvarado.
On Wednesday, the remaining 260 players will combine and play an additional five levels. The blinds will begin at 400-800 with a 100 ante. Card Player will continue to bring live coverage of the tournament until a champion is crowned.
