Ben Wilinofsky Leads Record-Breaking WPT Fallsview Poker Classic After Day 1

602. That number marks a new bar at the WPT Fallsview Poker Classic for entries at Fallsview Casino Resort as the field produced a prize pool of more than CAD $2.7 million on Day 1. Of those 602, 188 booked a seat to Day 2 led by Ben Wilinofsky (pictured). The Season XV WPT Fallsview Poker Classic Day 1 chip leader bagged 464,000 and is looking to top his 50th place finish from two seasons ago.

Wilinofsky is in pole position to capture the CAD $517,424 ($382,894) first-place prize along with the $15,000 seat into the season-ending WPT Baccarat Crystal Tournament of Champions. Joining him as one of the top stacks heading into Day 2 is four-time WPT Champion and Season XVI WPT Fallsview Poker Classic winner Darren Elias (295,000). Season XIII WPT Fallsview champ Anthony Zinno (120,000) is also on to Day 2.

Others who advanced from the herd include WPT Gardens final tablist Frank Stepuchin (122,000), WPT Champions Club members Brian Altman (127,000), James Mackey (135,000), Ema Zajmovic (150,000), Chanracy Kuhn (75,000), and Season XIV Fallsview winner David Ormsby (52,000).

Current Hublot WPT Player of the Year points leader Ping Liu advanced to Day 2 with 141,000. With at least a min-cash, Liu moves up to 1,900 points and opens up a 50-point lead over Tony Ruberto.

Those not fortunate enough to make Day 2 are defending WPT Fallsview champion Mike Leah, runner-up Ryan Yu, Mike Watson, Eric Afriat, Tony Tran, Will Failla, Kristen Bicknell, Joe Cada, Season XVI final tablist Joe Ferrier, Season XVII WPT Montreal winner Patrick Serda, Olivier Busquet, and Mike McDonald.

Day 2 starts at Fallsview at 12 p.m. local time with 10 60-minute levels planned for the day. The top 76 players make the money and the field should be pared down to the final few dozen players by the time the bags come out.

As always, stay tuned to WPT.com for complete coverage of the World Poker Tour.

Photography by Joe Giron / PokerPhotoArchive.com

Looking to win your way to a World Poker Tour event for your shot at becoming a WPT champion? Play for your chance on ClubWPT.com, where eligible VIP Members can play for over $100,000 in cash and prizes each month, including seats to WPT events, no purchase necessary.