Chad Eveslage raised under the gun and got three-bet by Matthew Ashton in the cutoff. Matt Glantz called on the button, as did Talal Shakerchi in the small blind, with Eveslage calling as well.
The flop came 2♣K♣7♠ and action checked to Ashton who bet and got raised by Glantz. Shakerchi folded and Eveslage called.
Ashton then made it three bets to go with Glantz and Eveslage both calling.
On the Q♣ turn, Eveslage checked to Ashton who bet. Glantz and Eveslage both called.
The river was the 3♦, which saw Eveslage check, Ashton bet, Glantz call, and Eveslage fold.
Ashton showed A♣Q♦10♠3♣ for the nut flush which scooped the pot as Glantz mucked his hand.
Cue up the Andy Williams mixed game players, because "It’s the most wonderful time of the year".
The title of the famous holiday season song certainly holds true Sunday as it's the day that the greatest mixed game players in the world look forward to, Day 1 of the World Series of Poker $50,000 Poker Players Championship.
Since its debut in 2006 when the legendary Chip Reese won the inaugural edition, the PPC has grown in magnitude and prestige, while perfecting its format along the way, starting back then as a five-game H.O.R.S.E tournament with a no-limit hold ‘em final table to its evolution today into a full nine-game event.
POKER PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP GAME ROTATION
No-Limit Hold 'em
Seven Card Stud
Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better
Razz
Pot-Limit Omaha
Limit Hold 'em
No-Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw
Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo 8 or Better
2-7 Lowball Triple Draw
Chip Reese
Field sizes have swung through the years as well with numbers in the mid-100’s for the first few years, with a progression to more exclusive field sizes in the late 2010’s, with a massive resurgence in 2022 to the field cracking the 100-player mark again and a potential record-setting field size this year as mixed games continue to grow in popularity.
Poker Players Championship Field Sizes
YEAR
ENTRIES
PRIZE POOL
YEAR
ENTRIES
PRIZE POOL
2022
112
$5,362,000
2013
132
$6,336,000
2021
63
$3,016,125
2012
108
$5,184,000
2019
74
$3,552,000
2011
128
$6,144,000
2018
87
$4,176,000
2010
116
$5,568,000
2017
100
$4,800,000
2009
95
$4,560,000
2016
91
$4,176,000
2008
148
$7,104,000
2015
84
$3,696,000
2007
148
$7,104,000
2014
102
$4,896,000
2006
143
$6,864,000
One thing that has never changed about the Poker Players Championship is that only the best of the best in the world of mixed games come out on top in this one with Michael Mizrachi leading the way with three titles, Brian Rast with two, and now the reigning, defending, undisputed (and whichever pro wrestling analogy you’d like to add) back-to-back champion, Dan "Jungleman Cates.
Dan Cates
Previous Poker Players Championship Winners
Year
Winner
Prize
2022
Dan Cates
$1,449,103
2021
Dan Cates
$954,020
2019
Phillip Hui
$1,099,311
2018
Michael Mizrachi
$1,239,126
2017
Elior Sion
$1,395,767
2016
Brian Rast
$1,296,097
2015
Mike Gorodinsky
$1,270,086
2014
John Hennigan
$1,517,767
2013
Matthew Ashton
$1,774,089
2012
Michael Mizrachi
$1,451,527
2011
Brian Rast
$1,720,328
2010
Michael Mizrachi
$1,559,046
2009
David Bach
$1,276,806
2008
Scotty Nguyen
$1,989,120
2007
Freddy Deeb
$2,276,832
2006
Chip Reese
$1,716,000
Cates’ exuberant personality and dramatics at the table, along with his undeniable skill has shined a new spotlight on this event with his championship win in 2021 and successful defense in 2022. Could an incredible three-peat be in the cards this year for “Macho Dan?”
Now, as the great ring announcer Bruce Buffer says, "iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiits TIIIIIIIIIIME!"
Five days of mixed-game poker begins at 2 p.m.local time inside the Paris Ballroom. Six 100-minute levels on Days 1-3, playing down to a final table on Day 4, with a champion crowned on Day 5, Thursday, June 22nd, who will receive the prestigious Chip Reese Memorial Trophy.
Chip Reese Trophy
PokerNews will be there from start to finish bringing you all the action until the most prestigious title in the world of mixed games is awarded here at Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas.
