Posted on: February 2, 2023, 01:12h.
Last updated on: February 2, 2023, 01:12h.
As poker pros like Adrian Mateos and Isaac Haxton continue to burn up the tables at the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure, the World Series of Poker (WSOP) is right behind. It has revealed the complete schedule of events for the year, and has one goal in mind – set a new record in tournament participation.
The poker series is making its way back to the Las Vegas Strip one more time, running from May 30 to July 18. It’s always one of the biggest draws for players around the world, but this year will see something never seen before.
In its attempt to set a record for attendance, the WSOP, which will stream all the action on PokerGO, has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity waiting. If the number of Main Event entries beats the current record, there’s a “golden ticket” for one lucky winner.
A Poker Player’s Dream Come True
Participating in a WSOP Main Event is a big deal for a lot of players. There’s a chance to rub elbows with some of the best names in the business and, possibly, beat them at their own game.
There’s also a chance to take down an event and, hopefully, pocket $1 million or more in cash – last year’s Main Event winner, Norway’s Espen Jorstad, took home $10 million. In addition, many players like the idea of earning bragging rights as a WSOP bracelet winner.
This year, the WSOP is so determined to set a record for participation that it is prepared to give away a fortune. If it achieves its goal at the Main Event, it will reward, through a draw, a Main Event for Life ticket that will give the winner entry into the tournament’s Main Event for the next 30 years.
To date, the 2006 Main Event is the largest, having recorded 8,773 entries. Last year came close, missing that amount by 110. This year, the WSOP is ready to do even better.
Hosting this year’s series will be the Horseshoe Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas. The cards and chips will be flying non-stop throughout the tournament, with games running 24/7 as the WSOP looks to break last year’s $347.9-million prize pool.
Main Event Mania
In addition to the Main Event for Life promotion, there are other campaigns that will draw crowds, as well. GGPoker, the WSOP’s satellite poker partner, has 500 guaranteed seats up for grabs, with another 100 through its ClubGG.net subscription site.
The WSOP Global Qualification Weekend (GQW) will make its debut on May 20 and 21. This includes a series of qualifiers at different poker rooms around the world, with seats at the Main Event as the prizes. Along with the seat, the WSOP is also throwing in money to cover travel and accommodations.
Among the participating locations for the GQW are several casinos across the US. In addition, King’s Casino in the Czech Republic, Club Pierre Charron in Paris, France and others are on the list.
There are also 112 Main Event seats available through online action at WSOP.com. The first 10 will be awarded on June 25, with more offered on subsequent days.
WSOP Key Dates
Players can expect to see a lot of the standard fixtures – satellites, mystery bounties and more. However, they can also expect something new. The $300 Gladiators of Poker event is making its debut, with $3 million GTD on the table.
Here are some of the more important dates to mark on the calendar:
- Early May – GGPoker starts online qualifiers
- May 20-21 – Global Qualification Weekend
- May 31 – Live Daily Mega Satellites begin
- June 4 – Double-Up Bracelet Day Online
- June 4 – Double-Up Bracelet Day Online
- June 25 –112-Seat Sprint and All In satellites begin
- July 2 to 8 – 25-Seat Scramble
- July 3 to 6 – WSOP Main Event Day 1A-1D
- July 9 – Double-Up Bracelet Day online
