WSOP Day 28: Phil Hellmuth's Burrito Act and Daniel Negreanu's PPC Dream Shattered

Phil Hellmuth's Return from Isolation

The ultimate test of poker versatility (Event #60: $50K Poker Players Championship) showcased its second day, finalizing participant numbers. Late registration boosted the field to 108 entries, surpassing last year by one player.

The total prizepool reached $5,130,000, with $1,343,764 reserved for the new Chip Reese Memorial Trophy winner. As Day 2 concluded, only 39 players remained in contention.

Undoubtedly, the star of the day was Phil Hellmuth, who entered at the last possible moment after seven days in COVID isolation. Hellmuth turned in a 'grand return.' Not only did he triple his starting stack to 900,000, but he also provided entertainment for the cameras by eating a burrito at the table in his unique style (from the middle outwards).

Besides his culinary performance, Hellmuth also engaged in a heated verbal exchange with Jared Bleznick, leading to more side bet discussions.

Several star names faced disappointment, with Day 2 marking the end of the road. Phil Hui, Shaun Deeb, Calvin Anderson, Michael Moncek, and Nick Schulman were among those eliminated. The only former PPC champion still vying for his fourth title is the legendary Brian Rast, who enters the third day as last in chips.

Daniel Negreanu's run in his favorite tournament ended before late registration closed. Negreanu stumbled in Seven Card Stud 8 or Better, falling to Kalas's flush.

The current chipleader is American Kristopher Tong, with mixed games specialist Benny Glaser hot on his heels.

Top 10 Stacks After Day 2 - Event #60: $50,000 Poker Players Championship

Michelle Chin Becomes the Second Female Winner of the Series

American Michelle Chin dominated the field of 657 entries in Event #58: $1,500 Limit 2-7 Lowball Triple Draw, securing her first gold bracelet along with a prize of $161,313.

With this victory, Chin became the first woman since 2015 (when Carol Fuchs won) to clinch the prestigious jewelry in a mixed game variant. She also becomes only the second woman (after Kristen Foxen) to win a bracelet during the 2026 WSOP.

In a thrilling heads-up, she turned around a disadvantageous position against two-time bracelet winner Daniel Strelitz, lagging behind by a 1:5 chip count. That's why, immediately after securing her first bracelet, Chin described her emotions in one word: 'Unbelievable.' 

The new champion hopes her success will inspire other female players: 'There are still so few women in the poker world. I'm glad I could show the world that we can do it too.' 

Final Table Results of Event #58: $1,500 Limit 2-7 Lowball Triple Draw

Jamie Gold Heads Charity Marathon

The charity tournament honoring war veterans (Event #59: $500 Salute to Warriors) saw a massive 4,478 entries, creating a prizepool of $1,835,980.

This event also raised over $180,000 for veteran organizations, with $40 from each buy-in going to charity. 

With Day 2 concluded, only 35 players remain in the hunt for the bracelet. The day's main story is the phenomenal run by legendary Jamie Gold. The 2006 Main Event champion, celebrating the 20th anniversary of his record victory, dominated Day 2 and enters the final day as the massive chipleader.

Gold expressed his desire for a second career bracelet, particularly in this tournament, which he plays regularly in honor of his father, also a veteran.

Top 10 Stacks After Day 2 - Event #59: $500 Salute to Warriors

Bo Chen Leads Millionaire Maker

The gigantic Millionaire Maker wrapped up its third day, narrowing the field from 424 players down to the final 62 contenders, all vying for the $1,250,000 first-place prize. 

American Bo Chen emerged as the chipleader after scoring a massive double-up at the expense of Rob Kuhn, propelling him to the top. In contrast, Kuhn, who led for most of the day, dropped to a precarious 5.5 big blinds, facing a struggle for survival.

Zdeněk Žižka and Eugene Katchalov are no longer in the running, but players like Ryan Eriquezzo and Will Givens are still in the mix.

Top 10 Stacks After Day 3 - Event #50: $1,500 Millionaire Maker

Slovenian Zerjav Leads Stellar Field

The star-studded $2,500 NLH event boasted a total of 1,736 entries, from which 312 competitors remain after the opening day. The prizepool has ballooned to over $3.8 million, with $555,198 set aside for the winner.

Leading the way is Slovenian pro and two-time bracelet winner from last year, Blaz Zerjav. Also advancing to the second day are Czech wild card Martin Kabrhel and WSOP Main Event champions Martin Jacobson and Damian Salas. Other notable stars like Artur Martirosian, Calvin Anderson, Leo Margets, and Chad Eveslage are also still competing.

Top 10 Stacks After Day 1 - Event #62: $2,500 No-Limit Hold’em 

Gheller Off to Strong Start in Seniors Event

Event #61: $1K Super Seniors is exclusively for players aged 60 and over. The tournament attracted many known names, with a total participation of 3,323 entries. The prizepool reached $2,924,240, with a winner's prize of $355,263. 

After the first ten levels, 836 players bagged chips. The bubble will burst in Day 2, with a total of 499 players making it into the money.

Some familiar names are holding strong, including 1997 bracelet winner Kevin Song (stack 192,500), legendary Main Event champion Greg Raymer (95,000), and WSOPE Main Event winner Barry Shulman (81,500). The leader after Day 1 is American Antonio Gheller.

Top 10 Stacks After Day 1 - Event #61: $1,000 Super Seniors

Negreanu Eyes Redemption in $1K PLO

The third flight of Event #57: $1K PLO had the highest turnout with 1,845 entries, closing the total registration at 3,763 entries. From flight 1c, 104 players advanced to the combined second day, led by France's Florian Guimond with over a million chips.

Daniel Negreanu attracted attention after his early exit from the $50K PPC. Though he advanced to Day 2, he will navigate from a shortstack position with 87,000 chips. Other elites advancing include Phil Laak and Robert Mizrachi.

Sources: WSOP, WSOP Live, X, YouTube