Hitesh Patel Leads After Day 1 of $1 Million Guaranteed Midwest Championship

The Midwest Championship at The Reserve Poker Club has broken expectations, drawing a total of 2,270 entries in its $600 no-limit hold’em tournament. With a $1,000,000 guarantee, the massive turnout has resulted in a prize pool of $1,135,000, and the eventual champion will walk away with a handsome $186,290.

After 11 starting flights held between September 18 and 27, only 209 players remain in the tournament, all vying for a slice of the lucrative prize pool. Day 2 kicks off on Sunday, September 28, at noon local time, and the competition is heating up. Let’s dive into the details of the tournament’s impressive run and the players to watch as the action continues.

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A Surprising Turnout for the Midwest Championship

The $600 no-limit hold’em Midwest Championship has quickly become a marquee event, and this year’s turnout surpassed all expectations. The tournament’s 11 starting flights resulted in a final player pool of 2,270, significantly exceeding the $1,000,000 guarantee and building a prize pool of $1,135,000.

This event has not only attracted seasoned professionals but also new players who were eager to get in on the action. With such a large field, the eventual champion is set to claim a significant cash prize of $186,290.

Day 2 Players and Big Chip Stacks

As the tournament heads into Day 2, a select group of players have stood out with massive chip stacks, and their performances will be key as they look to advance toward the final table. Leading the charge is Hitesh Patel, who bagged the largest chip stack with an impressive 2,280,000 chips.

Following close behind Patel is Heath McAllister with 2,220,000 chips, while bracelet winner Satoshi Tanaka sits in third place with 2,020,000 chips. Other notable players with strong stacks include World Poker Tour champion Soheb Porbandarwala (1,960,000), Abdul-Rahim Amer (1,845,000), and Richard Viebranz (1,745,000).

Among the 209 remaining contenders, players like Imari Love (1,695,000) and Anthony Sheline (1,641,000) also have the potential to make deep runs.

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Record-Breaking Multiple Baggers

The 2025 Midwest Championship also saw several players bagging chips more than once, a rare and remarkable feat. Sixteen players managed to bag more than once, with Courtney Kennedy and Dominic Esparza bagging chips three times each, setting them up as potential threats moving into Day 2.

This achievement has added another layer of intrigue to the tournament, as players who have the skill to bag multiple times are poised to make big moves when the action resumes.

Final Table on the Horizon

With just 209 players remaining, the stakes are higher than ever, and the final table is in sight. The final table, set for Monday, September 29, will be broadcast live on YouTube through Live At The Reserve. Poker fans can tune in to watch the intense action unfold as the remaining players battle it out for the championship title and the coveted cash prize.

The tournament is shaping up to be one of the most exciting events of the Card Player Poker Tour this year, and the race for the top prize is still very much open.

The Reserve Social Club: A Hub for Poker Enthusiasts

The Reserve Social Club has become a key player in the poker scene in Ohio, and the Midwest Championship is just one of many successful events held at the club. The 36-table venue offers a private, social poker environment where members can enjoy a variety of cash games and tournaments.

As a members-only poker club, The Reserve offers a unique rake-free experience, where all revenue is generated through membership fees. The club, which currently boasts over 4,500 members, hosts a variety of poker formats, including no-limit hold’em, limit hold’em, and pot-limit Omaha, with cash games available daily.

In addition to poker, the club also offers a range of entertainment options, including the popular Live At The Reserve YouTube broadcasts, which cover events like Rumble At The Reserve and the Regular Joe Poker Show. For those interested in staying up to date on upcoming tournaments and promotions, The Reserve App is a must-have.

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Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Midwest Championship

With the final table looming, all eyes are on the 209 players remaining in the Midwest Championship. The action is far from over, and there’s sure to be plenty of drama as the tournament heads toward its exciting conclusion.

Whether you’re tuning in from home or planning to visit The Reserve Social Club in person, there’s no doubt that this year’s Midwest Championship will be remembered as one of the most thrilling poker events of the year.

FAQs:

1. How many entries were there in the 2025 Midwest Championship?
   There were 2,270 entries across 11 starting flights in the 2025 Midwest Championship.
2. What is the prize pool for the 2025 Midwest Championship?
   The prize pool for the 2025 Midwest Championship is $1,135,000, with the eventual champion set to win $186,290.
3. When does Day 2 of the Midwest Championship begin?
   Day 2 of the Midwest Championship begins at noon local time on Sunday, September 28, 2025.
4. Who is leading the tournament after Day 1?
   Hitesh Patel is leading the tournament after Day 1 with 2,280,000 chips.
5. Where can I watch the final table of the Midwest Championship?
   The final table of the Midwest Championship will be broadcast live on YouTube via Live At The Reserve.
6. How can I join The Reserve Social Club?
   The Reserve Social Club is a members-only poker club. Membership is open to the public, and you can sign up easily either through their website or by calling the club.