Table 69 seems to be the place where players go to expire. That table’s average stack is now noticeably higher than that of the tournament. Maxime Théroux just delivered the final blow to Nicola Basile, who got it in good with 
, and a stack of just over 100K. There was an open raise to 20K and two callers, which led to Nicola’s shove. Maxime was the last caller, and after 2 folds, he made the call with 
, realizing the pot offered some very good odds. The board was then opened: 
. The turn came down with a bang, sending Nicola to the rail, and Maxime to the top of the leaderboard.
The last hour has seen 20 players go out, and that pace is expected to accelerate some more, until it eventually slows down considerably towards the end of this phase 1.