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Damian Salas Becomes Latin America’s First WSOP Main Event Champion, Scores $2.55 Million

Damian Salas at the table in the 2020 World Series of Poker Main Event.

South America now has its own World Series of Poker $10,000 Main Event champion. On Sunday, Argentina’s Damian Salas finished off his second deep run in the biggest tournament in poker with a championship bracelet.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s Main Event featured a split series with online play and live final tables. The international half played out at GGPoker and the US half played out at WSOP.com.

Salas was the international winner, claiming $1.55 million after topping the final table in the Czech Republic. On Sunday, he faced US champion Joseph Hebert at the Rio in Las Vegas for the title of Main Event champion and an added $1 million. 

After finishing seventh in the same event in 2017, Salas found some redemption on Sunday. The 45-year-old from Buenos Aires now claims the biggest title in poker as the game’s world champion.

Argentina’s new WSOP champion

Winning any tournament isn’t easy, but the main event is an even bigger accomplishment. The 2020 Main Event attracted big numbers online at a time when online poker is booming.

At the international final table, Salas defeated Brazil’s Brunno Botteon at King’s Casino to earn his shot in Las Vegas. Defeating Hebert for the ultimate victory didn’t come easily.

Argentina’s Damian Salas shows off his World Series of Poker Main Event championship bracelet. (all photos courtesy WSOP/Melissa Haereiti)

The two players fought it out for 173 hands and over nearly six hours with the lead swinging back and forth. Eventually, Salas vanquished his foe after Hebert moved all in with Ace-Queen.

Salas called with King-Jack and flopped a pair of Kings. The turn card brought no help to Hebert and another King on the river gave Salas the championship.

“Joseph was a very hard opponent, and he played really well,” Salas said. “In a few instances, he was about to win, it was a real fight and he never slowed down. Going into the championship, I felt all the energy and support from my family and friends in Argentina tonight, and that helped me.”

Fulfilling a dream

Back in Argentina, Salas works as an attorney and doesn’t plan on leaving his job. He’s a regular player online and now has more than $3 million in live tournament winnings as well.

Before the event, the two competitors complimented each other and spoke about this year’s unique Main Event. Salas said it would be a dream come true to win a bracelet. 

“I always try to be better and that’s my motivation,” he said about his mindset going into the match.

A family man, Salas credited his wife, children, and friends with his success. He also thanked the Latin American poker community for their support.

Main Event champion Damian Salas and runner-up Joseph Hebert after the final hands plays out in the Rio.

“I feel like they’re here with me,” he said. “I feel like they make me better as a person.”

The new champion now has first bracelet, encrusted with plenty of diamonds. However, the post-match bracelet photos included two pieces of hardware. An additional bracelet crafted by Salas’ daughter was also included.

Big numbers for a big event

Getting to a champion wasn’t easy and there some unique circumstances came with the event. That included one player from China not attending the international final table.

In the US, another player was disqualified and paid ninth-place money after testing COVID-19 positive. In the end, the tournament indeed produced a 2020 champion no matter the obstacles.

How Salas’ championship is remembered remains to be seen. At the very least, his title stands out as an interesting footnote in the event’s 51-year history.

The tournament produced big numbers at GGPoker and WSOP.com. Between the two final tables, four players received payouts of more than $1 million.

Two of those became the first to win seven figures in the regulated US online poker market. Here’s a complete look ta the Main Event numbers:

  • Entries – 1,379
  • Prize pool – $13.2 million plus an extra $1 million for the heads-up match
  • Entries at WSOP.com – 705
  • Prize pool at WSOP.com – $6.8 million
  • Entries at GGPoker – 674
  • Prize pool at GGPoker – $6.5 million
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STAKE WITH SIZZLE: GGPoker Staking Feature Brings Easy Online Option for Backing Other Players

GGPoker staking feature is exclusive to the site and has become a popular option.

Poker backing deals are probably as old as the game itself. A well-heeled player might peel off a few bucks to back a fellow player, landing a bit of skin in another player’s game.

The practice has grown in recent years to players even seeking some “investment” in online events. GGPpker has recognized this growing trend and made it even easier.

Players on the site can make use of the staking feature to back others on the platform. It’s a simple way to take out a sweat in another player – and possibly win some money without even playing.

What is poker staking and why is it popular?

Those new to the world of poker staking may be asking: why stake other players at all?First of all, there’s some fun that comes with staking some other players.

Daniel Negreanu

Backers can follow their “horses” throughout an event to have a fun sweat. Seeing one of those players streamed at a final table makes it even more fun.

