Big 50 Tournament: Russian Players Shine in Exotic Poker Varieties

The Big 50 tournament has reached a significant milestone with a prize pool of $13,509,435 and 4,258 players in the money. The players who continue to fight for the bracelet are Mikhail Vilkova, Artem Zverkhovsky, Ivan Ruban, Garik Yaroshevsky, Kirill Rodionov, and Pavel Kovalenko.

In the #10 Dealers Choice tournament, players can choose from 19 varieties of poker. Andrey Zhigalov, one of the strongest specialists in exotic games, has the 19th stack out of 21. He mentioned that he often chooses limit games and Big O [5-card pot-limit Omaha-8] in the first day. Andrey Zhigalov noted that in cash games in Las Vegas, almost all games can be found with desire. He also mentioned that he plays in home games with friends to get used to the games. Some games, like pot-limit 2-7, are available on Stars, but he is not an expert in them. Andrey Zhigalov noted that experience in limit versions helps in big-bet varieties of the same games. He mentioned that stud high-low regular is one of the most difficult games for beginners. His favorite games are stud-8, razz, Omaha-8, and A-5 lowball. Andrey Zhigalov noted that he prefers games where he can adjust to the ranges of opponents and knows how to act on all streets.

Patrick Leonard enjoys mixed games and has a bet on final tables, earning $25k for each appearance. Arseny Karmatsky, Pavel Veksler, and Pavel Pleshuv started the World Series tournament #11 by NLHE for $5,000. Arseny Karmatsky has the 12th stack out of 27 and ensured himself $11,969. Pavel Veksler mentioned that he did not start from the beginning because of the chaotic conditions. He noted that his life has not changed significantly after his success on the Bahamas.