Big Stax VI Series ($550 Six-Max): 4th Place - Conti ($3,492)

Level 21 (Blinds 8,000/16,000/2,000)
Players Remaining: 3

Frank Conti (Staten Island, NY)
4th Place - $3,492

Frank Conti shoved pre (as the shortest stack at the table), and he'd be called and in bad shape against Will Failla.  Frank's J 6  < J 10 of Failla, and the bid for his first Big Stax trophy falls short.  Frank feels comfortable in this six-max format, evident in his WSOPC ring won late last year at Harrah's Atlantic City.

Players are going on a short break, and when they return the blinds will be 10,000/20,000/3,000.

Big Stax VI Series ($550 Six-Max): Level Up/Chip Counts

Level 21 just started with blinds going up to 8,000/16,000/2,000 (360,000 chip average).  Here are the four handed chip counts:

1. Mohammed Farah - 550,000
2. Will Failla - 290,000
3. Frank Conti - 230,000
4. Gary Ackerman - 355,000

Big Stax VI Series ($550 Six-Max): Mo Grabs Lead From Failla

Level 20 (Blinds 6,000/12,000/2,000)
Players Remaining: 4

As the entry of Rivkin's bustout was being recorded, the largest pot of the tournament was unfolding between Mohammed Farah and Will Failla.  The action would be picked up on the turn on a board of K 2 4 3, and Farah would have 171,000 in front of him (all-in).  Failla was deep in thought, and after a few minutes in the tank, he'd make the call.  Mohammed's K Q > 8 8 of Will, and the chips shift to Farah who now leads the way with 630,000.

Big Stax VI Series ($550 Six-Max): 5th Place - Rivkin ($2,619)

Level 20 (Blinds 6,000/12,000/2,000)
Players Remaining: 5

Jason Rivkin (Eatontown, NJ)
5th Place - $2,619

Jason would be the shortest stack at the table, with just over 8 big blinds remaining.  The action would fold around to Gary Ackerman in the small blind, and he would raise to 24,000.  Jason would announce himself all-in, and Ackerman would immediately call:

Rivkin: A♦ 6♦      Ackerman: K♣ K♦

Flop: 5♦ 3♦ J♠

Turn: J♣

River: J♦

Rivkin's hand would flop well without hitting an ace, but his sweat would end when the J hit the river, giving Ackerman a full house.  This is Rivkin's first Big Stax series final table since winning the inaugural Big Stax 300 for over $73,000.

Big Stax VI Series ($550 Six-Max): 6th Place - Cohen ($2,619)

Level 19 (Blinds 5,000/10,000/1,000)
Players Remaining: 5

Mike Cohen (Manalapan, NJ)
6th Place - $2,619

After an open from Mike Cohen, Will Failla flatted the button, and the two would go to the flop.  The chips would get the chips in on the turn with a runout of J♥ 10♣ 2♥ 9♠, and Failla holding K♠ Q♣ against the K♥ 9♥ of Cohen.  Mike would miss his win/chop outs, and Failla would win the hand, unceasing his final table chip lead.

Big Stax VI Series ($550 Six-Max): Break Time/Updated Chip Counts

Players are on a (15) minute break, and when they return the blinds will be going up to 5,000/10,000/1,000.  Here are the six handed counts from break:

1. Jason Rivkin - 210,000
2. Mike Cohen - 180,000
3. Mohammed Farah - 230,000
4. Will Failla - 410,000
5. Frank Conti - 125,000
6. Gary Ackerman -218,000

Big Stax VI Series ($550 Six-Max): 7th Place - Barber ($1,746)

Level 18 (Blinds 4,000/8,000/1,000)
Players Remaining: 6

Harold Barber (Somerset, NJ)
7th Place - $1,746

Big Stax VI Series ($550 Six-Max): Final Table

Level 18 (Blinds 4,000/8,000/1,000)
Players Remaining: 7

The final table has been reached, and here is the new lineup:

1. Jason Rivkin
2. Mike Cohen
3. Mohammed Farrah
4. Harold Barber
5. Will Failla
6. Frank Conti
7. Gary Ackerman

Big Stax VI Series ($550 Six-Max): 8th Place - Dolle ($1,397)

Level 18 (Blinds 4,000/8,000/1,000)
Players Remaining: 7

Mike Dolle was in the small blind, and after the action folded around to him, he pushed in his remaining 90,000.  Will Failla would call from the big blind, and the two hands were tabled.  It was the 10 10 of Failla against the A J of Dolle.

As the dealer was going to put out the flop, Will put his hand out and asked her to pause for a moment.  He then said, " Dealer...please put the ten of diamonds in the window, maybe a ten-three-three board."  The three was in the window and the board would run out nine high, sending Mike Dolle home in ninth place.

Big Stax VI Series ($550 Six-Max): Bubble Burst

Level 17 (Blinds 3,000/6,000/1,000)
Players Remaining: 8

Jake Perry (Bubble Boy)

Although many of the big hands played on the bubble were at Table 51, there was just a three-way all-in on the stone bubble at Table 46:

Jake Perry: K♦ 6♦        Jason Rivkin: A♠ 9♥         Mike Dolle: A♥ K♣

Flop: Q♠ 10♠ 9♦

Turn: Q♣ 

River: 5♣

Rivkin was the shortest stack of the three, and he would scoop the main pot (worth 126,000).  Mike Dolle would win the side pot and eliminate Perry on the bubble.  The players are no longer hand for hand, and they are one bustout away from the final table.

Big Stax VI Series ($550 Six-Max): Lupo Eliminated/Money Bubble

Level 17 (Blinds 3,000/6,000/1,000)
Players Remaining: 9

Players are now two bustouts away from the final table, as Dan Lupo is the most recent player to leave the tournament area.  Players are now on the money bubble, and play is hand-for-hand until the next elimination.

Big Stax VI Series ($550 Six-Max): Failla Doubles Through Rivkin

Level 17 is going to begin in less than five minutes, with the blinds going up to 3,000/6,000/1,000.  Towards the end of the level, Will Failla got in 56,000 pre-flop and was called by Jason Rivkin (in the small blind).  Rivkin would have Will dominated (AJ v. A3), but will would spike a three on the river to take the hand and double to 115,000.

