The last WSOP Circuit event is coming to a close at Harrah’s in New Orleans. But the Main Event has just kicked off and Day 1 of the tournament is completed.

In all, 249 players came to Harrah’s in search of the WSOP Circuit ring. The $5,000 buy-in was nothing to well-known players like T.J. Cloutier, Gavin Smith, Bill Elder, and Josh Arieh.  And it’s a good thing they can easily afford the buy-in as they’ve all been eliminated. In fact, 180 players have already busted out as only 69 people remain in the field after the first day.

David Fox was the player who sprinted out to the early lead with 102,100 chips but WSOP Circuit regular Lou Esposito worked his way into a tie with Fox as he now has the exact same amount of chips.

Here is a current look at the people who are within striking distance of Fox and Esposito:

Rank/Player/Chips
1. David Fox – 102100
2. Lou Esposito – 102100
3. Mike Browne – 96000
4. Senovio Ramirez – 88900
5. Ed Jatho – 81600
6. Purvis Blake – 80600
7. Chuck Kelley – 80200
8. Timothy Miles – 78400
9. Marc Fratter – 75400
10. Matt Stout – 63900

Even though there are only 69 players left, there is still plenty of poker left to be played. The field will be cut down to the final nine by the end of the day and the final table will play on Wednesday.

Make sure to check back in for more updates on the Harrah’s New Orleans tournament.