The 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP) continues to deliver captivating action, with Event #37: the $1,500 buy-in Monster Stack No-Limit Hold’em, once again proving its immense popularity. Renowned for its generous starting chips and extended play, this event consistently draws a massive field, promising deep runs and dramatic conclusions. As the final starting flight, Day 1c, wrapped up, a clear frontrunner emerged: Christopher Leach, who not only excelled in his flight but also claimed the overall chip lead for the entire tournament.
The “Monster” in Monster Stack is more than just a name; it signifies a tournament structure designed to maximize playability and strategic depth. Players receive a “significantly larger starting stack than normal” and “more play” and extended time at the tables before being short-stacked. This appeals to both recreational players seeking value and professionals who thrive in deep-stack environments, allowing them to “slowly build up chips with minimal risk”.
Day 1c Recap: A Monumental Flight
The third flight of Event #37, Day 1c, proved to be the busiest and most competitive starting group yet, underscoring the Monster Stack’s immense appeal. Players flocked to the Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas, eager to build a stack for Day 2. This final starting flight saw a staggering 2,681 players buy in. This number significantly outpaced previous flights, with Day 1c drawing 671 more entrants than the already busy Day 1b.
From this colossal field, only 886 players successfully navigated the day’s rigorous play, bagging chips and securing their spots in the combined Day 2. Day 1c’s record-breaking turnout not only solidifies the Monster Stack’s position as a major highlight of the 2025 WSOP but also highlights the enduring allure of the World Series of Poker itself, setting the stage for a monumental prize pool.
Leach’s Dominance: A Bracelet Winner Leads the Charge
As Day 1c concluded, all eyes turned to Christopher Leach of the United States, who not only led his flight but also claimed the overall chip lead for the entire $1,500 Monster Stack event with an impressive 965,000 chips. His commanding performance positions him as a formidable force heading into the deeper stages of the tournament.
Leach is no stranger to the WSOP spotlight, bringing a wealth of experience and impressive results to the felt. According to The Hendon Mob, Leach boasts over $210,000 in live tournament earnings, the bulk of which stems from a WSOP bracelet victory in 2022. His last WSOP cash was in 2023, a testament to his consistent performance in poker’s most prestigious series.
The Chasers: Day 1c’s Top Contenders
While Christopher Leach sits atop the leaderboard, Day 1c saw a strong field of players bag significant stacks, putting them in prime position for Day 2. The leaderboard showcases a diverse mix of talent from around the globe.
Day 1c Top Ten Chip Counts
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count |
| 1 | Christopher Leach | United States | 965,000 |
| 2 | Iason Filippidis | Greece | 759,000 |
| 3 | Max Havlish | United States | 735,000 |
| 4 | Matias Ruzzi | Argentina | (Not Specified) |
| 5 | Sebastian Medina | Colombia | (Not Specified) |
| 6 | Matthew Langone | United States | 493,000 |
| 7 | Mariano Molino | Argentina | 479,500 |
| 8 | (Player Name Not Specified) | (Country Not Specified) | 465,500 |
| 9 | (Player Name Not Specified) | (Country Not Specified) | 460,500 |
| 10 | (Player Name Not Specified) | (Country Not Specified) | 433,000 |
The players at the top of the Day 1c chip counts, including Iason Filippidis (759,000 chips) and Max Havlish (735,000 chips), along with Matthew Langone (493,000 chips) and Mariano Molino (479,500 chips), demonstrate the intense competition just below the very top.
Tournament Overview: The Grand Scale of the Monster Stack
Beyond individual performances, the overall statistics for Event #37: the $1,500 Monster Stack paint a picture of a truly colossal tournament, once again affirming why it’s a must-play for so many. These numbers reflect not just participation, but the massive, potentially life-changing prizes at stake. The total prize pool for this Monster Stack has swelled to an astounding $13,148,390. This substantial sum stems from a combined total of 9,920 entries across all starting flights, making it one of the largest events of the 2025 WSOP. As the tournament progresses into its deeper stages, the field has significantly narrowed, with only 54 playersremaining in contention for the bracelet. These top contenders boast an average chip stack of 9,185,185, indicating that deep-stack play is still very much alive. Notably, the next payout, for the 54th place finisher, stands at $23,151, highlighting the substantial returns even for players near the final stages.
2025 WSOP Event #37 Overall Tournament Statistics
| Statistic | Value |
| Total Prize Pool | $13,148,390 |
| Total Entries | 9,920 |
| Players Left | 54 |
| Average Chip Stack | 9,185,185 |
| Next Payout (54th Place) | $23,151 |
These figures fully embody the “monster” aspect of the Monster Stack, not just in its starting chips but in the sheer volume of players and the colossal prize pool it generates. A prize pool exceeding $13 million, with even 54th place taking home a significant $23,151, represents the potentially life-altering financial opportunities offered by the WSOP.
The Road Ahead: Day 2 and Beyond
With Day 1c concluded, all eyes shifted to Day 2, where the surviving players from all starting flights converged. As the field consolidated and blinds escalated, the dynamics of the tournament shifted significantly, and the stakes intensified. Day 2 of the Monster Stack commenced on Sunday, June 15. Given that this article was updated on June 17, 2025, Day 2 has already been well underway, with the field significantly reduced. Currently, the combined Day 2 is playing at Level 31, with blinds set at 125,000/250,000 and a big blind ante of 250,000. This indicates that while starting stacks were deep, blinds are now substantial, requiring precise play.
Moving into Day 2 marks a critical phase where players must adapt their strategies. While average stacks remain healthy, the escalating blinds force more crucial decisions. With Day 2 at Level 31 (blinds 125,000/250,000, ante 250,000) and only 54 players remaining, effective chip management and aggressive play are paramount.
Conclusion: High Stakes, High Hopes, and the Path to Gold
The 2025 WSOP Event #37: $1,500 Monster Stack continues to captivate the poker world. Day 1c’s record-breaking turnout fueled a massive prize pool exceeding $13 million, setting the stage for a truly epic conclusion. In this high-stakes battle, Christopher Leach stands out with his commanding chip lead, a former bracelet winner scripting a compelling story in pursuit of another WSOP honor.
With only 54 players remaining, the tournament’s tension will only intensify as it moves into its final stages. Every pot won or lost carries immense weight as players vie for a spot at the coveted final table and the chance to win a WSOP bracelet and a life-changing top prize. Narrowing the field from thousands to crown a single champion is one of poker’s most compelling narratives.
Be sure to follow our live updates and detailed coverage as the 2025 WSOP Event #37: $1,500 Monster Stack plays down to a winner. Track Christopher Leach’s quest for a second bracelet and see which other contenders rise to the occasion.