Backing another player also offers a chance at some winnings should that player run deep. Seeing a nice score for the player means spreading the winnings around to all those backers.

For a player selling action, backing means minimizing his risk. That player may be able to play in a bigger event by selling a chunk of his action.

GG ambassadors Daniel Negreanu or Felipe Ramos may even seek out some action. A big name player’s score also means some dollars coming the way of those who staked him as well. Regular online grinders can also get in the staking game as well.

“The staking feature on GGPoker is cutting edge and incredibly user friendly,” Negreanu tells PokerScout. “I truly love it. Whether you are looking to buy or sell action, you can do it all very easily in the client and when the player cashes in a tournament, the funds are updated immediately.”

The staking feature has also been popular with poker streamers, allowing viewers to check out their play. Staking also tends to make players focus on their best play with others’ money also on the line.

“You can set your own price, how much you want to sell, and even put a cap on how much anyone can buy,” Negreanu says. “This is really helpful for streamers who want to give fans a chance to have a piece of the action while they watch. I did it regularly during WSOP.”

Staking other players at GGPoker

So how does staking at GGPoker work? The ability to back others is integrated directly into the software and mobile app. Exclusive to GG, this is the first online poker feature to facilitate players buying others’ action.

“It’s very popular and in any given tournament there will be a range of players seeking stakes and others staking them,” GGPoker spokesman Paul Burke says.

The process is pretty simple. Players first just need to visit any tournament lobby to back someone in an event. 

The staking tab is found in the lobby of all eligible events. Backers pay a proportion of a player’s entry fee with an added player-defined margin (also known as markup).

A look at the GGPoker tournament lobby staking tab, for Felipe Ramos in this case.

Backers pay the full amount of the stakes they buy, which are purchased in increments of 1%. This can decrease to as little as 0.1% for events with a buy-in of $5,000 and above..

Once a stake is purchased, the transaction becomes non-refundable except when:

  • the seller subsequently cancels the sale or unregisters from the tournament
  • a tournament is cancelled for unforeseen circumstances

Selling action using the feature

Average Joe and Janes can also list some of their own action for sale. Once registered for a tournament, players go to the tournament lobby and use the staking panel to list their action.

After registering for a tournament, sellers set the percentage of their play for sale as well as the markup. Players can value their action as they see fit and sell throughout the tournament registration period. Sellers can cancel a sale at any time during this period.

A look at how players can buy action from another players on the site.

Once a player opts to sell action, a staking profile page will be accessible to potential backers. The profile provides information on a player’s performance.

Potential bakers can check the history of any player selling action to gauge potential success.

What does a staking deal look like?

Imagine a fictitious player named Johnny GG is looking to sell some action. He’s registering for a $10 event, but some backers might be nice to cover that entry fee.

Johnny then sets how much he’d like to sell in the staking tab of the event lobby. Perhaps he’s looking for backers to cover 50% of his entry at a markup of 2x.

A backer purchases 5% for $1. If Johnny cashes for $100, then the backer receives the equivalent percentage of winnings purchased. In this case, the backer receives 5% of the total payout – $5.

Players can sell up to 90% of their action and there’s no fee charged to players for using the feature. Many in the industry have stressed the need to bring the fun back to poker. GG seems to have done its part to add some extra entertainment to the poker mix.

GGPoker’s staking feature has now moved beyond the traditional notion of poker backing. Players surviving past the first day in phased tournaments can also sell some pieces of themselves.

Staking is now available on Day 2 of some events. This makes following a player’s action a bit more fun as cashing is now even closer.

GG staking success stories

Those looking for some staking action in major events will usually find plenty of opportunities. All 54 of this summer’s World Series of Poker Online bracelet events utilized the staking feature.

The nine multi-day Phase tournaments have also used the recently-introduced Day 2 staking option as well. GGPoker staking has produced some nice scores for players.

Staking Fedor Holz in the WSOP Online at GGPoker paid off in a big way recently for 136 backers. (photo courtesy Poker Central)

The best overall result came during the WSOP Online. GGPoker ambassador Fedor Holz took the title in the $25,000 Heads Up event.

Holz sold 77.5% of his action to 130 investors at a markup of 1.15. Those players bought chucks of  between 0.1% and 10.3%.

After scoring $1.1 million, all players won 36 times their investment. That meant a 0.1% stake of $28.75 turned into $1,089. That was certainly a “good game” for backers.

