The 2015 World Series of Poker began with 6,420 players — which created a prize pool of $60,348,000 — and on Tuesday the final 27 returned to battle for a spot in the coveted November Nine. A spot would guarantee them a $1,001,020 payday while giving them a shot at the $7,680,021 first-place prize.
On the last day of play before the four-month hiatus, 18 players had their dreams crushed. When the dust settled, the 2015 WSOP November Nine was comprised of an eclectic mix of players including circuit regular and chip leader Joseph McKeehen; 72-year-old Pierre Neuville, who is fresh off winning a Lifetime Achievement Award at the European Poker Awards; and WSOP bracelet winner Max Steinberg.
Joining them are Americans Thomas Cannuli, Neil Blumenfield, Josh Beckley, and Patrick Chan; Israel's Zvi Stern; and Italy's Federico Butteroni.
Falling agonizingly short of making this year's final table was arguably the most popular poker player in the world, Daniel Negreanu. "Kid Poker" fought hard, but ultimately fell in 11th place, the same spot he took back in the 2001 WSOP Main Event.