The first of two starting flights in the 2024 World Poker Tour (WPT) Seminole Rock ‘n’ Roll Open in South Florida concluded with 238 players remaining, led by Frank Stepuchin, who is eyeing his second WPT title as “Frank the Tank.”

Day 1a of the $3 million guaranteed event at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood attracted 696 players, including a mix of local talent and well-known names from across the country. Early action set the stage for a thrilling tournament.

Chance Kornuth’s Bold Bluff

One standout moment involved 2022 WPT Choctaw champion Chance Kornuth executing an impressive four-bet, triple-barrel bluff. Kornuth showed king-high after forcing his opponent to fold, showcasing the fearless style that has earned him $9.4 million in career earnings, four WSOP bracelets, and a WPT title.

In 2022, Kornuth claimed victory at the WPT Choctaw Main Event, taking home $486,600 after outlasting a stacked final table featuring Kristen Foxen, Ray Qartomy, and 2024 Choctaw champion James Mackey.

Stepuchin Leads Into Day 2

When Day 2 begins on Dec. 1, look for Frank Stepuchin and his signature props—a plastic chicken wing or possibly a football. These quirky items were by his side when he won the 2019 $10,000 WPT Gardens Poker Championship for $548,825, propelling him to second place on Utah’s all-time money list.

Stepuchin, who secured a 150-plus big blind stack, reflected on his unconventional approach to poker:

“I’ve read one beginner poker book ever. I don’t study anything. I’ve been saying I’ll get coaching from Alex Foxen, Kristen Foxen, or Chance Kornuth, because there’s so much I could learn. But I kind of just play by the seat of my pants.” Joining Stepuchin atop the leaderboard are William Lamar-Boone, Kevin Schulz, Gregory Back, and Jesse Lonis, who finished third in the WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open Championship earlier this year for $410,000.

Notable Players Advancing

Other players advancing from the first starting flight include Raminder Singh, Kristen Foxen, Ryan Riess, Shannon Shorr, Adam Hendrix, Matt Glantz, and Joe McKeehen. Notable players unable to bag chips include Jeremy Becker, Martin Zamani, Francis Anderson, and Alex Foxen.

The second starting flight is set to kick off at 11 a.m. local time in the Seminole Hard Rock ballroom, promising another action-packed day in the RRPO championship. Stay tuned for continued updates.