Big Stax VI Series ($550 Six-Max): Updated Chip Counts

Level 16 (Blinds 2,500/5,000/500)
Players Remaining: 10

Here are the up to the minute chip counts:

Table 46:

1. Will Failla - 90,000
2. Harold Barber - 53,000
3. Jake Perry - 80,000
4. Jason Rivkin - 180,000
5. Mike Dolle - 215,000

Table 51:

1. Gary Ackerman - 185,000
2. Frank Conti - 165,000
3. Dan Lupo - 65,000
4. Mohammed Farrah - 160,000
5. Mike Cohen - 220,000

Big Stax VI Series ($550 Six-Max): It's A Break

Players are on a (15) minute break, and they will return to Level 16 and blinds of 2,500/5,000/500.  The tournament floor is coloring off the brown (100 denomination) chips, and once that is done there will a post with updated chip counts.

Big Stax VI Series ($550 Six-Max): Rivkin Cut Down

Level 15 (Blinds 2,000/4,000/500)
Players Remaining: 12

A few players were standing at Table 46, and it would be Jake Perry (button) all-in and at risk against Jason Rivkin (small blind).  The two hands were tabled:

Rivkin: 8 8        Perry: A 9

Flop: Q Q Q

Turn: 9

River: 7

Perry would spike a nine on the turn to win the hand and double to 150,000.  Rivkin would be left with just over 30,000 after the loss.  Alan Kraut was seen just leaving the tournament area, eliminated short of the money in 12th place.

Only one hand after Kraut was dismissed, Will Failla would knock out Michael Altman in 11th place.  There are now five players at each table, and just a reminder that this event has a seven handed final table.

Big Stax VI Series ($550 Six-Max): Down To Two Tables

Level 15 (Blinds 2,000/4,000/500)
Players Remaining: 12

After losing Mike Michnik, the field is now down to 12 players, and Table 54 players broke and found new friends.  Here are the final two tables:

Table 46:

1. Will Failla
2. Harold Barber
3. Jake Perry
4. Jason Rivkin
5. Michael Altman
6. Mike Dolle

Table 51:

1. Gary Ackerman
2. Frank Conti
3. Dan Lupo
4. Mohammed Farrah
5. Alan Kraut
6. Mike Cohen

Big Stax VI Series ($550 Six-Max): Level Up/Updated Counts

Level 15 started a few moments ago, and the blinds have gone up to 2,000/4,000/500.  The chip average among the remaining 13 players (the field lost Mike Lavenburg mid level, and Max Diligov just now) is 102,000.  Here are the updated chip counts:

Table 46:

1. Will Failla - 97,000
2. Harold Barber - 34,000
3. Michael Altman - 55,000
4. Nick Dolle - 240,000

Table 51:

1. Gary Ackerman - 180,000
2. Dan Lupo - 55,000
3. Mohammed Farrah - 115,000
4. Alan Kraut - 70,000
5. Mike Cohen - 205,000

Table 54:

1. Frank Conti - 105,000
2. Jake Perry - 85,000
3. Jason Rivkin - 95,000
4. Mike Michnik - 40,000

Big Stax VI Series ($550 Six-Max): Dolle Up...So Is The Level

Level 14 just started, with blinds going up to 1,500/3,000/400.  On the last hand of Level 13, the floor was called over to Table 46.  A player had called a clock on Mike Dolle, and after confirming that Dolle had significant time, he'd have (70) seconds to act.  It was a blind v. blind situation between Dolle and Failla, and Will would have a 50,000 bet in from of him (a four-bet).  Dolle would think for another (20) second while on the clock and make the call.  Will said to Mike, "If you got kings or queens, you got me."

Dolle would turn over two kings, and they would be war ahead of Failla's pocket jacks.  Dolle's hand would hold and he would double to 190,000, becoming the new chip leader in the field.

Big Stax VI Series ($550 Six-Max): Kraut Doubles Through Ackerman

Level 13 (Blinds 1,200/2,400/300)
Players Remaining: 15

Alan Kraut opened the pot from the button to 6,200, and Gary Ackerman flatted from the big blind.  The flop would run out 2♦ 7♠ 9♦, and Kraut would bet 5,500 after Ackerman checked.  Gary would make the call and after the 10♣ on the turn, he would immediately announce himself all-in.  Alan took some time thinking, talking out the hand to himself, and eventually tossed in a grey chip signifying a call:

Kraut: K♦ K♣       Ackerman: A♦ 6♦

River: 7♥

Alan would fade any of Gary's outs, and he would double to over 100,000.

Big Stax VI Series ($550 Six-Max): Couldn't Even Get Comfortable

Level 13 (Blinds 1,200/2,400/300)
Players Remaining: 15

After the first four minutes of play since returning from dinner, there are now only 15 players remaining.  One player has busted from each table (James Governa, Kevin Mechalis, and Vinny Longo).  Those were three of the shortest stacks to return, leaving us that much closer to the seven handed final table.

Big Stax VI Series ($550 Six-Max): Back From Dinner/Chip Counts

Players are returning from dinner momentarily, and they will be returning to blinds of 1,200/2,400/300.  Here is the updated chip count from each table:

Table 46:

1. Will Failla - 120,000
2. James Governa - 22,000
3. Max Diligov - 42,000
4. Mike Lavenburg - 81,000
5. Michael Altman - 74,000
6. Nick Dolle - 75,000

Table 51:

1. Gary Ackerman - 130,000
2. Kevin Mechalis - 33,000
3. Dan Lupo - 105,000
4. Mohammed Farrah - 160,000
5. Alan Kraut - 45,000
6. Mike Cohen - 130,000

Table 54:

1. Harold Barber - 59,000
2. Frank Conti - 128,000
3. Vinny Longo - 10,000
4. Jake Perry - 57,000
5. Jason Rivkin - 34,000
6. Mike Michnik - 60,000

Big Stax VI Series ($550 Six-Max): Redraw At 18

Level 12 (Blinds 1,000/2,000/300)
Players Remaining: 18

The field has just found new seats after TJ Shulman's elimination, redrawing with eighteen players remaining.  There is (13) minutes left in Level 12, and players will go on a (60) minute dinner break when clock hits all zeros.  Here is the new seating arrangement:

Table 46:

