Day 1A Entrants: 64
Players Remaining: 13
Players Remaining: 13
After 12 levels of play, RunGood Horseshoe Council Bluffs Main Event Day 1A has come to a close. The first of three starting flights saw 64 entries logged and 13 of those make it to the final river card to bag up chips.
Foremost among them is Iowa-based grinder Andy Van Blair, whose 203,500 gives him a wide lead over second-place Nathan Wahlert, who bagged 146,500.
Foremost among them is Iowa-based grinder Andy Van Blair, whose 203,500 gives him a wide lead over second-place Nathan Wahlert, who bagged 146,500.
Local star Ryan Phan made it through with 130,000. He's looking to finally add a RunGood title after racking up five top-20 finishes in these events, highlighted by fifth place in spring 2016.
While no RunGood Ambassadors advanced -- Grant Hinkle, Blair Hinkle and Ross Bybee all went bust -- one former champ did make it through. Chris Wicks won this event in spring 2016, and it remains his only live cash. He has an uphill climb ahead on Day 2 with just 34,500.
Another former winner, Brandon Fish, nearly joined Wicks but busted just before the end when his top pair and flush draw couldn't hold against Wahlert's second pair and nut flush draw.
Advancing players punched tickets to Sunday's Day 2 restart at noon. Those who did not bag still have two more chances, with Day 1B (Friday) and Day 1C (Saturday) both scheduled for noon.
Here's a look at the surviving players:
While no RunGood Ambassadors advanced -- Grant Hinkle, Blair Hinkle and Ross Bybee all went bust -- one former champ did make it through. Chris Wicks won this event in spring 2016, and it remains his only live cash. He has an uphill climb ahead on Day 2 with just 34,500.
Another former winner, Brandon Fish, nearly joined Wicks but busted just before the end when his top pair and flush draw couldn't hold against Wahlert's second pair and nut flush draw.
Advancing players punched tickets to Sunday's Day 2 restart at noon. Those who did not bag still have two more chances, with Day 1B (Friday) and Day 1C (Saturday) both scheduled for noon.
Here's a look at the surviving players:
| Name | Chip Count |
| Andy Van Blair | 203,500 |
| Nathan Wahlert | 146,500 |
| Mike McAdams | 139,500 |
| Demir Topich | 130,500 |
| Ryan Phan | 130,000 |
| Russell Licking | 108,000 |
| Dean Neighbors | 102,500 |
| Casey Bennett | 95,000 |
| Corky Stott | 59,000 |
| Paul Cogliano | 57,000 |
| Randy Belmont | 48,500 |
| Chris Wicks | 34,500 |
| Patrick Clark | 31,000 |