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Level 1
: Blinds 100/200, 200 ante
2026 Borgata Big, Big Series
$5,300 BetMGM Poker Big, Big Championship
Day: 1b
Players Left 349 / 473
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Level 1
: Blinds 100/200, 200 ante
Michael Cheng limped in from early position, and AJ Paleatsos did the same on his left. Big blind David Stefanski bumped it up to 1,200, and only Cheng called.
Stefanski check-called a bet of 1,500 on the 9♥8♦10♠ flop, before doing the same when his opponent fired 2,500 on the 9♠ turn.
Action went check-check on the 10♦ river, and Cheng showed J♣7♣ for a flopped straight. Stefanski mucked.
Level 1
: Blinds 100/200, 200 ante
David Pelosi raised to 700 from late position and called Michael Hermoza's three-bet to 2,200 from the button.
On the flop of 4♥2♦2♣, Pelosi checked over to Hermoza who bet 1,900.
Pelosi thought for a little bit before electing to throw his hand away.
Level 1
: Blinds 100/200, 200 ante
Level: 1
Blinds: 100/200
Ante: 200
The players have taken their seats and cards are in the air.
The crown jewel of the Big, Big Series sees its second of three flights begin today. Event #10: $5,300 BetMGM Big, Big Championship kicks off today at 12:15 pm, another chance for players to chase after the $3,000,000 guaranteed prize pool at the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Yesterday a total of 80 entrants filled the seats of the poker room, with 25 surviving into Day 2. Leading the way was Matthew Zambanini (235,000), flanked by Max Young (211,000) and Justin Arnwine (201,000) on the podium. Among the others who advanced were 2015 WSOP Main Event champion Joe McKeehen (187,000), BetMGM Ambassadors Michael Gagliano (158,500) and Darren Elias (101,500), and WPT Champions Kharlin Sued (136,500), Michael Wang (107,500), and James Calderaro (103,500).
End of Day 1a Top Ten Chip Counts
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew Zambanini | United States | 235,000 | 94 |
| 2 | Max Young | United States | 211,000 | 84 |
| 3 | Justin Arnwine | United States | 201,000 | 80 |
| 4 | Blake Vogdes | United States | 197,000 | 79 |
| 5 | Joe McKeehen | United States | 187,000 | 75 |
| 6 | Anthony Piacquadio | United States | 177,000 | 71 |
| 7 | Ketan Pandya | United States | 169,000 | 68 |
| 8 | Michael Gagliano | United States | 158,500 | 63 |
| 9 | Daniel Monosson | United States | 146,000 | 58 |
| 10 | Carlos Vizoso | United States | 141,000 | 56 |
Many of the games greats are expected to join the field today. Players like Jeremy Becker, Aaron Pinson, Cherish Andrews, Jonathan Tamayo, and BetMGM Ambassaador Michael Lavin all are potential players for today's tournament.
Players will sit down with 40,000 in chips, with blinds beginning at 100/200, with a 200 big blind ante. Levels will last 60 minutes each with a 15-minute break occurring at the conclusion of every two levels. A 75-minute dinner break will occur at the conclusion of Level 6, with play set to continue until the conclusion of Level 10. Registration remains open until Day 2.
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$5,300 BetMGM Poker Big, Big Championship
Day 1b Started