1. Will Failla
2. James Governa
3. Max Diligov
4. Mike Lavenburg
5. Michael Altman
6. Nick Dolle

Table 51:

1. Gary Ackerman
2. Kevin Mechalis
3. Dan Lupo
4. Mohammed Farrah
5. Alan Kraut
6. Mike Cohen

Table 54:

1. Harold Barber
2. Frank Conti
3. Vinny Longo
4. Jake Perry
5. Jason Rivkin
6. Mike Michnik

Big Stax VI Series ($550 Six-Max): Moving Along Quickly

Level 11 (Blinds 800/1,600/200)
Players Remaining: 23

There are four active tables housing 23 players, as today's event has moved at a brisk pace.  The chip leader at the moment is Parx regular Mohammed Farrah (Bensalem, PA), with over 130,000.  Here are some updated counts from those remaining:

Mohammed Farrah - 134,000
Frank Conti - 118,000
Mike Lavenburg - 75,000
James Governa - 65,000
Jake  Perry - 65,000
Will Failla - 50,000
Jason Rivkin - 28,000

Big Stax VI Series ($550 Six-Max): Payouts

Big Stax VI Series - $550 Six-Max
May 15, 2014

Total Entries: 72
Total Prize Fund: $34,920

Payouts:

1. $11,523
2. $7,508
3. $4,540
4. $3,492
5. $2,619
6. $2,095
7. $1,746
8. $1,397

Big Stax VI Series ($550 Six-Max): Taking A Break...Registration Closing

Players are once again going on a (15) minute break, with registration closing once the cards are in the air for Level 10.  The blinds coming back will be 600/1,200/200, with a chip average going to break of 44,000.

Once registration is closed and the cage has verified all of the numbers, the payouts for the event will be posted.

Big Stax VI Series ($550 Six-Max): Early Eliminations

Level 8 (Blinds 400/800/100)

The field has already lost 29 entrants, some of which were the same player firing multiple bullets.  Two notables to bust the event and choose not to re-enter:

Eric Rivkin
Joe Palma

Big Stax VI Series ($550 Six-Max): Coming Of The Chop

Level 7 (Blinds 300/600/100)

Trevor Deeter (Philadelphia, PA) is coming off the second largest score of his tournament career, having chopped the Big Stax 500 only days ago ($35,237).  Trevor is currently seated at Table 45 with notable Alan Kraut, and is still hovering around the starting stack.  Deeter made sure to show his appreciation to all of his peers after the chop via Twitter:

Thanks for the love and the support everyone!!! It truly means a ton to me.
— Trevor Deeter (@TDeeter24) May 14, 2014

Big Stax VI Series ($550 Six-Max): Break Time

Players are on their second (15) minute break of the day, and they will be returning to blinds of 300/600/100 (chip average 27,143).  Mike Lavenburg (Montville, NJ) has eclipsed the chip mark set by Jake Perry, but lost a 25,000 pot right before break, dropping him to 60,000.  Lavenburg still has one of the top stacks in the room, but was visibly steamed after losing that last hand on the river.

Big Stax VI Series ($550 Six-Max): Updated Chip Counts

Level 5 (Blinds 200/400/50)

The field continues to grow as two new tables have been opened, with Frank Conti finding new table mates after busting (and re-entering).  Here are some early updated chip counts:

Jake Perry - 66,000
Will Failla - 43,000
James Governa - 40,000
Sean Wallace - 38,000
Jason Rivkin - 30,000

Big Stax VI Series ($550 Six-Max): Level Going Up

Even though it's far from a turbo, the (30) minute levels feel quick compared to the 45/60/90 minute levels of the Big Stax trophy events.  Level 5 has just started with the blinds going up to 200/400/50, with registration for the event open until the end of Level 9.

Joe Starrat (Brockton, MA) currently sits at Table 46, and is playing in his first tournament ever at Parx.  Primarily a New England player (Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun), Starrat has taken the short drive down to play in today's event (as well as the $1,500 Main Event).  Joe was the runner up in the DeepStacks Poker Tour $1,500 Patriot Poker Classic in 2013, collecting $38,000 for the second place finish (his largest live score to date).

Big Stax Series VI ($550 Six-Max): Alabsi Gets Sandwiched

Level 4 (Blinds 150/300/50)

Emad Alabsi (Cleveland, OH)

Emad Alabsi (Cleveland, OH) returns to Parx and the Big Stax series since winning the $1,500 main event in February.  Taking home over $164,000 for the win, Alabsi bested a final table housing the likes of TJ Shulman, Matt Glantz, Dan Wach, Vinny Pahuja, and Izzet Temel.  That score helped push Alabsi's career earnings over $1,000,000, only helping solidify his status a a premier tournament pro. Emad has taken his seat at Table 50, sandwiched between TJ Shulman and Will Failla.

Big Stax VI Series ($550 Six-Max): Break Time

Players are on a (15) minute break, and when they return to Level 4 the blinds will be going up to 100/200/25.  Just before break the field gained another new player, one who would need no introduction at all...Will "The Thrill" Failla.  Considered to be one of the best tournament players in the world, Failla has over $4,000,000 in lifetime earnings.  Will is coming off a recent tournament win at Foxwoods, taking down the Mega Stacks Challenge $1,200 Main Event.

Big Stax VI Series ($550 Six-Max): In The Field

Level 3 (Blinds 100/200/25)

Today's six-max field offers no easy spots, as the field is full of tournament pros and notable players.  Contrary to earlier mention, the action for this tournament is in the main poker room, while tonight's satellite to the main event will be held in the clubhouse room.  The field make up looks something like this:

Joe Palma
Eric Rivkin
Jason Rivkin
Stephanie Hubbard
Alan Kraut
James Governa
Frank Conti
Sean Wallace
Mohammed Farrah
Tom Dobrilovic

Big Stax VI ($550 Six-Max): Cards In The Air

All of the poker action is once again going to be in the clubhouse room from here on out, and it will be six players to a able this afternoon.  The $550 NL Hold'em Six-Max event begins at 11:00am, a lead in to the $1,500 Big Stax VI Main Event beginning tomorrow.  The six-max is one of the more popular formats for tournament players, and history shows today's field should no walk in the park.  Cards will be in the air shortly, and once the tournament is in full swing, live updates will bring all of the action.