★★★ Looking to get in the action at GGPoker? Click here for a complete site review and exclusive PokerScout bonus offers. ★★★

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RING IN THE NEW YEAR: WSOP Winter Online Circuit Kicks Off at GGPoker with Plenty of Gold

The GGPoker WSOP Winter Online Circuit offers players 18 championship ring events.

The World Series of Poker Main Event may have reached its conclusion at GGPoker, but the WSOP action continues into January. The site has once again teamed up with the series for the WSOP Winter Online Circuit.

The series features 18 championship ring events and runs through Jan. 10 with a massive $100 million guarantee. That’s just the tip of the iceberg, however, and there are numerous other side events as well.

The temperature may be dropping this winter, but the prize pools remain high at GGPoker.

A look at the WSOP Winter Circuit at GGPoker

Players looking for some holiday Hold’em will be in luck with a tournament for every bankroll. Buy-ins range from $30 to $10,000 and that includes several “mini” events.

Players will also find numerous starting flights in many events. The series is highlighted by the $1,700 Main Event, which features a $10 million guarantee.

Starting flights for that event begin Jan. 4 with the final table set for Jan. 16. A few other championship ring events to watch out for include:

  • $800 Monster Stack (Event 4) – $2 million guarantee
  • $315 Bounty Giant NLHE (Event 9) – $1 million guarantee
  • $400 CHRISTMAS PLOSSUS (Event 10) – $1.225 million
  • $10,000 Heads Up NLHE (Event 13) – $1 million guarantee
  • $400 NEW YEAR COLOSSUS (Event 15) –  $2.021 million guarantee
  • $252 Deepstack Bounty Hunters NLHE (Event 17) – $500,000 guarantee

Those with smaller bankrolls may also want to check out Event 6. This $170 Mini Main Event has several starting flights and comes with a $2 million guarantee.

The Mini also awards a championship ring along with a nice payout. The series wraps up on Dec. 26 live on the GGPoker Twitch stream.

Some other nice low baller options dot the schedule as well. The $30 Mini Marathon on Dec. 19 features a $50,000 guarantee.

Here’s a look at the remainder of the series.

