$600 Main Event Day 1a | 2017 Seneca Niagara Falls Summer Slam

It has been a rather wet summer living in the shadow of the eighth wonder of the world.

But the massive cloud of mist ever rising out Niagara Falls isn't the only thing keeping Western New York damp. Heavy rains, humidity, flash floods, severe storms and tornadoes have plagued the area this year.

The usual barbecues and ball games have been rained out. In fact, it seems the only thing you can count on this summer is poker. This game is always going, rain or shine.

And now, after a week of keeping players dry and crushing guarantees in the prelims, the Niagara Falls Poker Room inside the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino will host the first of two starting flights for the $100,000 Guaranteed 2017 Seneca Niagara Summer Slam Main Event Friday.

A 42-year-old Chiropractor from Rochester, NY won the 2016 Seneca Niagara Falls Summer Slam Main Event, beating a field of 475 entries that created a $252,106 prize pool.

Russ Campanella will likely return to defend his title and he will be joined by some of the best poker players from Western New York and beyond.

The $600 Summer Slam Main Event is always a big draw in Niagara Falls, and with registration and unlimited reentry available through the start of the eleventh level in Friday's first starting flight, and a second one Saturday, there should be another massive field.

Players begin the starting flights with 30,000 in chips and plans to play 15 40-minute levels or until 12 percent of the field remains.

There is a 45-minute dinner break at the end of Level 10, through which registration and reentry remains open.

It's a true Main Event structure giving players plenty of wiggle room and the opportunity to stay patient. However, if past incarnations of the Summer Slam Main Event are any indication, there should still be plenty of action worth following from start to finish.

Play will begin at 11 a.m. local time and you are welcome to follow along right here on PokerNews.

The 2017 Seneca Niagara Summer Slam Main Event drew 145 entries for the first of two starting flights inside the Niagara Falls Poker Room at the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino Friday.

A bevvy of local legends, players having a hot Summer Slam series, and defending 2016 Summer Slam Main Event champ Russ Campanella were among those who entered.

By the time 15 40-minute levels of play were through a total of 33 survived and Campanella's title defense is still alive as he was among them.

Canadian Matt Brunskole, who pulled this same trick in the Spring at the Western New York Poker Challenge Main Event, managed to bag the chip lead on over 370,000. He joined the leaders early and got a double knock out late to secure the biggest bag from this group headed to Day 2 Sunday. Chris Damick was right there with him until a late slide. He bagged, but under 100,000.

Other recognizable names that bagged big included Blake Napierala, Adam Foster, Mark Roberts and Jason Nablo. Plus, a host of capable rounders remain in the mix.

In the meantime, the 2017 Seneca Niagara Summer Slam Main Event moves on to its second and final starting flight Saturday. It should be a big one beginning at 11 a.m. local time with registration and reentry available until the start of Level 11. Anyone who can survive that will join this group on Sunday.

PokerNews will of course be on hand to cover all the action, so stay tuned.