The Orleans Summer Open continued its strong run of mid-stakes tournament action with Day 1C of the $800 No-Limit Hold’em Main Event on July 3. Held at the iconic Orleans Casino in Las Vegas, the tournament has drawn enthusiastic fields across all starting flights, and Day 1C proved to be the most crowded and competitive yet.

Day 1C Delivers Strong Turnout and Energy

Day 1C attracted over 700 entries, making it the largest flight of the Main Event so far. Players packed the spacious Orleans poker room, creating a lively and high-energy environment from the opening hand. With the event’s affordable $800 buy-in and deep structure, the field was filled with a balanced mix of local grinders, Vegas summer regulars, and recreational players taking their shot at a solid payday.

This third flight pushed the combined field past 1,800 entries, building a prize pool that’s expected to significantly exceed initial guarantees.

Structure Built for Deep Play

The tournament offered a generous structure, giving players 30,000 starting chips and 40-minute levels, allowing for plenty of post-flop play. Throughout the day, players navigated slow-building pots, multi-way action, and tough decisions, with the deeper structure rewarding patience and skill.

As eliminations began to stack up by the afternoon, chip leaders started to emerge, taking advantage of late-position aggression and well-timed bluffs.

Familiar Faces and Breakout Performances

Among the Day 1C field were several familiar faces, including local pro Rex Clinkscales and bracelet winner Brent Hanks. However, many lesser-known players made strong impressions, including amateur player Sofia Rios, who bagged one of the top stacks after an impressive late-session heater.

The blend of experience and fresh talent created exciting dynamics at every table, as veterans tried to navigate the unpredictable styles of lesser-known but ambitious opponents.

Next Steps: Day 2 and Beyond

All surviving players from Day 1A, 1B, and 1C will return for Day 2, where the field will combine for the first time. The money bubble is expected to burst mid-way through Day 2, with the final table set to be reached shortly after.

Organizers have confirmed that payouts and prize pool details will be released prior to Day 2’s shuffle-up-and-deal. The champion will be crowned on the same day, making for an intense and fast-paced finish to a well-received series.