GGPoker WSOP Winter Online Circuit

DateEventBuy-inGuarantee
Dec 16WSOPC #6: $170 Mini Main Event, $2M GTD [Day 1]$170$2,000,000
Dec 16WSOPC Series: $200 Monster Stack$200$50,000
Dec 16WSOPC #6: $170 Mini Main Event, $2M GTD [Day 1]$170$2,000,000
Dec 16WSOPC Series: $300 Marathon$300$100,000
Dec 16WSOPC Series: $30 Mini Marathon$30$50,000
Dec 16WSOPC Series: $500 Fifty Stack$500$100,000
Dec 16WSOPC Series: $105 Bounty 6-Handed$105$75,000
Dec 16WSOPC Series: $400 Forty Stack$400$100,000
Dec 16WSOPC High Rollers: $2,500 Blade Opener$2,500$100,000
Dec 16WSOPC Series: $52.50 Bounty Hunters Daily Main$52.50$100,000
Dec 16WSOPC Series: $1,500 Deepstack$1,500$150,000
Dec 16WSOPC Series: $80 Deepstack Pot Limit Omaha$80$20,000
Dec 16WSOPC #6: $170 Mini Main Event, $2M GTD [Day 1]$170$2,000,000
Dec 16WSOPC High Rollers: $2,500 Blade Prime$2,500$150,000
Dec 16WSOPC Series: $315 Bounty King Circuit$315$150,000
Dec 16WSOPC Series: $315 Bounty King Omaha$315$40,000
Dec 16WSOPC High Rollers: $3,150 Blade Bounty King$3,150$100,000
Dec 16WSOPC Series: $55 Fifty Stack$55$50,000
Dec 16WSOPC Series: $300 Triple Chance$300$75,000
Dec 16WSOPC Series: $30 Mini Triple Chance$30$25,000
Dec 16WSOPC High Rollers: $2,500 Blade Mulligan$2,500$150,000
Dec 16WSOPC High Rollers: $2,500 Blade PLO$2,500$50,000
Dec 16WSOPC Series: $126 Deepstack Bounty Turbo$126$60,000
Dec 16WSOPC #6: $170 Mini Main Event, $2M GTD [Day 1]$170$2,000,000
Dec 16WSOPC Series: $80 The Closer$80$25,000
Dec 16WSOPC Series: $80 The PLOser$80$15,000
Dec 16WSOPC High Rollers: $2,500 Blade Closer$2,500$100,000
Dec 17WSOPC #6: $170 Mini Main Event, $2M GTD [Day 1]$170$2,000,000
Dec 17WSOPC Series: $200 Monster Stack$200$50,000
Dec 17WSOPC #6: $170 Mini Main Event, $2M GTD [Day 1]$170$2,000,000
Dec 17WSOPC Series: $300 Marathon$300$100,000
Dec 17WSOPC Series: $30 Mini Marathon$30$50,000
Dec 17WSOPC Series: $500 Fifty Stack$500$100,000
Dec 17WSOPC Series: $105 Bounty 6-Handed$105$75,000
Dec 17WSOPC Series: $400 Forty Stack$400$100,000
Dec 17WSOPC High Rollers: $2,500 Blade Opener$2,500$100,000
Dec 17WSOPC Series: $52.50 Bounty Hunters Daily Main$52.50$100,000
Dec 17WSOPC Series: $1,500 Deepstack$1,500$150,000
Dec 17WSOPC Series: $80 Deepstack Pot Limit Omaha$80$20,000
Dec 17WSOPC #6: $170 Mini Main Event, $2M GTD [Day 1]$170$2,000,000
Dec 17WSOPC High Rollers: $2,500 Blade Prime$2,500$150,000
Dec 17WSOPC Series: $315 Bounty King Circuit$315$150,000
Dec 17WSOPC Series: $315 Bounty King Omaha$315$40,000
Dec 17WSOPC High Rollers: $3,150 Blade Bounty King$3,150$100,000
Dec 17WSOPC Series: $55 Fifty Stack$55$50,000
Dec 17WSOPC Series: $300 Triple Chance$300$75,000
Dec 17WSOPC Series: $30 Mini Triple Chance$30$25,000
Dec 17WSOPC High Rollers: $2,500 Blade Mulligan$2,500$150,000
Dec 17WSOPC High Rollers: $2,500 Blade PLO$2,500$50,000
Dec 17WSOPC Series: $126 Deepstack Bounty Turbo$126$60,000
Dec 17WSOPC #6: $170 Mini Main Event, $2M GTD [Day 1]$170$2,000,000
