WPT Borgata Breaks Tour Record

Olivier Busquet is likely chasing an even bigger prize than the $925,514 he won at Borgata last year.

WPT Borgata drew a record field to Atlantic City this weekend.

Over two starting days a total of 1,042 dropped the $3,500 buy-in, creating a $3,438,600 prize pool and smashing the record for the largest field in World Poker Tour history.

The previous record of 1,018 players was set at WPT Borgata last year.

Just 641 remained as Day 2 kicked off at Borgata Monday.

Canadian Vincenzo Abate held the lead with Jeffrey Papola, who made two Six-Max final tables at the 2010 WSOP, including a bracelet win, in the top ten.

Dozens of well known pros remain in the hunt, including WSOP Bracelet winners Lisa Hamilton, Chris Bell, PokerListings Blogger Matt Stout, last year’s winner Olivier Busquet and New Jersey’s own Allen Bari.

Prize pool distribution numbers are expected to be released Monday.

But with a $925,514 first-place prize last year, and a little extra money in the prize pool from the larger field this time around, another WPT made millionaire could possibly emerge from Borgata.

The event will play down to a winner Sep. 23.