WinStar $1,500,000 GTD 2019 Labor Day River Series Main Event Begins Tomorrow
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WinStar Casino is set to kick off one of the most-anticipated mid-major poker tournaments of the year. On Friday, the 2019 Labor Day River Series $1,500 buy-in, $1,500,000 guarantee Main Event will get underway, and the PokerNews Live Reporting Team will be on hand to capture all the action.
The WinStar River Poker Series has a long history dating back to 2012, which is when Aaron Massey topped a 1,396-entry field to win the title and $651,559 first-place prize. Others to win the title include Jason Helder (2014 for $1,000,000), Maxx Coleman (2015 for $775,000), Gordon Vayo (2016 for $587,120), and Ben Zamani (2017 for $347,134).
Most recently, 20-year-old Will Pengelly bested an 807-entry field to win what was a $2,500 Main Event for $249,310 as part of a five-way deal. This year, the buy-in has been lowered to $1,500, which along with the full slate of satellite qualifiers, is expected to draw a massive field.
For the past week, WinStar has been playing host to a series of side events as a part of the 2019 Labor Day River Series. While PokerNews is only offering live updates from the Main Event, we still wanted to update you on the winners thus far.
One such event was Event #7: $500 Monster Stack, a tournament that drew 403 entrants and paid out the top 41 players.
Among those to get paid but fall short of the final table were Tiep Bui (10th - $2,720), Michael Giant (14th - $2,267), Archie Raimer (21st - $1,541), Matt Bond (23rd - $1,541), Charles Murray (30th - $1,360), Rex Clinkscales (32nd - $1,179), Chan Pelton (35th - $1,179), and Bryant Terry (41st - $907).
The final table ended with a multi-way deal that saw Chad Runeberg crowned champion for a $27,451 payday.
2019 Labor Day River Series Side Event Winners
| Tournament | Entries | Winner | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| Event #1: $500 NLH Flighted Ultimate | 827 | Jonathan Bloyen | $55,000 |
| Event #2: $300 NLH Bounty | 235 | Jalal Shamroukh | $5,250 |
| Event #3: $500 PLO | 122 | Kyle Monaco | $5,291 |
| Event #4: $200 NLH Turbo Bounty | 144 | Kevin Rund | $1,498 |
| Event #5: $300 NLH | 160 | Brian Lee | $6,875 |
| Event #6: $200 NLH Turbo | 121 | David Lewis | $1,057 |
| Event #7: $500 Monster Stack | 403 | Chad Runeberg | $27,451 |
Remaining 2019 Labor Day River Series Schedule
| Date | Time | Tournament | Stack | Levels | Late Reg | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, August 29 | 7 p.m. | $330 Mega Satellite | 7,000 | 30 minutes | 6 levels | 10 seats added |
| Friday, August 30 | Noon | $1,500 Main Event Day 1a | 25,000 | 40 minutes | 9 levels | $1.5M GTD |
| Saturday, August 31 | Noon | $1,500 Main Event Day 1b | 25,000 | 40 minutes | 9 levels | $1.5M GTD |
| Sunday, September 1 | Noon | $1,500 Main Event Day 1c | 25,000 | 40 minutes | 9 levels | $1.5M GTD |
| Monday, September 2 | Noon | $1,500 Main Event Day 2 | 25,000 | 60 minutes | 9 levels | $1.5M GTD |
| Tuesday, September 3 | Noon | $1,500 Main Event Finale | 25,000 | 60 minutes | - | $1.5M GTD |
About the World’s Biggest Casino
With nearly 400,000 square feet, WinStar World Casino and Resort, owned and operated by the Chickasaw Nation, is the world’s biggest casino. There are nine city-themed gaming plazas with over 8,400 electronic games. Toss in 100 table games, a 55-table poker room, off-track betting, bingo, and more, and WinStar is a true gaming destination.
Additionally, they’ve established themselves as a go-to place for dining and entertainment. Regarding the former, they have the upscale Kirby’s Steakhouse as well as the 500-seat Gran Via Buffet. Toss in eateries like Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill, Panda Express, and El Fenix, and there’s really something for everyone.
For those looking to take in the nightlife, check out the jazzy Rotunda Bar in the hotel lobby, as well as hotspots like MIST Nightclub and Skyline Lounge. There’s also shopping, an 18-hole championship golf course, and a three-tower hotel with nearly 1,400 rooms.
For more information visit Winstar.com.
PR & Media Manager for PokerNews, Podcast host & 2013 WSOP Bracelet Winner.