Dec 17WSOPC Series: $80 The Closer$80$25,000
Dec 17WSOPC Series: $80 The PLOser$80$15,000
Dec 17WSOPC High Rollers: $2,500 Blade Closer$2,500$100,000
Dec 18WSOPC #6: $170 Mini Main Event, $2M GTD [Day 1]$170$2,000,000
Dec 18WSOPC Series: $200 Monster Stack$200$50,000
Dec 18WSOPC #6: $170 Mini Main Event, $2M GTD [Day 1]$170$2,000,000
Dec 18WSOPC Series: $300 Marathon$300$100,000
Dec 18WSOPC Series: $30 Mini Marathon$30$50,000
Dec 18WSOPC Series: $500 Fifty Stack$500$100,000
Dec 18WSOPC Series: $105 Bounty 6-Handed$105$75,000
Dec 18WSOPC Series: $400 Forty Stack$400$100,000
Dec 18WSOPC High Rollers: $2,500 Blade Opener$2,500$100,000
Dec 18WSOPC Series: $52.50 Bounty Hunters Daily Main$52.50$100,000
Dec 18WSOPC Series: $1,500 Deepstack$1,500$150,000
Dec 18WSOPC Series: $80 Deepstack Pot Limit Omaha$80$20,000
Dec 18WSOPC #6: $170 Mini Main Event, $2M GTD [Day 1]$170$2,000,000
Dec 18WSOPC High Rollers: $2,500 Blade Prime$2,500$150,000
Dec 18WSOPC Series: $315 Bounty King Circuit$315$150,000
Dec 18WSOPC Series: $315 Bounty King Omaha$315$40,000
Dec 18WSOPC High Rollers: $3,150 Blade Bounty King$3,150$100,000
Dec 18WSOPC Series: $55 Fifty Stack$55$50,000
Dec 18WSOPC Series: $300 Triple Chance$300$75,000
Dec 18WSOPC Series: $30 Mini Triple Chance$30$25,000
Dec 18WSOPC High Rollers: $2,500 Blade Mulligan$2,500$150,000
Dec 18WSOPC High Rollers: $2,500 Blade PLO$2,500$50,000
Dec 18WSOPC Series: $126 Deepstack Bounty Turbo$126$60,000
Dec 18WSOPC #6: $170 Mini Main Event, $2M GTD [Day 1]$170$2,000,000
Dec 18WSOPC Series: $80 The Closer$80$25,000
Dec 18WSOPC Series: $80 The PLOser$80$15,000
Dec 18WSOPC High Rollers: $2,500 Blade Closer$2,500$100,000
Dec 19WSOPC #6: $170 Mini Main Event, $2M GTD [Day 1]$170$2,000,000
Dec 19WSOPC #4: $800 Monster Stack No Limit Hold’em$800$1,000,000
Dec 19WSOPC Series: $200 Monster Stack$200$50,000
Dec 19WSOPC #6: $170 Mini Main Event, $2M GTD [Day 1]$170$2,000,000
Dec 19WSOPC Series: $300 Marathon$300$100,000
Dec 19WSOPC Series: $30 Mini Marathon$30$50,000
Dec 19WSOPC Series: $500 Fifty Stack$500$100,000
Dec 19WSOPC Series: $105 Bounty 6-Handed$105$75,000
Dec 19WSOPC Series: $400 Forty Stack$400$100,000
Dec 19WSOPC High Rollers: $2,500 Blade Opener$2,500$100,000
Dec 19WSOPC Series: $52.50 Bounty Hunters Daily Main$52.50$100,000
Dec 19WSOPC Series: $1,500 Deepstack$1,500$150,000
Dec 19WSOPC Series: $80 Deepstack Pot Limit Omaha$80$20,000
Dec 19WSOPC #6: $170 Mini Main Event, $2M GTD [Day 1]$170$2,000,000
Dec 19WSOPC High Rollers: $2,500 Blade Prime$2,500$150,000
Dec 19WSOPC Series: $315 Bounty King Circuit$315$150,000
Dec 19WSOPC Series: $315 Bounty King Omaha$315$40,000
Dec 19WSOPC High Rollers: $3,150 Blade Bounty King$3,150$100,000
Dec 19WSOPC Series: $55 Fifty Stack$55$50,000
Dec 19WSOPC Series: $300 Triple Chance$300$75,000
Dec 19WSOPC Series: $30 Mini Triple Chance$30$25,000
Dec 19WSOPC High Rollers: $2,500 Blade Mulligan$2,500$150,000
