WSOPC Event #1: $400 No-Limit Hold'em 30K Opener

Through the completion of eight events, Sean Troha (pictured) has a stranglehold on the Casino Championship points lead. The 26-year-old Ohio pro laid claim to two gold ring victories and a min-cash during Hammond's preliminary tournaments amassing 102.5 points toward the 12-day race. He leads the six-way tie for second place by 52.5 with three points-eligible events remaining. Additionally, he's in the early stages of another solid showing here in the Main Event as he's more than doubled the 20,000-chip starting stack and holds roughly 45,500.

Top 10 points earners through eight events:

1. Sean Troha - 102.5 points
2. Robert Hankins - 50
3. John Peterson - 50
4. Ron Slucker - 50
5. Nicola Ditrapani - 50
6. James Hull - 50
7. Ari Engel - 50
8. Ben Wiora - 42.5
9. Emerick Wiatrek - 42.5
10. David Plotkin - 40

Complete standings available on WSOP.com.

The player who accumulates the most points through Hammond's 12 combined gold ring events dons the title Casino Champion and earns a berth in the season-ending National Championship. There, they'll compete alongside the Hammond Main Event champion for their share of an up-to $2 million prize pool and a WSOP gold bracelet.

More information on the season-ending tournament is available on WSOP.com.