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): 1st Place - Kaplan ($40,362)

Level 30 (Blinds 60,000/120,000/15,000)
Players Remaining: 4

James Kaplan (Boca Raton, FL)
1st Place - $40,362 ***

*** Denotes chop

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): 2nd Place - Ferrigno ($39,606)

Level 30 (Blinds 60,000/120,000/15,000)
Players Remaining: 4

Frank Ferrigno (Wayne, NJ)
2nd Place - $39,606 ***

***Denotes chop

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): 3rd Place - Black ($38,415)

Level 30 (Blinds 60,000/120,000/15,000)
Players Remaining: 4

Joe Black (Bronx, NY)
3rd Place - $38,415 ***

*** Denotes chop

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): 4th Place - Deeter ($35,237)

Level 30 (Blinds 60,000/120,000/15,000)
Players Remaining: 4

Trevor Deeter (Langhorne, PA)
4th Place - $35,237 ***

*** Denotes chop

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Talking Chop Once More

Level 30 (Blinds 60,000/120,000/15,000)
Players Remaining: 4

Now that the playing field has evened out considerably, the players are once more discussing chop.  The stacks are being counted down to the number, and when any decision is made, it will be posted immediately.

***Update:  Players have decided on a chop, and the numbers are being verified by the tournament floor.  Everything has to be down to the exact dollar, so once the amounts are official, they will be posted on the blog.

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Mid-Level Chip Counts

Level 30 (Blinds 60,000/120,000/15,000)
Players Remaining: 4

Level 30 is half the way through, and here are the shifting stacks (up to the moment):

1. Trevor Deeter - 4,600,000
2. Frank Ferrigno - 5,700,000
3. Joe Black - 7,000,000
4. James Kaplan - 6,500,000

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Updated Chip Counts

Level 30 (Blinds 60,000/120,000/15,000)
Players Remaining: 4

Four handed chip counts updated:

1. Trevor Deeter - 4,100,000
2. Frank Ferrigno - 5,000,000
3. Joe Black - 8,400,000
4. James Kaplan - 6,900,000

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Ferrigno Doubles Through Black

Level 30 (Blinds 60,000/120,000/15,000)
Players Remaining: 4

Just after the entry was posted in regards to Frank Ferrigno, he gets it all-in pre against Joe Black, and was in superior shape.  Frank's AA > A3 of Black, and Frank is now over 6,000,000 (peaking for Day 3).  The chip stacks are beginning to even out more than they have been since reaching the final table, and counts will be posted shortly.

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Ferrigno Holding On

Level 30 (Blinds 60,000/120,000/15,000)
Players Remaining: 4

Frank Ferrigno came back from break with less than 20 big blinds, and has since been down to ten bigs and up to thirty.  He's yet to have been all-in and at risk since returning, but has been involved in a number of hands.

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Blinds Are Climbing

Players are going on a (10) minute break and will return to Level 30 (Blinds 60,000/120,000/15,000).  Here are chip counts on break:

1. Trevor Deeter - 4,400,000
2. Frank Ferrigno - 2,100,000
3. Joe Black - 9,800,000
4. James Kaplan - 6,600,000

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Deeter Doubles Through Black

Level 30 (Blinds 60,000/120,000/15,000)
Players Remaining: 4

Frank Ferrigno opened the pot to 375,000 and got three-bet by Joe Black to 875,000.  Kaplan would fold behind and Deeter would four-bet all-in (2,245,000).  Ferrigno would fold and Black would be left to decide what to do.  He said to Trevor that he would feel bad if he won, and he would feel bad if he lost as well.  Black also mentioned that he didn't want to give Deeter new life, but eventually put in the extra 1,400,000 for the call.  Deeter's A♦ K♠ > Q♠ 10♠ of Black, and Trevor is now back to 5,000,000.

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Kaplan Doubles Through Deeter

Level 29 (Blinds 50,000/100,000/10,000)
Players Remaining: 4

James Kaplan would open the button for 300,000, and Trevor Deeter would three-bet from the small blind to 1,050,000.  Kaplan would check his cards, check his stack, and then four-bet all-in (3,535,000).  Trevor put a stack of yellow chips across the line signifying a call, and the hands would be tabled:

Kaplan: 10♥ 10♦             Deeter: A♠ K♦

Flop: J♥ 6♠ 4♥

Turn: 5♥

River: 3♥

James Kaplan - 8,000,000
Trevor Deeter - 2,000,000

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Changing Chip Counts

Level 29 (Blinds 50,000/100,000/10,000)
Players Remaining: 4

Here are up to the minute chip counts (no notable hands to report):

1. Trevor Deeter - 5,400,000
2. Frank Ferrigno - 2,600,000
3. Joe Black - 13,000,000
4. James Kaplan - 3,600,000

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Black Putting On Pressure

Level 29 (Blinds 50,000/100,000/10,000)
Players Remaining: 4

Joe Black is now up to 12,200,000 and is putting consistent pressure on the short stacks.  He is far and beyond the most active player at the moment.  Although Kaplan and Ferrigno are being termed "short," they do have 30 big blinds, with (90) minute levels.

This is the attraction of these events to both recreational and professional players, super deep play through every stage of the event.

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): On Second Thought

Level 29 (Blinds 50,000/100,000/10,000)
Players Remaining: 4

The idea of a four way ICM chop was just shut down, and the cards are back in the air.  Four handed chip counts:

1. Trevor Deeter - 6,400,000
2. Frank Ferrigno - 3,600,000
3. Joe Black - 9,700,000
4. James Kaplan - 4,000,000

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Discussing A Chop

Level 29 (Blinds 50,000/100,000/10,000)
Players Remaining: 4

The clock is currently paused as players are discussing a four way chop.  Once a decision is made, it will be posted right away.

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): 5th Place - Rand ($13,848)

Level 29 (Blinds 50,000/100,000/10,000)
Players Remaining: 4

Rand Marsden (Sewell, NJ)
5th Place - $13,848

Marsden was the short stack at the table, and after calling Joe Black's open from the blind, the two would see a flop of 3 8 J.  Marsden would get his remaining 500,000 in, and would be open-ended with 8 9 against the A J of Black.  The turn and river would be no help to Marsden, and he would be the first to leave the table since coming back from dinner.