Dec 19WSOPC High Rollers: $2,500 Blade PLO$2,500$50,000
Dec 19WSOPC Series: $126 Deepstack Bounty Turbo$126$60,000
Dec 19WSOPC #6: $170 Mini Main Event, $2M GTD [Day 1]$170$2,000,000
Dec 19WSOPC Series: $80 The Closer$80$25,000
Dec 19WSOPC Series: $80 The PLOser$80$15,000
Dec 19WSOPC High Rollers: $2,500 Blade Closer$2,500$100,000
Dec 20WSOPC #5: $600 Pot Limit Omaha$600$500,000
Dec 20WSOPC #6: $170 Mini Main Event, $2M GTD [Day 2]$170$2,000,000
Dec 21WSOPC #10: $400 CHRISTMAS PLOSSUS, $1.225M GTD [Day 1]$400$1,225,000
Dec 21WSOPC #10: $400 CHRISTMAS PLOSSUS, $1.225M GTD [Day 1]$400$1,225,000
Dec 21WSOPC #10: $400 CHRISTMAS PLOSSUS, $1.225M GTD [Day 1]$400$1,225,000
Dec 21WSOPC #10: $400 CHRISTMAS PLOSSUS, $1.225M GTD [Day 1, Turbo]$400$1,225,000
Dec 22WSOPC #10: $400 CHRISTMAS PLOSSUS, $1.225M GTD [Day 1]$400$1,225,000
Dec 22WSOPC #10: $400 CHRISTMAS PLOSSUS, $1.225M GTD [Day 1]$400$1,225,000
Dec 22WSOPC #7: $1,500 No Limit Hold’em 6-Handed Championship$1,500$1,000,000
Dec 22WSOPC #10: $400 CHRISTMAS PLOSSUS, $1.225M GTD [Day 1]$400$1,225,000
Dec 22WSOPC #10: $400 CHRISTMAS PLOSSUS, $1.225M GTD [Day 1, Turbo]$400$1,225,000
Dec 23WSOPC #10: $400 CHRISTMAS PLOSSUS, $1.225M GTD [Day 1]$400$1,225,000
Dec 23WSOPC #10: $400 CHRISTMAS PLOSSUS, $1.225M GTD [Day 1]$400$1,225,000
Dec 23WSOPC #10: $400 CHRISTMAS PLOSSUS, $1.225M GTD [Day 1]$400$1,225,000
Dec 23WSOPC #10: $400 CHRISTMAS PLOSSUS, $1.225M GTD [Day 1, Turbo]$400$1,225,000
Dec 24WSOPC #10: $400 CHRISTMAS PLOSSUS, $1.225M GTD [Day 1]$400$1,225,000
Dec 24WSOPC #10: $400 CHRISTMAS PLOSSUS, $1.225M GTD [Day 1]$400$1,225,000
Dec 24WSOPC #10: $400 CHRISTMAS PLOSSUS, $1.225M GTD [Day 1]$400$1,225,000
Dec 24WSOPC #10: $400 CHRISTMAS PLOSSUS, $1.225M GTD [Day 1, Turbo]$400$1,225,000
Dec 25WSOPC #10: $400 CHRISTMAS PLOSSUS, $1.225M GTD [Day 1]$400$1,225,000
Dec 25WSOPC #10: $400 CHRISTMAS PLOSSUS, $1.225M GTD [Day 1]$400$1,225,000
Dec 25WSOPC #10: $400 CHRISTMAS PLOSSUS, $1.225M GTD [Day 1]$400$1,225,000
Dec 25WSOPC #10: $400 CHRISTMAS PLOSSUS, $1.225M GTD [Day 1, Turbo]$400$1,225,000
Dec 26WSOPC #8: $600 Marathon No Limit Hold’em$600$500,000
Dec 26WSOPC #10: $400 CHRISTMAS PLOSSUS, $1.225M GTD [Day 1]$400$1,225,000
Dec 26WSOPC #10: $400 CHRISTMAS PLOSSUS, $1.225M GTD [Day 1]$400$1,225,000
Dec 26WSOPC #10: $400 CHRISTMAS PLOSSUS, $1.225M GTD [Day 1]$400$1,225,000
Dec 26WSOPC #10: $400 CHRISTMAS PLOSSUS, $1.225M GTD [Day 1, Turbo]$400$1,225,000
Dec 27WSOPC #9: $315 BOUNTY GIANT No Limit Hold’em$315$1,000,000
Dec 27WSOPC #10: $400 CHRISTMAS PLOSSUS, $1.225M GTD [Day 2]$400$1,225,000
Dec 28WSOPC #15: $400 NEW YEAR COLOSSUS, $2.021M GTD [Day 1]$400$2,021,000
Dec 28WSOPC #15: $400 NEW YEAR COLOSSUS, $2.021M GTD [Day 1]$400$2,021,000
Dec 28WSOPC #15: $400 NEW YEAR COLOSSUS, $2.021M GTD [Day 1]$400$2,021,000
Dec 28WSOPC #15: $400 NEW YEAR COLOSSUS, $2.021M GTD [Day 1, Turbo]$400$2,021,000
Dec 29WSOPC #15: $400 NEW YEAR COLOSSUS, $2.021M GTD [Day 1]$400$2,021,000
