The third and final starting flight of the prestigious €1,100 FPS Main Event at the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour in Monte Carlo kicked off in spectacular fashion on Friday, with a record field of players descending upon the luxurious Casino de Monte Carlo for a shot at poker glory.
Day 1c saw a total of 684 entries, bringing the total number of players in the Main Event to an impressive 1,926. The massive field generated a prize pool of over €1.9 million, with the eventual champion set to take home a first place prize of over €300,000.
The action was fast and furious from the start, with players eager to accumulate chips and build their stacks early on. The deep structure of the tournament allowed for plenty of room for skilled players to maneuver and make strategic decisions, leading to some intense battles at the tables.
As the day progressed, several notable pros and amateurs made their presence known, including former EPT champions, online phenoms, and local favorites. Among the early chip leaders were seasoned pros such as Patrick “Pads” Callaghan, who was making a deep run in the Main Event for the third consecutive year, and Maria “The Shark” Sanchez, a rising star from Spain who was looking to make a name for herself on the international poker scene.
One of the most memorable hands of the day came when Sanchez found herself in a three-way all-in situation with pocket aces against two opponents holding pocket kings and pocket queens. The board came down with an ace on the flop, sending Sanchez soaring to the chip lead and leaving her opponents stunned and short-stacked.
As the day neared its conclusion, the field began to thin out, with many players busting out and others steadily accumulating chips to secure a spot in Day 2. By the end of play, only 132 players remained, with the top 100 finishers set to make the money and secure a cash prize.
Among those who survived Day 1c and will be moving on to Day 2 are some of the biggest names in the poker world, including former EPT champions, WSOP bracelet winners, and high-stakes cash game specialists. With the competition heating up and the pressure mounting, the stage is set for an epic showdown as the remaining players battle it out for a shot at poker immortality.
Day 2 of the €1,100 FPS Main Event promises to be even more action-packed and intense, with all eyes on the coveted prize and the chance to become the next EPT champion. Stay tuned for all the latest updates and developments as the tournament unfolds in Monte Carlo.