Black continues to lead the way with close to 12,000,000.

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Black Wins A Big One

Level 29 (Blinds 50,000/100,000/10,000)
Players Remaining: 5

After Joe Black opened under the gun, Trevor Deeter three-bet to 650,000 from the button.  Joe would flat and the two would go to the flop: 9♠ 7♦ 5♣.  After Joe checked, Trevor would fire out a bet of 800,000.  After asking for the amount of the bet, and some deliberate thought, Black would make the call.  The turn would bring the 6♥ and Trevor would check to Joe, who would then put out a bet of 3,000,000.  Deeter would eventually fold his hand, giving Black the pot worth close to 6,000,000.

Big Stax VI Series - $230 Limit Omaha 8B (Results)

Total Players : 110		Prize Pool : $21,340
Place	Player Name		Prize
1	Laurence O'Halloran		$6,614
2	Wasyl Zaliwiciw		$4,055
3	Bruce Frank		$2,373
4	Michael Bees		$1,814
5	Michael Blakeney		$1,370
6	Marc Saia		$1,095
7	Robert Lambert		$896
8	John Hunter		$747
9	Robert Renner		$640
10	Charles Deravin		$551
11	Robert Toft Sr		$395
12	Barry Moody		$395
13	Joseph Heffers		$395

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Post Dinner Counts

Level 29 (Blinds 50,000/100,000/10,000)
Players Remaining: 5

Here are the counts back from dinner:

1. Trevor Deeter - 6,800,000
2. Rand Marsden - 900,000
3. Frank Ferrigno - 4,400,000
4. Joe Black - 9,100,000
5. James Kaplan - 1,700,000

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Back From Break

Level 29 (Blinds 50,000/100,000/10,000)
Players Remaining: 5

Players are once again taking their seats, and the next time they break for that long it will be at the conclusion of this event.

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Dinner Break

Players are now going on a (75) minute dinner break, and when they return to Level 29 the blinds will be going up to 50,000/100,000/10,000.  The play (as well as live coverage) will resume at approximately 9:10pm.

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Updated Chip Counts

Level 28 (Blinds 40,000/80,000/10,000)
Players Remaining: 5

Updated final table chip counts:

1. Trevor Deeter - 7,200,000
2. Rand Marsden - 900,000
3. Frank Ferrigno - 4,200,000
4. Joe Black - 8,300,000
5. James Kaplan - 3,200,000

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): 6th Place - Dascoli ($11,139)

Level 28 (Blinds 40,000/80,000/10,000)
Players Remaining: 5

John Dascoli (Hatboro, PA)
6th Place - $11,139

Trevor Deeter opened the pot to 160,000, and John Dascoli three-bet shoved 1,700,000.  When they action quickly folded back to Trevor, he would think for about three minutes, cutting out the chips for a call.  Deeter would eventually push the chips across the line for a call, and the two players would be racing.  Deeter's 99 > AQ of Dascoli on a runout of J 3 7 4 9.  

Deeter is now up to 7,000,000, and creeping close to the chip lead held by Joe Black.

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Mid-Level Chip Updates

Level 28 (Blinds 40,000/80,000/10,000)
Players Remaining: 6

Here are updated chip counts half the way through Level 28.  At the end of this level, players will be going on a (75) minute dinner break:

1. Trevor Deeter - 6,200,000
2. John Dascoli - 1,900,000
3. Rand Marsden - 700,000
4. Fran Ferrigno - 4,700,000
5. Joe Black - 9,000,000
6. James Kaplan - 2,100,000

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Slowing Down

Level 28 (Blinds 40,000/80,000/10,000)
Players Remaining: 6

The action has once again slowed down since returning from break, with only one sizable pot played. Joe Black and Frank Ferrigno once again tangled in said hand, with Ferrigno getting the better of Black.

To paint a picture of the table, it's pretty subdued with minimal table talk...if at all.  The players who were once driving conversation between the bunch have been eliminated, and the remaining six seem extremely focused.  Joe Black and Trevor Deeter have been the two most active players, while James Kaplan and Rand Marsden have been the most snug.

Big Stax 500 (Day 2): Break Time Chip Counts

Level 28 (Blinds 40,000/80,000/10,000)
Players Remaining: 6

Here are updated chip counts from break:

1. Trevor  Deeter - 5,200,000
2. John Dascoli - 2,100,000
3. Rand Marsden - 2,000,000
4. Frank Ferrigno - 3,300,000
5. Joe Black - 12,400,000
6. James Kaplan - 2,200,000

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): 7th Place - Lopes ($9,032)

Level 27 (Blinds 30,000/60,000/10,000)
Players Remaining: 6

Joseph Lopes (Barnegat, NJ)
7th Place - $9,032

Lopes grinder his stack down to six big blinds, as he was UTG on the last hand of the level.  He open shoved 365,000 and was called by Joe Black in middle position.  The action would fold around, and Lopes would see a runout that would sum up his day:

Lopes: K♠ J♥           Black: A♣ Q♦

Flop: 8♦ 10♦ K♥

Turn: K♦

River: 6♦

Lopes would outflop Joe Black, but watch as the turn and river would come running diamonds to send Lopes home.

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Break Time Once More

Players are again going on a (10) minute break, and when they return to Level 28, the blinds will be going up to 40,000/80,000/10,000.  The chip average for the remaining seven players is 3,600,000.

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): 8th Place - Martinson ($7,075)

Level 27 (Blinds 30,000/60,000/10,000)
Players Remaining: 7

Thos Martinson (Ft. Ann, NJ)
8th Place - $7,075

Thos Martinson was the shortest stack at the table, and he open shoved his remaining 795,000 under the gun plus one.  When the action folded to Rand Marsden, he would call the 795,000.  Frank Ferrigno was next to act and he would three-bet all-in (for a total of 1,270,000).  The action would be to Marsden to call the extra 400,000 and change, and after thinking for a moment, he said he was priced in and made the call:

Thos: Q♦ 10♠         Marsden: A♦ Q♠       Ferrigno: A♣ A♥

Flop: 9♠ 9♦ 5♣

Turn: Q♥

River: 5♠

Ferrigno's aces would hold, and he would chip up to 3,000,000, while knocking out Thos Martinson at the same time.