Dec 29WSOPC #15: $400 NEW YEAR COLOSSUS, $2.021M GTD [Day 1]$400$2,021,000
Dec 29WSOPC #11: $1,050 Bounty Hunters Championship$1,050$1,000,000
Dec 29WSOPC #15: $400 NEW YEAR COLOSSUS, $2.021M GTD [Day 1]$400$2,021,000
Dec 29WSOPC #15: $400 NEW YEAR COLOSSUS, $2.021M GTD [Day 1, Turbo]$400$2,021,000
Dec 30WSOPC #15: $400 NEW YEAR COLOSSUS, $2.021M GTD [Day 1]$400$2,021,000
Dec 30WSOPC #15: $400 NEW YEAR COLOSSUS, $2.021M GTD [Day 1]$400$2,021,000
Dec 30WSOPC #15: $400 NEW YEAR COLOSSUS, $2.021M GTD [Day 1]$400$2,021,000
Dec 30WSOPC #15: $400 NEW YEAR COLOSSUS, $2.021M GTD [Day 1, Turbo]$400$2,021,000
Dec 31WSOPC #15: $400 NEW YEAR COLOSSUS, $2.021M GTD [Day 1]$400$2,021,000
Dec 31WSOPC #15: $400 NEW YEAR COLOSSUS, $2.021M GTD [Day 1]$400$2,021,000
Dec 31WSOPC #15: $400 NEW YEAR COLOSSUS, $2.021M GTD [Day 1]$400$2,021,000
Dec 31WSOPC #15: $400 NEW YEAR COLOSSUS, $2.021M GTD [Day 1, Turbo]$400$2,021,000
Jan 1WSOPC #15: $400 NEW YEAR COLOSSUS, $2.021M GTD [Day 1]$400$2,021,000
Jan 1WSOPC #15: $400 NEW YEAR COLOSSUS, $2.021M GTD [Day 1]$400$2,021,000
Jan 1WSOPC #15: $400 NEW YEAR COLOSSUS, $2.021M GTD [Day 1]$400$2,021,000
Jan 1WSOPC #15: $400 NEW YEAR COLOSSUS, $2.021M GTD [Day 1, Turbo]$400$2,021,000
Jan 2WSOPC #12: $500 Deepstack No Limit Hold’em$500$500,000
Jan 2WSOPC #15: $400 NEW YEAR COLOSSUS, $2.021M GTD [Day 1]$400$2,021,000
Jan 2WSOPC #15: $400 NEW YEAR COLOSSUS, $2.021M GTD [Day 1]$400$2,021,000
Jan 2WSOPC #13: $10,000 Heads Up NLHE [No Late Reg, 128 Cap]$10,000$1,000,000
Jan 2WSOPC #15: $400 NEW YEAR COLOSSUS, $2.021M GTD [Day 1]$400$2,021,000
Jan 2WSOPC #15: $400 NEW YEAR COLOSSUS, $2.021M GTD [Day 1, Turbo]$400$2,021,000
Jan 3WSOPC #14: $800 FIFTY STACK No Limit Hold’em$800$1,000,000
Jan 3WSOPC #15: $400 NEW YEAR COLOSSUS, $2.021M GTD [Final Day]$400$2,021,000
Jan 4WSOPC #18: $1,700 MAIN EVENT, $10M GTD [Day 1]$1,700$10,000,000
Jan 4WSOPC #18: $1,700 MAIN EVENT, $10M GTD [Day 1]$1,700$10,000,000
Jan 5WSOPC #18: $1,700 MAIN EVENT, $10M GTD [Day 1]$1,700$10,000,000
Jan 5WSOPC #16: $3,000 Pot Limit Omaha Championship$3,000$500,000
Jan 5WSOPC #18: $1,700 MAIN EVENT, $10M GTD [Day 1]$1,700$10,000,000
Jan 6WSOPC #18: $1,700 MAIN EVENT, $10M GTD [Day 1]$1,700$10,000,000
Jan 6WSOPC #18: $1,700 MAIN EVENT, $10M GTD [Day 1]$1,700$10,000,000
Jan 7WSOPC #18: $1,700 MAIN EVENT, $10M GTD [Day 1]$1,700$10,000,000
Jan 7WSOPC #18: $1,700 MAIN EVENT, $10M GTD [Day 1]$1,700$10,000,000
Jan 8WSOPC #18: $1,700 MAIN EVENT, $10M GTD [Day 1]$1,700$10,000,000
Jan 8WSOPC #18: $1,700 MAIN EVENT, $10M GTD [Day 1]$1,700$10,000,000
Jan 9WSOPC #17: $252 Deepstack Bounty Hunters No Limit Hold’em$252$500,000
Jan 9WSOPC #18: $1,700 MAIN EVENT, $10M GTD [Day 1]$1,700$10,000,000
Jan 9WSOPC #18: $1,700 MAIN EVENT, $10M GTD [Day 1]$1,700$10,000,000
Jan 10WSOPC #18: $1,700 MAIN EVENT, $10M GTD [Day 2]$1,700$10,000,000
Jan 16WSOPC #18: $1,700 MAIN EVENT, $10M GTD – Final Table$1,700$10,000,000

