Level 17 (4,000/8,000/1,000)
Total RG Main Event Entries: 379
Players Remaining: 33
Chip Average: 230,000
Mike McAdams is near the top of the leaderboard after starting Day 2 with only 36,500.
Given that the current chip average is 28 big blinds, playing over double that number would give any competitor a sizable edge and indeed, the chip leaders are in that neighborhood.
Ryan Phan is the first player to crack 600,000 after turning on the jets in the post-money bubble stage. Phan has introduced his table to the death by 1,000 cuts method of building as he has taken down small pot after small pot to put himself ahead of the field. Like Blair Hinkle, Phan is attempting to better his final-18 finish from Council Bluffs.
Once the field reaches 27 players, the remaining players will draw for seats and play down to the 10-handed final table. The chip lead might change hands before then but for now, it is Phan's to lose. A look at the leaderboard is below.
Ryan Phan - 615,000
Christopher Drake - 505,000
Mike McAdams - 425,000
Michael Gerbhardt - 410,000
Michael Lech - 390,000
Nathan Blood - 360,000