The 2017 WSOP kicked off this week at Harrah’s in Las Vegas. Poised to make another record year for entries and prize money given away, we already have our first bracelets awarded.

Casino employees always get first crack at a bracelet in the Employees event. This has been a long standing tradition at the WSOP, dating as far back as when it was played at Binion’s. Bryan Hollis would come out on top in the 2017 Employee event, netting $68,817 for his efforts.

A total of 651 players forked over the $565 entry fee for their share of a $325,500 prize pool. For Hollis, this was his first ever WSOP cash. In the same event last year, he busted out in only seven hands.

$10,000 Tag Team Event #2

Event #2, the $10,000 Tag Team No-Limit Hold’ em Championship also awarded the first “official” bracelet of the 2017 WSOP. This event has two players team up to compete against other teams. A total of 102 players, making 51 teams entered the event. Perhaps the most notable player in the field was Olympic swimmer, Michael Phelps. The all-time gold medal winner couldn’t find a gold bracelet in the event though.

Liv Boeree and Russian pro, Igor Kurganov would win the event, along with $138,982 in prize money for each. Daniel Negreanu, David Benyamine, and JC Tran also finished in the top 10.

Only 6 events have started as of Saturday morning. The $111,111 High Roller for One Drop saw 101 entries and we’re already down to 90 players. Leon Tsoukernik leads the field, but it’s still very early. Antonio Esfandiari, the all-time WSOP money leader sits in 7th place. He would win the $1 million buy in event a few years back, taking home over $18 million, catapulting him up the all-time money list.

WSOP.com Online Event #8

One of the more anticipated events – $333 WSOP.com Limit Hold em online only event begins Saturday. This is one of multiple online only events taking place at WSOP.com.