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): The Ten Bigs Club

Level 27 (Blinds 30,000/60,000/10,000)
Players Remaining: 8

There are two players at the table with just over ten big blinds, and they are Thos Martinson (750,000) and Joseph Lopes (800,000).  There is (20) minutes remaining in the level at the moment, and with the blinds going up shortly, and keen eye will be kept on those players movements.

Joe Black continues to lead the way, with Trevor Deeter second in chips.  Rand Marsden has been by the far the least active player throughout the Day 3, but sits above chip average with 3,000,000.

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Mid-Level Chip Counts

Level 27 (Blinds 30,000/60,000/10,000)
Players Remaining: 8

Here are updated chip counts half the way through Level 27:

1. Trevor Deeter - 5,300,000
2. John Dascoli - 1,700,000
3. Thos Martinson - 1,400,000
4. Joseph Lopes - 800,000
5. Rand Marsden - 3,100,000
6. Frank Ferrigno - 1,100,000
7. Joe Black - 8,400,000
8. James Kaplan - 2,400,000

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): 9th Place - Schoultz ($5,419)

Level 27 (Blinds 30,000/60,000/10,000)
Players Remaining: 8

Mike Schoultz (Arlington, VA)
9th Place - $5,419

Mike Schoultz and Trevor Deeter played a number of hands against each other, with Deeter getting the best of Mike right before Schoultz's final hand.  Schoultz was left with about 25 bigs, and got his stack in on the turn of a board reading Q♦ 6♦ 10♥ 5♥:

Schoultz: Q♥ 9♥         Deeter: K♠ Q♠

Board: Q♦ 6♦ 10♥ 5♥

River: 5♣

Schoultz would miss his flush draw, and when the turn didn't pair his nine either, Mike would be eliminated in ninth place.

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Black Reading Well

Level 27 (Blinds 30,000/60,000/10,000)
Players Remaining: 9

Joe Black has taken a commanding chip lead at this final table after winning a pot versus John Dascoli (Black has over 8,600,000).  On a board of 10♥ 5♠ 3♥ J♦ 2♠, Joe check-called the flop (145,000)...the turn (575,000)...and the river (825,000).  On the river Dascoli would table A♥ Q♦, and Black would turn over 8♥ 5♥ for the win and send Dascoli under 2,000,000.

With the table still nine-handed, Joe Black has over 30% of the total chips in play.

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Updated Chip Counts

Level 27 (Blinds 30,000/60,000/10,000)
Players Remaining: 9

Here are updated counts coming back from break:

1. Trevor Deeter - 3,700,000
2. John Dascoli - 3,400,000
3. Thos Martinson - 1,900,000
4. Joseph Lopes - 900,000
5. Rand Marsden - 3,700,000
6. Mike Schoultz - 1,500,000
7. Frank Ferrigno - 1,100,000
8. Joe Black - 5,600,000
9. James Kaplan - 2,200,000

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): 10th Place - Abi-Zeid ($3,914)

Level 26 (Blinds 25,000/50,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 9

George Abi-zeid (Miller Place, NY)
10th Place - $3,914

Joe Black continues his reign at the final table, as he sends home George Abi-zeid in 10th place, the only elimination during Level 26.  All the chips got in on the turn:

Abi-zeid: A♣ 10♣         Black: Q 10

Board: 5♣ Q♣ 6♠ 10♥

River: 10♦

Although Joe had a firm grip on the hand when the chips went in (turning two pair), Abi-zeid was still alive to more than a handful of outs.  The river would bring Black a full house, and Abi-zeid (who came into Day 3 second in chips) would be the first player to leave the final table.

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Going On Break

The ten players that still remain are going on their second break of the day, and they will return to blinds of 30,000/60,000/10,000.  The chip average at the table is still 2,500,000, which is just over 40 big blinds.

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Action Picks Up A Little

Level 26 (Blinds 25,000/50,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 10

Trevor Deeter was faced with a 700,000 turn bet on a board of A J 4 A from George Abi-zeid.  The pot sized bet was called by Trevor and the players would see the K on the river.  George would ask Trevor what he had left, which was just over 800,000, and then proceed to check.  Deeter would then turn over A 10 (flopped an ace with nut flush draw), and Abi-zeid would look at his hand once more before sending the cards into the muck.

Trevor Deeter - 4,200,000
George Abi-zeid - 1,800,000

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): All The Shorties Doubling

Level 26 (Blinds 25,000/50,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 10

The trend of the day has been the short stacks surviving (well...most of them), and breathing new life at the final table.  Mike Schoultz was left super short after losing the earlier pot to Joe Black, but he just doubled through James Kaplan.  Mike's 9 10 > K Q of Kaplan on the runout of A 10 2 8 7, putting him back over 1,000,000, while dropping Kaplan to just over 3,100,000.

In the first hour this field saw three departures, but since then they have not lost a players.  The final table is still ten handed with just over (24) minutes remaining in Level 26.

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Black v. Schoultz

Level 26 (Blinds 25,000/50,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 10

The action was picked up on the flop of 10♠ 2♠ 2♥, and Mike Schoultz had a bet of 145,000 in front of him.  Joe Black was to act and he cut out a raise to 300,000 and put it across the betting line.  Schoultz would then himself cut out a three-bet to 650,000 (leaving 500,000 behind), and Black would then four-bet all-in.

Schoultz thought for about five solid minutes before deciding to lay down the hand, leaving ten blinds in front of him.  Black would flip over the A♥ before pushing his hand toward the dealer.

Joe Black - 3,300,000
Mike Schoultz - 500,000

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Deeter Over 2,000,000

Level 26 (Blinds 25,000/50,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 10

Trevor Deeter (Langhorne, PA) is currently trying to build back the stack that he started the day with (just under 3,000,000).  He was down to 1,200,000 coming back from break, but just got it all-in pre over Joe Black's button raise.  Black made the call and Deeter's AA > A 10, giving him a pot worth over 2,000,000.

