Early leavers in a tournament - what happens to the chips?

[StevieG]

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afaik there was a very famous guy who got drunked \junked and hvnt participated but had so many chips to win a place in wsop years ago

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In 1990, Stu Ungar was one of the chip leaders of the WSOP ME after two days, but failed to show after that. He was found in his hotel room and rushed to the hospital.

But he had built up enough to finish 9th and cash for $20,000 + change.