Raising the Poker bar: WPT World Championship’s ambitious $40M guarantee

The World Poker Tour (WPT) is gearing up for its highly anticipated World Championship event at Wynn Las Vegas later this year, and it’s poised to make quite an impact. Last summer’s World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event saw a remarkable 10,043 entries, setting new records in the poker world. Now, the WPT is looking to up the ante.

The WPT World Championship

In 2022, the WPT World Championship in Las Vegas drew 2,960 entries, initially guaranteeing a $15-million prize pool. However, due to overwhelming participation, the prize pool swelled to over $29 million. This year, as the WPT heads to Liechtenstein, it’s setting its sights even higher, with a whopping $40 million guaranteed for the event.

The WPT World Championship festival kicks off on November 29 and runs until December 23, offering a diverse range of tournaments to cater to different preferences and skill levels. From Pot-Limit Omaha to 8-Max and No-Limit Hold’em, there’s something for everyone.

Buy-ins vary, starting as low as $600 for certain No-Limit Hold’em tournaments and reaching as high as $1 million for the prestigious Big One for One Drop. While many events feature guaranteed prize pools, others, like the Big One for One Drop, will depend on the number of participants.

While all the tournaments are expected to draw their own crowds, the pinnacle of the series is undoubtedly the Championship Event. Taking place from December 12 to 21, it commences with four starting flights and requires a $10,400 buy-in.

The majority of the buy-in, $9,800, contributes to the prize pool, making it imperative for at least 4,082 entries to participate to avoid an overlay. Remarkably, this buy-in remains consistent with last year, a testament to the confidence shared by the WPT and Wynn that this year’s event will surpass previous records.

Another highlight in the series is the WPT Prime Championship. Introduced last year, it garnered 5,430 entries in its inaugural run, vying for a share of the $5.2-million prize pool. This year, the tournament runs from December 7 to 12, boasting a $5-million guarantee. Stephen Song emerged as the victor in 2022, walking away with over $712,000 in winnings.

Poker attractions across the Strip

Las Vegas continues to be a hotspot for prominent poker events throughout the remainder of the year. Among the forthcoming attractions are tournaments organised by the Vegas Golden Knights Alumni Association (VGK) and PokerStars.

The VGK Alumni Association will proudly showcase their beloved NHL team in a poker tournament scheduled for October 13. The event unfolds at the Palms Casino Resort and serves as an annual fundraiser for charitable endeavours. Notable former NHL players, including Deryk Engelland, now the VGK’s president, and Shane Hnidy, its Vice President, will be among the poker-playing contenders. The possibility of a surprise appearance by Daniel Negreanu, a fervent Vegas Golden Knights supporter and a six-time WSOP bracelet winner, adds to the excitement.

On another front, the PokerStars North American Poker Tour (NAPT) is staging a remarkable comeback after a 12-year hiatus, enforced by unforeseen circumstances. Beginning November 4, the NAPT will make its triumphant return at Resorts World Las Vegas.

The NAPT originally emerged in 2010 during the poker boom in the United States. However, it abruptly ceased operations a year later due to the controversial “Black Friday” crackdown by the US government on online gaming.

The forthcoming series boasts a high-stakes $5,300 buy-in event and a compelling $1,650 main event on its agenda. PokerStars is diligently finalising the comprehensive event details and schedule, promising a rejuvenation of poker excitement in Las Vegas.

SiGMA Group lands in Limassol, Cyprus

SiGMA Group, a globally renowned hub for networking and industry insights, is turning its attention to the Balkans this September with the forthcoming SiGMA Balkans/CIS Summit taking place in Limassol, Cyprus.

This highly anticipated event promises a plethora of networking prospects and cutting-edge industry knowledge. Over the course of three days in the vibrant city of Limassol, attendees can expect an exciting lineup of panel discussions, keynote speeches, start-up pitches, and more, making it a must-attend event for those in the industry.