Through The Lens of Drew - Broken Dreams on Day 5

Remko Rinkema • Jul 10, 2018

As the payouts get bigger, the heartbreak increases. This is the photo recap of Day 5 of the WSOP Main Event.

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Drew Amato has been covering the World Series of Poker since 2014. This year he’s covered the U.S. Poker Open and Super High Roller Bowl for Poker Central. Daily during the Main Event, Amato will share his favorite images from the World Series of Poker. Enjoy this recurring piece as, in his own words, Amato describes the biggest moments in the game.

Big names rose, and big names fell on Day 5 of the WSOP Main Event. Just 111 players advanced to Day 6 after a power outage cut the night short, and here’s a look at some of the biggest moments and storylines of the day.

Among the many notables left in the field, there are few as popular as Antonio Esfandiari. The magician was up to his old tricks, chipping up earlier on Day 5, as he tried to chase down the dream. Esfandiari's best finish in this event came in 2009 when he finished 29th. For a while it seemed as if Esfandiari had put himself in a position to make it happen, but he would eventually fall short in 132nd place. — Among the many notables left in the field, there are few as popular as Antonio Esfandiari. The magician was up to his old tricks, chipping up earlier on Day 5, as he tried to chase down the dream. Esfandiari’s best finish in this event came in 2009 when he finished 29th. For a while, it seemed as if Esfandiari had put himself in a position to make it happen, but he would eventually fall short in 132nd place.

It's rare to see a Massey brother deep in an event without the other one by their side. Tonight in the main was no different. While Aaron was eliminated earlier in the tournament, Ralph had been grinding a short stack for the last 24 hours. The highs and lows of poker can be brutal for even the most seasoned of pros, and the Massey's are known for wearing it on their sleeves. The walk to the payout cage is never easy, but the Massey brothers always seem to be there to lift one another up. — It’s rare to see a Massey brother deep in an event without the other one by their side. Tonight in the main was no different. While Aaron was eliminated earlier in the tournament, Ralph had been grinding a short stack for the last 24 hours. The highs and lows of poker can be brutal for even the most seasoned of pros, and the Massey’s are known for wearing it on their sleeves. The walk to the payout cage is never easy, but the Massey brothers always seem to be there to lift one another up.

The brotherly support on full display after Ralph was eliminated late on Day 5.

While many players fell short here on Day 5, it was quite the opposite for Bart Lybaert. The pro from Belgium managed to chip up throughout the day and will bring a massive stack of 8,850,000 into Day 6. Lybaert is no stranger to success, with over $2 Million in lifetime earnings he will most definitely be one to keep an eye on as we near the final table. — While many players fell short here on Day 5, Bart Lybaert surged. The pro from Belgium managed to chip up throughout the day and will bring a massive stack of 8,850,000 into Day 6. Lybaert is no stranger to success, with over $2 Million in lifetime earnings he will most definitely be one to keep an eye on as we near the final table.

Shannon Short and Kelly Minkin spent the entire duration of play sitting next to each other today. Early in the day it was Minkin controlling the action, as she took over the chip lead of the tournament for a while. Shorr however managed to chip up throughout the day and bag a decent stack, while Minkin's day went in the opposite direction. Shorr will bring an average stack into Day 6, while the last woman is left with just 20 big blinds and a dream. — Shannon Short and Kelly Minkin spent the entire duration of play sitting next to each other today. Early in the day, it was Minkin controlling the action, as she took over the chip lead of the tournament for a while. Shorr, however, managed to chip up throughout the day and bag a decent stack, while Minkin’s day went in the opposite direction. Shorr will bring an average stack into Day 6, while the last woman is left with just 20 big blinds and a dream.

Day 5 came to an immediate halt when the Rio lost power and lights in the Amazon room. Players broke out cell phones to finish the action on tables, while ESPN came around with a video light to assist. Definitely one of the craziest moments I’ve documented in my few years at the WSOP, and certainly one I won’t forget.

Enjoyed this photoblog? You’ll also enjoy “Super High Roller Bowl Highlights”, “Poker’s Annual Gold Rush” and “Doyle’s Final Ride” in the series “Through the Lens of Drew” by clicking the links. Follow Drew Amato on Instagram. The 2018 World Series of Poker streams live on PokerGO now. Don’t miss a minute of the action by subscribing to PokerGO.

Shannon Shorr, Antonio Esfandiari, 2018 WSOP Main Event, Kelly Minkin, Through The Lens of Drew, Bart Lybaert, Aaron Massey, Ralph Massey

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January 10, 2025

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January 10, 2025

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January 9, 2025