Logo-PGT

Facts and figures. They make the world go around and, more often than not, tell a story without letting opinions or biases get in the way. Which numbers from Day 5 of the World Series of Poker Main Event dinner break tell that story and what quick opinions do we have?

7,435,000 – The World Series of Poker Main Event is midway through Day 5 and when players return from dinner break, the entire 144-player field will be looking up at chip leader Gyeong Byeong Lee. The South Korean has shot up the leader board over the last two levels and will resume play in a favorable spot to not only advance to Day 6 but also set himself up for a run at the final table.

$10,911,009 – While there are some recognizable names at the top of the charts, including the start of day chip leader Damian Salas, the most successful player left in the field is near the chip average. In terms of the all-time money list, Connor Drinan is the only player in the top-50 that is still alive in the Main Event. A win in this event would vault Drinan into the top-15.  

25 – The remaining field may be lacking in terms of house hold names but it is not in terms of world-wide appeal. Twenty-five different nationalities are represented in the 144-player field, ranging from poker staples like the United States, England, France, Canada and Germany, to growing markets, such as Argentina, Brazil, Italy and India.

1 – There may not be many big names left in the Main Event but with the elimination of Max Pescatori prior to the dinner break, there is only one bracelet winner remaining in the field. Ian Johns has reached the WSOP winner’s circle three times, including twice in 2016, and Johns looks like he is making good on his first-career Main Event cash.  

$53,247 – Johns and the rest of the returning field are guaranteed at least a $53,237 score in the Main Event but with over $8 million awaiting the eventual winner, there is still plenty to play for. The next pay jump doesn’t kick in until there are less than 100 players remaining, meaning that most that advance to Day 6 will lock up $61,929. Tomorrow’s session is set to end at 27 players, meaning that $263,532 awaits the final three tables.