Belgium’s Kenny Hallaert has emerged as the chip leader after a grueling Day 7 of the $10,000 WSOP Main Event, putting himself in prime position for another deep run in poker’s most prestigious tournament. With just 49 players left in the field, Hallaert’s dominant stack has made him the one to watch heading into Day 8.

A Familiar Face at the Top

Kenny Hallaert is no stranger to the deep stages of the WSOP Main Event. Best known for his final table appearance in 2016 where he finished sixth, the Belgian tournament director and pro has consistently shown his skills under pressure. His current run further solidifies his status as one of the most respected international players on the circuit.

Entering Day 8, Hallaert holds a commanding chip stack of over 23 million, giving him both leverage and flexibility as the stakes continue to climb.

Navigating a Tough Field

Day 7 of the Main Event was filled with fast-paced action and emotional exits, as several well-known names fell just short of the final stretch. Hallaert managed to survive and thrive through it all, staying composed and making timely plays across long levels of play.

His ability to read situations and avoid major confrontations while steadily building his stack has paid dividends. As the tournament moves into critical territory, Hallaert’s table presence and experience give him a clear advantage.

Eyes on the Final Table

With only 49 players remaining from the original field of 9,735, the path to the final table is now within reach. The pressure is rising, and every pot matters more than ever. Hallaert’s chip lead means he can apply pressure to shorter stacks while picking his spots wisely against other big stacks.

The poker world is already buzzing with speculation about a potential return to the Main Event final table — and Hallaert appears more than capable of making that dream a reality once again.

What’s Next

Day 8 will see the field shrink further as players aim for the coveted top nine seats. With a massive $10 million up top and millions more for other final table finishers, each decision will carry immense weight. Hallaert will return to the felt with momentum on his side and a reputation that demands respect from the rest of the field.