ALIAS MOURTADH LEADS FOXWOODS MAIN EVENT AFTER DAY 1
The first day of the Main Event of the World Series of Poker Circuit at Foxwoods is in the books, and the chip leader is Alias Mourtadh, from Yonkers, NY. Mourtadh’s 207,200 in chips is well ahead of second place, Mike Pasquale, who finished the day with 161,400. The tournament attracted 520 entries across two starting flights, and there are 162 players returning for Day 2.

The big buzz in the room, though, wasn’t the big stacks. It was caused by the appearance of November Niner William Pappaconstantinou, better known as Billy Pappas. Pappas is a professional foosball player, and is preparing for the final table of the WSOP Main Event in a few months. He entered Flight B on the Foxwoods event, playing wearing his trademark green Yoshi hat. He built his stack for most of the day before a downswing near the end of the night, and he finished with 25,800 in chips.

One of the flight A competitors knows exactly what Pappas is experiencing as he readies himself for the big stage of the November Nine. Michael Esposito made the November Nine two years ago, eventually bowing out in 7th place. He entered Flight A of the Foxwoods event, and ended the day with 118,500.

A few other players who have seen success at the WSOP entered the tournament as well. Ted Driscoll finished in 2nd place in the Little One for One Drop Event at the World Series this summer, and Ryan Eriquezzo won the 2012 National Championship. Both players are in the field here at Foxwoods, and both will return for Day 2.

The Foxwoods Main Event shone a spotlight on the Casino Champion race. James Watt, who won the first event at this Circuit stop and finished 5th in another, currently sits atop the leaderboard with 75 points. He survived to Day 2, and is looking to add to his point total. Randal Sklar is in 2nd in the Casino Champion race right now with 65 points. He entered both flights today, but was unable to advance. If he wants to catch Watt, he’ll have to do it in one of the two remaining ring events here at Foxwoods. Bassinioni Hammouda also has a chance to catch Watt. Hammouda won a ring in the $1,125 No-Limit Hold’em tournament last week, and he returns for Day 2 with

Day 2 begins on Sunday at noon. Registration is still open until the start of play on Day 2, and official prize pool information will be available at that time.