Bubble Busts on Day 2 of WPT SHRPS as 101 Players Advance; Josh Reichard Leads

Key Takeaways:

• Josh Reichard leads the pack as 101 players advance to Day 3 of the WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Championship.
• A double elimination marked the burst of the bubble, with 236 players dwindling down from an initial 643.
• Several notable players, including Landon Tice, advance, while others like Jason Mercier and Gerome Guitteau miss the cash.

Day 2 of the World Poker Tour (WPT) Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Championship wrapped up late on Sunday night as 101 players found bags to advance to Day 3. Leading the charge is Wisconsin's own Josh Reichard, a prominent figure tied for second on the all-time WSOP Circuit ring list, now on a quest for his first WPT title. Reichard is ahead of fellow big stacks such as Michael Rocco, Anthony Spinella, and Scott Baumstein, setting the stage for an intense continuation of the tournament.

The day was not without its drama, especially as the bubble approached. With 236 players remaining and only 234 spots paid, a double elimination occurred, rendering hand-for-hand play unnecessary. Stuart Young fell first, unable to survive a three-way pot with his ace-ten, followed closely by Brandon Hamlet, who just missed out on a minimum payday of $6,400. Hamlet's exit was particularly poignant given his notable bluff on Day 1a, which had made waves across poker social media circles.

The field, which started the day with 643 hopefuls, was quickly halved due to the 60-minute level structure. Notables such as Jason Mercier, Gerome Guitteau, and Aditya Prasetyo were among those who failed to cash. Meanwhile, the poker community's eyes have been on the impending high-stakes crossbook between Landon Tice and Jeremy Becker, with both participants in the Day 2 field. Tice advanced, while Becker exited in 120th place with $8,200.

Other noteworthy eliminations on Day 2 included Matt Stout, Maxwell Young, David Jackson, and Ray Qartomy, among others. Despite these exits, the tournament saw its share of thrilling moments, including Day 1a chip leader Eider Da Cruz doubling up during Level 17 to keep his hopes alive.

As the SHRPS Championship progresses with Day 3 on Monday, April 22, at noon local time, the anticipation builds. The tournament is inching closer to the final table, set to be paused until May 29 when the action resumes in Las Vegas. With live updates from PokerNews and the WPT site, fans and participants alike are eagerly watching as the event unfolds, promising more excitement and high-stakes drama in the days to come.