The high-octane action has reduced the field to the final three tables at the mid-point of level 16.

The dealers are pitching all-in cards nearly as often as the deck, with eliminations on almost every hand dealt. This phenomenon has been helped along by some coolers, like when Steve Taylor ran his pocket kings into Manfred Gunther’s pocket aces a few minutes ago, but the rising price of poker has been the main driver, as players try to stay out ahead of the blinds by making strong pre-flop moves.

The top 19 players will cash this event so the rapidly approaching money bubble might slow things down. But the sprint to the finish will certainly resume once the bubble passes.