Money Bubble Breaks at First Epic Poker League Tournament

Eighteen players remain in the Epic Poker League’s first ever Main Event, all of whom are now vying for a first prize of $1 million. The chip leader heading into the third day of play is Sam Trickett, who holds just over 1 million in chips.

The money bubble broke just after midnight local time on Day 2, meaning Day 3 will begin with three full tables of six players each. Day 2 began with 63 players, with just 18 making the money. Each player remaining in contention is guaranteed to win at least $43,190, more than double the buy-in of $20,000.

There was one minor change made to the payouts on Day 2. After a vote by the players, $17,340 was shifted from second place to first place in order to make the winner’s share a full $1 million even.

Behind Trickett, there are a number of notable players still in contention for the first ever EPL title. Erik Seidel sits in 4^th place with 609,000 chips, with Jason Mercier in 6^th at 535,500. Eugene Katchalov, Gavin Smith, and Huck Seed are also still alive, among many other big names.

Several of the biggest names in the tournament field were eliminated on Day 2 – including a few who were near the top of the money list heading into the second day of play. Ben Lamb and Brian Rast both finished just short of the money bubble, as was Antonio Esfandiari. Other big names that hit the rail on the second day included Vanessa Selbst, Phil Laak, and Mike Sexton.

The Epic Poker League’s first season will feature a total of four events, each of which will take place at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. In order to participate for the league, players must either qualify for a tour card (based on their results in major poker tournaments) or finish in the top 9 of the “Pro/Am” satellite tournament proceeding each Main Event. At the end of the first season, the top 27 money winners will be invited back for the League Championship, a freeroll offering $1 million in prizes.