WPT Playground Championship Day 2: A Day of Thrills and Stakes
The World Poker Tour (WPT) Playground Championship, held at the Playground Poker Club in Quebec, Canada, continues to capture the attention and excitement of poker enthusiasts worldwide. On Day 2 of the CAD $3,500 buy-in event, players flocked to the tables, eager for a chance at a piece of the rising prize pool, which ultimately reached a staggering CAD $2,688,000.
Record-Breaking Attendance
As the second day commenced, 286 players, who had originally returned from an impressive 806-entry field, welcomed 34 new entrants eager to seize a spot in the action. This influx brought the total number of participants to 840, continually showcasing the allure the WPT commands within the poker community. With such a robust turnout, the prize pool rose well beyond the initially set CAD $1.5 million guarantee, ensuring that the top 105 finishers would walk away with a share of this incredible sum.
Leaderboard Shifts and Notable Players
After 10 levels of rigorous play, the competition narrowed down to just 53 surviving players. Leading the charge was none other than Zhi Gang Yang, who established a commanding stack of 2.15 million chips. Following closely were Stephen Dauphinais (2.14 million) and Connor Daynard (2.06 million), demonstrating the fierce competition unfolding on the felt.
Among the remarkable players still vying for their shot at victory was Darren Elias, a seasoned player aiming for a prestigious fifth WPT title. Elias, who boasts four victories, last reached the winner’s circle in 2018. A win in this tournament would not only add to his accolades but would also mark a dramatic return to form as he pursues another title at a stop in Canada—he previously won the 2017 WPT Fallsview Poker Classic.
| Place | Player | Chip Count |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zhi Gang Yang | 2,150,000 |
| 2 | Stephen Dauphinais | 2,140,000 |
| 3 | Connor Daynard | 2,060,000 |
| 4 | Zachary Fischer | 1,965,000 |
| 5 | Johan Lees | 1,760,000 |
| 6 | Antoine Sankari | 1,650,000 |
| 7 | Patrick Nguyen | 1,470,000 |
| 8 | Ari Shin | 1,340,000 |
| 9 | Zak Vankeuren | 1,245,000 |
| 10 | Jason Alvarez | 1,230,000 |
Table showing the top 10 chip counts at the end of Day 2.
End-of-Day 2 chip leader Zhi Gang Yang
High Stakes and Heartbreaks
As the competition intensified, notable players faced elimination before reaching the money. Former NHL star and WPT Global Ambassador Phil Kessel, along with the defending champion David Dongwoo Ko, joined the list of early exits on Day 2. Eric Afriat, a three-time WPT champion, also fell short, becoming yet another player who departed the tournament without a payout.
Afriat’s elimination occurred during a tense hand in Level 17 when he shoved all-in with Q♣ 9♣, only to be called by Patrick Nguyen’s J♠ J♣. Nguyen’s jacks held strong through the board’s runout, fracturing Afriat’s hopes for a deep run.
Eric Afriat
On a more positive note, several players celebrated a cash finish, including Sergei Gurin and Michael Farrow, who snagged payouts of CAD $6,190 for their 65th and 70th place finishes, respectively.
Looking Ahead: Day 3
As players gear up for Day 3, the remaining 53 participants will return at 11 a.m. local time with tables now transitioning to eight-handed. With levels extending to 90 minutes once 40 players remain, the competition is expected to reach fever pitch.
For those still in the hunt, here’s a glance at the coveted payouts awaiting the eventual champion:
| Place | Prize in CAD |
|---|---|
| 1 | $412,300 (US $296,779) (including a seat in the WPT World Championship) |
| 2 | $265,000 (US $190,750) |
| 3 | $196,000 (US $141,083) |
| 4 | $146,000 (US $105,093) |
| 5 | $111,000 (US $79,899) |
| 6 | $84,000 (US $60,464) |
| 7 | $65,000 (US $46,788) |
| 8 | $50,000 (US $35,991) |
| 9-10 | $39,500 (US $28,433) |
| 11-12 | $35,500 (US $25,553) |
| 13-15 | $31,500 (US $22,674) |
| 16-19 | $27,500 (US $19,795) |
| 20-23 | $24,000 (US $17,276) |
| 24-31 | $20,500 (US $14,756) |
| 32-39 | $17,300 (US $12,453) |
| 40-47 | $14,400 (US $10,365) |
| 48-53 | $12,200 (US $8,782) |
As the excitement builds and the stakes heighten, PokerNews will be on-site to provide the latest updates, analyses, and stories straight from the tournament floor. Don’t miss a moment of the action as we roll into Day 3 and beyond!
Photos courtesy of World Poker Tour (WPT) / Alicia Skillman
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