Final Flight Kicks Off in PokerStars Open Philadelphia Main Event
The weekend has arrived at the 2026 PokerStars Open series, and the Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia will be buzzing with drama and anticipation all day long.
The last starting flight of the $1,100 Main Event is set to begin at 10:15 a.m. local time, and the $500,000 prize pool should be eclipsed early on Day 1d.
Everyone will be chasing Rajath Tangam (1,100,000), who was the first to pass the million-chip mark on the way to leading Day 1c. Tangam currently holds an advantage over Abel Gebeyehu (992,000), who set the pace on the opening flight.
Michael Hager (637,000) led Day 1b, and sits sixth on an overall leaderboard that includes PokerStars Ambassadors Arlie Shaban and Jennifer Shahade.
$1,100 Main Event Top Ten Overall Chip Counts
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rajath Tangam | United States | 1,100,000 |
| 2 | Abel Gebeyehu | United States | 992,000 |
| 3 | David Kinane | United States | 724,000 |
| 4 | Thilbaud Martin | France | 721,000 |
| 5 | Angel Lopez | United States | 651,000 |
| 6 | Michael Hager | United States | 637,000 |
| 7 | Michael McNicholas | United States | 610,000 |
| 8 | Anthony Pagan | United States | 504,000 |
| 9 | Edward Leonard | United States | 496,000 |
| 10 | Stephen Miller | United States | 489,000 |
Play will kick off one hour earlier than the first three flights, and the final 12.5% of the field will make it through to Day 2. They will then join the 62 players who have already secured a spot in the money, returning on Sunday, March 22 for the final day of action.
The day will consist of 40-minute levels, with breaks taking place after every two hours of play. The schedule also includes a 40-minute dinner break at the conclusion of Level 9.
Blinds will start at 100/100, along with a 100 big blind ante. All players will begin with 40,000 chips, and the tournament features unlimited reentry until late registration closes for the final time after Level 12.
$1,100 Main Event Remaining Schedule
| Date | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mar. 21 | Day 1d | 10:15 a.m. |
| Mar. 22 | Day 2 | 11:15 a.m. |
Action is heating up in Philadelphia, so don’t miss any of the final flight as the PokerNews live reporting team provides full coverage from the start of play through the last money bubble of the $1,100 Main Event.