One of the unexpected surprises of the day was just how orderly everything was. Early on Day 1D, the record was broken, and now all eyes are focused on just how big this Main Event field can get. Some official numbers from the past three days were released with Day 1A fetching 1,039 runners, Day 1B slightly more with 1,118 entries, and Day 1C bringing out 3,077 players – putting the 2006 record of 8,773 within reach.

After a hearty speech from Chris Moneymaker (who finished the day with 143,100) and a “Shuffle Up and Deal” declaration by 100-year-old participant Gene Calden, more than 4,100 runners took their seats and got to the business of trying to make Day 2. It was a historic day at the World Series of Poker, as it became official that this year’s WSOP Main Event would be the biggest in the series’ 53-year history. Phil Hellmuth made his grand entrance to the WSOP Main Event on Day 1D.