One thing you can usually count on at the WSOP is a $5,000 event to be chock full of big names, and Event #2: $5,000 No-Limit Hold'em is no exception. David "Doc" Sands (704,000), Jason Wheeler (683,000), Bryn Kenney (596,000), Byron Kaverman (372,000), and Joe Ebanks (301,000) are just some of the recognizable names still among the 20 remaining runners. Carl Westcott leads the way with 1.062 million.

The most captivating story, though, is former WSOP Main Event champ Greg Merson making a run at another bracelet. He's firmly in contention with 800,000, good for third in chips as blinds are set to begin at 6,000/12,000/2,000 at the Day 3 restart on Friday at 2 p.m.

With 422 total entries, 45 players got paid for their efforts, and Dan Sindelar (42nd - $9,381), Felix Stephensen (37th - $9,381), Tony Gregg (31st - $11,523). Brian Hastings (29th - $11,523), Jeremy Ausmus (27th - $14,280), and Jesse Martin (21st - $14,280) were among those eliminated in the money.

Expect plenty of fanfare on Day 3 if Merson can keep pushing toward the win.