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It’s no coincidence that Jamie Gold was chosen to carry out the “Shuffle up and deal” announcement Monday to kick off the World Collection of Poker Foremost Occasion.
Gold outlasted the biggest discipline within the match’s historical past to win in 2006. With WSOP officers anticipating to shatter that attendance document this 12 months, the symbolism was apparent.
“That is the 12 months. It ought to be the record-breaking 12 months,” Gold mentioned. “I used to be simply so fortunate and lucky to have the ability to win the largest one ever earlier than (8,773 entrants). And now I’ve a shot to be the subsequent winner. However both manner, I’m simply having a blast.”
The primary flight of the $10,000 buy-in No-limit Maintain’em World Championship at Horseshoe Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas featured an eclectic mixture of poker professionals and leisure gamers who have been crossing off an merchandise on their bucket checklist.
The match continues Tuesday with the second of 4 beginning flights on the Horseshoe and Paris.
Gold was one among a handful of former champions noticed within the discipline and was taking part in within the Foremost Occasion for the primary time for the reason that begin of the coronavirus pandemic. After battling long-haul COVID signs, Gold mentioned he’s lastly wholesome once more and returned to taking part in stay poker this 12 months.
He has 4 small cashes out of 10 occasions on the WSOP this summer season and had greater than doubled his 60,000-chip beginning stack by the second afternoon break.
“I’m feeling nice,” Gold mentioned. “If I can someway get again into that zone, I would even have a shot.”
One notable who had an fascinating begin to the Foremost Occasion was poker professional and social media influencer Doug Polk. The three-time WSOP winner was in a automobile crash on his technique to the Strip however made it in time for the primary degree.
Obtained in a automobile accident on the way in which to day 1 of the primary occasion right now. Somebody hit me from behind whereas I used to be stopped at an intersection. Wasn’t too unhealthy. I am alright. The opposite driver was visibly shaken, her automobile took the injury
Hopefully I received the run unhealthy out of the way in which early!
— Doug Polk (@DougPolkVids) July 3, 2023
“I finished at an intersection, turned on some music, pumping some jams, getting psyched up, ‘Foremost Occasion, Day 1, let’s go!’ ” Polk mentioned. “After which I simply get nailed from behind by one other automobile.”
Polk didn’t appear to be affected by the incident and mentioned the opposite driver’s automobile took many of the injury. He obtained a therapeutic massage on the desk to assist stop any soreness that may happen within the aftermath.
His chip stack additionally was in good condition regardless of taking a nasty beat with the prospect to knock out a participant in the course of the first degree. Polk had doubled his beginning stack by the second break.
“Thus far, so good,” he mentioned. “I’ve received some chips. Pleased with my play. I had some good arms in numerous good spots and type of been selecting my battles nicely.”
Polk is hoping the accident isn’t a nasty omen for the match. Regardless of a protracted checklist of poker accomplishments that features a runner-up end within the $25,000 buy-in Heads-Up No-limit Maintain’em Championship final month, Polk’s solely money within the Foremost Occasion got here in 2011 when he was eradicated in 592nd place.
“I’ve by no means had a deep run this match. Each single 12 months I present up, I get despatched packing,” Polk mentioned. “Not this 12 months. That is my 12 months. I’m making a run for one time in my life.”
Contact David Schoen at dschoen@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5203. Observe @DavidSchoenLVRJ on Twitter.
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