The fast pace of play in the early levels has reduced the field to only 88 players. The action will likely begin to slow down before long, as the current chip average provides just over 40 big blinds and provides significant depth of play at this stage.

The top 85 players will lock up a payout of at least $3,000 so there is a chance that hand-for-hand play may drag out on the bubble, as the players realize that this is their last chance to secure a big payout from the WPT Montreal. But the relatively small pay jumps will likely make for some very aggressive action once the field reaches the money.

Here is a look at the action from level 17: