Frank Stepuchin Leads 2024 WPT Seminole RRPO After Day 1
The first of two starting flights in the 2024 World Poker Tour (WPT) Seminole Rock ‘n’ Roll Open in South Florida concluded with 238 players remaining, led by Frank Stepuchin, who is eyeing his second WPT title as “Frank the Tank.”
Day 1a of the $3 million guaranteed event at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood attracted 696 players, including a mix of local talent and well-known names from across the country. Early action set the stage for a thrilling tournament.
Chance Kornuth’s Bold Bluff
One standout moment involved 2022 WPT Choctaw champion Chance Kornuth executing an impressive four-bet, triple-barrel bluff. Kornuth showed king-high after forcing his opponent to fold, showcasing the fearless style that has earned him $9.4 million in career earnings, four WSOP bracelets, and a WPT title.
In 2022, Kornuth claimed victory at the WPT Choctaw Main Event, taking home $486,600 after outlasting a stacked final table featuring Kristen Foxen, Ray Qartomy, and 2024 Choctaw champion James Mackey.
Stepuchin Leads Into Day 2
When Day 2 begins on Dec. 1, look for Frank Stepuchin and his signature props—a plastic chicken wing or possibly a football. These quirky items were by his side when he won the 2019 $10,000 WPT Gardens Poker Championship for $548,825, propelling him to second place on Utah’s all-time money list.
Stepuchin, who secured a 150-plus big blind stack, reflected on his unconventional approach to poker:
“I’ve read one beginner poker book ever. I don’t study anything. I’ve been saying I’ll get coaching from Alex Foxen, Kristen Foxen, or Chance Kornuth, because there’s so much I could learn. But I kind of just play by the seat of my pants.” Joining Stepuchin atop the leaderboard are William Lamar-Boone, Kevin Schulz, Gregory Back, and Jesse Lonis, who finished third in the WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open Championship earlier this year for $410,000.
Notable Players Advancing
Other players advancing from the first starting flight include Raminder Singh, Kristen Foxen, Ryan Riess, Shannon Shorr, Adam Hendrix, Matt Glantz, and Joe McKeehen. Notable players unable to bag chips include Jeremy Becker, Martin Zamani, Francis Anderson, and Alex Foxen.
The second starting flight is set to kick off at 11 a.m. local time in the Seminole Hard Rock ballroom, promising another action-packed day in the RRPO championship. Stay tuned for continued updates.
FAQ
What is the difference between WPT diamond and VIP?
In addition to all of the great VIP membership benefits, Diamond members have access to enhanced benefits and a unique lineup of tournaments featuring bigger prizes, smaller field sizes, more WPT® seats and exclusive lineup of unique experiences.
What poker is played in WPT?
As this article will discuss, sweepstakes poker is currently the only legal form of online poker available in Illinois. ClubWPT… ClubWPT is the best legal sweepstakes online poker room available in Illinois. Welcome to the WPT.com guide to Illinois online poker!Sep 17, 2024
How much is a WPT VIP membership?
ClubWPT members can also compete in free-to-play poker ring games, tournaments, and play virtual social casino games with no purchase necessary. Monthly subscribers enjoy access to tournaments that award cash prizes. Subscriptions available at ClubWPT include: VIP ($27.95 per month)
Is WSOP or WPT bigger?
As a result of its recent growth, the WPT has become one of the world’s leading poker brands, second only to the WSOP.11 Dec 2023
Does WPT still exist?
Television. The year-round WPT television show has broadcast globally in more than 150 countries and territories, and is currently producing its 21st season, which airs on Bally’s Sports Regional Networks in the United States.