Joe Black - 2,500,000
Trevor Deeter - 2,400,000

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Updated Chip Counts

Level 26 (Blinds 25,000/50,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 10

Here are updated final table chip counts:

1. Trevor Deeter - 1,200,000
2. John Dascoli - 3,700,000
3. Thos Martinson - 1,900,000
4. Joseph Lopes - 1,800,000
5. Rand Marsden - 3,100,000
6. George Abi-zeid - 3,900,000
7. Mike Schoultz - 1,200,000
8. Frank Ferrigno - 1,200,000
9. Joe Black - 3,900,000
10. James Kaplan - 3,600,000

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Payout Reminder

Level 26 (Blinds 25,000/50,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 10

Here is a reminder of what the remaining players are here for:

1. $70,290
2. $42,147
3. $23,693
4. $17,491
5. $13,848
6. $11,139
7. $9,032
8. $7,075
9. $5,419
10. $3,914

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Break Time

Players are going on their first (10) minute break of the day, and when they return to Level 26, the blinds will be going up to 25,000/50,000/5,000.  The chip average at the ten handed final table is 2,500,000 (50 bigs).

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Martinson Holds

Level 25 (Blinds 20,000/40,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 10

Thos Martinson (Ft. Ann, NY) three-bet shoved his remaining 885,000 over the 110,000 open from Joe Black.  The action would fold back around to Joe, and after asking for a count, he would make the call.  Martinson's 10 10 > A Q of Black, and Thos becomes another short stacked player to double.  Thos now has 1,900,000 going into the first break of the day, up from the 1,000,000 he started with (90) minutes ago.

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Ferrigno Doubles Up

Level 25 (Blinds 20,000/40,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 10

Frank Ferrigno had ten bigs in front of him, and he three-bet shoved over an open from Joseph Lopes.  Frank would once again have the best hand with pocket jacks against the pocket tens of Lopes.  The flop would come out A J 4, but Frank wouldn't be in the clear just yet.  Lopes was calling for a king or queen, but what he got on the turn was a ten.  Lopes would need the last ten in the deck to make quads, and the nine on the river surely gave a sweat, it would not be.

Ferrigno is now once again over 1,000,000, and has some breathing room with over 20 big blinds.

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Updated Chip Counts

Level 25 (Blinds 20,000/40,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 10

Here are the updated chip counts from the final table:

1. Trevor Deeter - 1,600,000
2. John Dascoli - 2,800,000
3. This Martinson - 1,000,000
4. Joseph Lopes - 2,400,000
5. Rand Marsden - 3,800,000
6. George Abi-zeid - 3,200,000
7. Mike Schoultz - 1,700,000
8. Frank Ferrigno - 400,000
9. Joe Black - 4,400,000
10. James Kaplan - 3,000,000

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Black Flops Gin

Level 25 (Blinds 20,000/40,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 10

In one of the first few hands at the final table, Frank Ferrigno and Joe Black got it all-in pre for a pot worth close to 4,600,000.  Frank would be in great shape with AA against the AK of Black, but the flop would run out two kings, and Ferrigno would be left searching for the last ace in the deck.  Joe Black would get the double, as Frank walked away from the table visibly perturbed with the result he just saw.

Joe Black - 4,600,000
Frank Ferrigno - 400,000

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Final Table

Level 25 (Blinds 20,000/40,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 10

The final table has been set, and here is the lineup (with chip counts to follow):

1. Trevor Deeter
2. John Dascoli
3. This Martinson
4. Joseph Lopes
5. Rand Marsden
6. George Abi-zeid
7. Mike Schoultz
8. Frank Ferrigno
9. Joe Black
10. James Kaplan

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): 11th Place - Gross ($3,914)

Level 25 (Blinds 20,000/40,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 10

Sheldon Gross (Hillsborough, FL)
11th Place - $3,914

As Patti was walking to the podium, the other short stack remaining got his last 250,000 in the middle.  It would be the classic race for Gross versus John Dascoli, but Sheldon's QQ did not flip well against the AK of Dascoli.  John would flop an ace, leaving Sheldon three outs in the deck, which he would not hit.

The players have now reached the final table, and the lineup with updated chip counts will be posted shortly.

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): 12th Place - Haggerty ($3,914)

Level 25 (Blinds 20,000/40,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 12

Patti Haggerty (Scranton, PA)
12th Place - $3,914

Patti Haggerty was the second shortest stack remaining, and she would open shove her remaining 670,000.  George Abi-zeid was on her direct left and would make the call after a few moments in thought:

Haggerty: 7♦ 7♥          Abi-zeid: A♥ A♠

Flop: 7♠ 10♥ 4♥

Turn: 6♥

River: 3♥

Haggerty would out-flop Abi-zeid and take a huge lead in the hand.  The lead was no longer as safe on the turn when George would call out for a heart.  Abi-zeid would receive his wish on the river, and Patti would take the loss gracefully as she walked away from the table.

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Easy Come...Easy Go

Level 25 (Blinds 20,000/40,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 12

James Kaplan was all-in under the gun for 970,000, and the action folded to George Abi-zeid, who was still stacking chips from a sizable pot won against Trevor Deeter.  George would announce a call, but he would watch the chips he just won leave his possession, as Kaplan's A 10 > A K.  The flop would be clean for George, but Kaplan would both turn and river a ten to double up (2,000,000).

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Gross Gets Another Chance

Level 25 (Blinds 20,000/40,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 12

Sheldon Gross is now the short stack of the bunch, holding just over ten big blinds (400,000).  After James Dascoli limped, Gross limped behind on the button, and Thos Martinson would shove for the second hand in a row (1,200,000).  John would fold and Sheldon would make the call:

Gross: 3 3            Martinson: 9 9

Flop: Q Q 10

Turn: K

River: K

Gross had one foot out the door, but the flop brought chop outs for him, and he would get a refund plus a little after chopping the pot with Martinson.  Sheldon is still very short along with Patti Haggerty, the only players under 1,000,000.

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): 13th Place - Walsh ($3,312)

Level 25 (Blinds 20,000/40,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 12

Ed Walsh (Langhorne, PA)
13th Place - $3,312

After an open to 110,000 from Rand Marsden, the action would fold around to Ed Walsh in the small blind.  Walsh would three-bet shove to 730,000,  and the decision would be to Rand to make the call.  Marsden did verbalize a call, and the hands were turned over:

Walsh: A♠ 10♦         Marsden: A♣ K♣

Flop: Q♣ 9♣ 7♥

Turn: 3♠

River: K♦

Rand is now up to 4,100,000 after winning the pot, while Walsh goes over $70,000 in lifetime earnings with that finish.

