The Winamax SISMIX festival is about more than just poker. Players are also flying in from all over the world to party, dance or just hang out by the big pool area of the Es Saadi Resort. Here is a little taste of what the hundreds of players at the festival are doing with their time in Marrakech when not in the tournament area - courtesy of the Winamax TV Crew.
On a board of board Mohammed Naceri faced a raise to 10,600 from Frenchman Gael Callige, who made a deep run in the Marrakech Poker Open last year. Naceri made the call, and also called the 12,875 bet on the river.
That turned out to be a good decision as Callige quickly mucked his hand, sending the pot of more than 50,000 chips to Naceri. The Morrocan was even kind enough to show the for the wheel before raking in the pot.
The 15,000 MAD (€1,375] High Roller kicked off yesterday with an impressive field of 183 players. 65 is still in contention for the title, and the remaining players just sat back down at the felt to get the second and final day of the tournament underway.
Among the remaining players are some big poker names, that are expected to join in on the Main Event action if they bust the High Roller. Table 48 consist of no less than four Winamax Team Pros as Pierre Calamusa, Gaelle Baumann, Davidi Kitai and Michel Abecassis, while players like Leo Margets, Sylvan Loosli, and Bruno Lopes are also still in.
The prize distribution has yet to be determined as the late registration closed just 20 minutes ago.
Quand on t'a invité à un home game "sympa entre potes" #SISMIX #HighRoller https://t.co/ik1spsxcpu
Gaelle Baumann started Day 2 of the High Roller with one of the shortest stacks in the field, and she couldn't quite get anything going as she exited within the first half hour of play. The French Winamax Pro has now taken her seat in the Main Event instead, getting off to a quiet start by folding every hand the first orbit.
On an adjacent table, Romain Le Dantec was sent packing, as he put his last 8,000 chips at risk preflop with . Xavier Pivot found in the very next seat, and they held up for the elimination as the board ran out .
With 12,700 already in the pot, Indian player Rakesh Lalwani moved all-in on the turn on a board. Opponent Victor Janiszewski mulled over his decision, and Lalwani didn't hesitate to let the table know, that he was pretty happy Janiszewski hadn't made the instant call.
Though it did take the Frenchmen a few more minutes to make the call, Janiszewski did end up making the right decision, as his was ahead of the of Lalwani. The Indian was looking to hit a , or an , but it was not to be, as the river paired the board.
The remaining 148 players have left the air conditioned tournament area, and most are seeking outdoor to enjoy a few rays of sunshine. The cards will be back in the air in 20 minutes.