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Black Draws First

Level 25 (Blinds 20,000/40,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 13

Joe Black starts his day off with a little all-in pre (for just over one million), leaving Trevor Deeter to a decision.  Deeter a won a sizable pot to start the day with kings, and surveyed his situation before announcing a call.  The two hands would be tabled:

Black: K♠ Q♣             Deeter: A♦ Q♦

Flop: K♣ 2♥ 6♠

Turn: Q♠

River: J♣

Black gets the double to over 2,000,000, while Trevor drops down to 2,600,000.

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Cards In The Air

Level 25 (Blinds 20,000/40,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 13

The players are taking their chips out of their bags and getting prepared to play for the trophy...and over $70,000.  The only player to not yet arrive is Patti Haggerty, and with the clock already running, she will begin to get blinded out.

This is going to be a big day for one or more of these players, as most of them will be earning the largest live tournament score to date.

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Final Day Table Draw

DAY 3	Table Order
Total Players:	630	13
Total Chips:	25,200,000	1,938,462
Name	Last Name	Chip Count	Table #	Seat #
Joe	Reddick	1,400,000	57	1
James	Kaplan	1,150,000	57	2
Rand	Marsden	2,970,000	57	3
EMPTY			57	4
Trevor	Deeter	2,965,000	57	5
Patricia	Haggerty	860,000	57	6
EMPTY			57	7
George	Abi-zeid	3,735,000	57	8
Ed	Walsh	880,000	57	9
Thos	Martinson	1,055,000	58	1
Mike	Schoultz	1,570,000	58	2
Joseph	Lopes	1,570,000	58	3
EMPTY			58	4
Frank	Ferrigno	2,310,000	58	5
John	Dascoli	4,045,000	58	6
EMPTY			58	7
Sheldon	Gross	670,000	58	8
EMPTY			58	9

Big Stax 500 (Day 3): Day 3 Chip Counts (Alpha)

DAY 3	Alphabetical Order
Total Players:	630	13
Total Chips:	25,200,000	1,938,462
Name	Last Name	Chip Count	Table #	Seat #
George	Abi-zeid	3,735,000	57	8
John	Dascoli	4,045,000	58	6
Trevor	Deeter	2,965,000	57	5
Frank	Ferrigno	2,310,000	58	5
Sheldon	Gross	670,000	58	8
Patricia	Haggerty	860,000	57	6
James	Kaplan	1,150,000	57	2
Joseph	Lopes	1,570,000	58	3
Rand	Marsden	2,970,000	57	3
Thos	Martinson	1,055,000	58	1
Joe	Reddick	1,400,000	57	1
Mike	Schoultz	1,570,000	58	2
Ed	Walsh	880,000	57	9

Big Stax 500 (Day 2): 14th Place - Smith ($3,312)

Level 24 (Blinds 15,000/30,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 13

Terry Smith (Frisco, CO)
14th Place - $3,312

Big Stax 500 (Day 2): Final Hands Of The Night

Level 24 (Blinds 15,000/30,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 14

The clock is now paused and players are finishing out the final hands of the night.  Once the determined amount of hands are played at each table, players will bag their chips for Day 3 tomorrow, beginning at 1:00pm.  Chip counts will be posted once the stacks are verified and bagged.

Big Stax 500 (Day 2): 15th Place - Gulfraz ($3,312)

Level 24 (Blinds 15,000/30,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 14

Kamran Gulfraz (Flushing, NY)
15th Place - $3,312

Kamran's last hand was a formality after losing the close to 3,000,000 pot to George Abi-zeid.  He would be eliminated only a few hands after.

Big Stax 500 (Day 2): Kamran Spirals

Level 24 (Blinds 15,000/30,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 15

It was a seemingly dream situation for George Abi-zeid, as the board ran out 2 5 4 9 3, and with already close to 1,000,000 in the pot.  George had A 3 and had flopped the wheel, only to improve to the nut flush on the turn.  With the pot already bloated, Kamran Gulfraz announced himself all-in on the river (having George covered).  George quickly called and flipped over the nuts, with Gulfraz left to talk to himself.

George Abi-zeid - 2,900,000
Kamran Gulfraz - 350,000

Big Stax 500 (Day 2): Seeing The Future

Level 24 (Blinds 15,000/30,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 15

Sheldon Gross

At Table 47, Kamran Gulfraz opened the pot for 100,000, and Sheldon Gross followed with a three-bet to 200,000.  The action would fold around the Kamran and he would just flat, saying to Gross, "I don't know how to play this hand, I'm going to double you up."  The flop would run out 10 8 3, and Gross would go all-in for 465,000.  Kamran would call, and surely he saw this coming, as his JJ < QQ of Sheldon.  Sheldon would double up to over 1,500,000, while Gulfraz drops to 2,200,000.

Kamran Gulfraz - 2,200,000
Sheldon Gross - 1,500,000

Big Stax 500 (Day 2): 16th Place - Netanelof ($2,920)

Level 24 (Blinds 15,000/30,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 15

Georoh Netanelof (Rego Park, NY)
16th Place - $2,920

Big Stax 500 (Day 2): 17th Place - Siegel ($2,920)

Level 24 (Blinds 15,000/30,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 16

Eric Siegel (Melville, NY)
17th Place - $2,920

Siegel was all-in only minutes after doubling up Schoultz, and he would be behind once again.  This time he had a little better of a sweat as his AJ < AK of John Dascoli, missing both flopped flush and broadway draws.

Siegel is just under $500,000 lifetime earnings with that cash, and just falls short of matching his best ever Big Stax finish (finished 16th place Big Stax III Series $1,000 Event).

Big Stax 500 (Day 2): Schoultz Doubles

Level 24 (Blinds 15,000/30,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 17

Mike Schoultz was one of the shorter stacks coming back from break, and he continued to dip lower as Level 24 began.  He got a big double just moments ago when his AA > 10 10 of Eric Siegel, basically flip flopping the players positions.  Schoultz was all-in for 450,000, and he would double to just over 1,000,000.  Eric Siegel would be left with just over 400,000 after losing the hand.