Leaderboard cash, streaming plans for the latest WSOP Online Circuit

GGPoker offers players plenty of ways to win during the series. That includes some free money for those who are regulars throughout the series.

GG has put $100,000 up for grabs for the player of the series. The player in the top spot takes home an extra $10,000.

The GGPoker Twitch channel will also be shown live streaming several events with cards-up coverage. That culminates with the $1,700 Main Event final table on Jan. 16 with Jeff Platt and Brent Hanks calling the action.

Fans can also look for streaming action from the $170 Mini Main Event and $10,000 Heads Up as well. Here’s a look at the entire streaming schedule.

WSOP Winter Online Circuit Streaming Schedule

DateEventCommentators
Dec 15WSOPC #2: $10,300 Super MILLION$ High Roller, $5M GTD – Final TableNanonoko & Rotterdam
Dec 19WSOPC #1: BIG $50, $1M GTD – Final TableJeff Platt & Brent Hanks
Dec 22Super MILLION$ High Rollers $10,300, $1.5M GTD – Final TableNanonoko & Rotterdam
Dec 26WSOPC #6: $170 Mini Main Event, $2M GTD – Final TableJeff Platt & Brent Hanks
Dec 29Super MILLION$ High Rollers $10,300, $1.5M GTD – Final TableNanonoko & Rotterdam
Jan 2WSOPC #10: $400 CHRISTMAS PLOSSUS, $1.225M GTD – Final TableJeff Platt & Brent Hanks
Jan 5Super MILLION$ High Rollers $10,300, $1.5M GTD – Final TableNanonoko & Rotterdam
Jan 9WSOPC #13: $10,000 Heads Up No Limit Hold’em – Semi Final TableJeff Platt & Brent Hanks
Jan 12Super MILLION$ High Rollers $10,300, $1.5M GTD – Final TableNanonoko & Rotterdam
Jan 16WSOPC #18: $1,700 MAIN EVENT, $10M GTD – Final TableJeff Platt & Brent Hanks

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WSOP $10,000 Main Event Reaches Final Table at GGPoker, Winner Scores $1.55 Million

After four days of play that included three starting flights, the final table is now set on the international side of the World Series of Poker $10,000 Main Event.

Play wrapped up on Monday at GGPoker and Brazil’s Brunno Botteon leads those returning. He’ll be looking for a first-place payout of $1.55 million. 

The series announced in November that there would be two final tables with play held initially online. The WSOP.com half for US players follows on Dec. 13.

With the GGPoker side out of the way, poker fans now know what to expect at the final table.

Analyzing the WSOP GGPoker final table 

The GGPoker Main Event tournament produced a field of 674 players and a $6.5 million prize pool. Chip leader Botteon is no stranger to poker success, especially at GG.

While he may have only $78,000 in live tournament winnings, Botteon’s scored significant cash online. He was a regular in this summer’s WSOP Online, which brought some huge scores including:

  • $500 Limit Hold’em – runner-up for $41,855
  • $25,000 Poker Players Championship – sixth for $388,837
  • $25,000 NLHE Heads-Up – runner-up for $622,300

After those big runs, Botteon will be looking to add a win in the biggest tournament around. It won’t be easy and he faces some tough competition.

Portugal’s Manuel Ruivo in second and Argentina’s Damian Salas sit just behind Botteon. Ruivo has $745,000 in live tournament winnings and also significant online scores.

In 2018, he won the $5,300 partypoker MILLIONS Online for $2.3 million. Salas has $2.7 million in live tournament winnings, including a huge bullet point point on his resumé. In 2017, Salas took seventh in the $10,000 WSOP Main Event for $1.4 million.

The first player eliminated from the final table in ninth will earn $75,360. Blinds will be at 100,000/200,000 with a 20,000 ante when play resumes. Here’s a look at the complete final table:

2020 WSOP Main Event GGPoker Final Table

Position PlayerCountryChips
1stBrunno BotteonBrazil10,317,743
2ndManuel RuivoPortugal6,213,759
3rdDamian SalasArgentina5,653,528
4th“fullbabyfull”Liechtenstein4,232,560
5thHannes SpeiserAustria3,515,744
6thDominykas MikolaitisLithuania3,165,440
7thRamon Miquel MunozSpain3,035,940
8thPeiyuan SunChina2,185,676
9thStoyan ObreshkovBulgaria2,119,610

What’s next for the WSOP Main Event?

GG paused the action with the first final table set. The action shifts to live play at King’s Casino in the Czech Republic on Dec. 15.

The US final table will be played on Dec. 28 at the Rio in Las Vegas. The American side of the event will play out over three days in the states of Nevada and New Jersey.

Each property will pay out winners separately and the two final players will meet at the Rio. Caesars and GGPoker are putting up $1 million for the winner-take-all heads-up battle.

Both final tables will be filmed for broadcast on ESPN as well as the heads-up duel.

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SOCIAL MEDIA MAVERICK: GGPoker Signs Dan Bilzerian to Company Ambassador Role

GGPoker has announced the signing of social media star Dan Bilzerian.

GGPoker already boasts an ambassador stable that includes Daniel Negreanu and Fedor Holz. On Thursday, the site announced the signing of another major poker name – “King of Instagram” Dan Bilzerian.

Bilzerian has become one of the world’s most recognizable poker players and social media influencers. On Instagram alone, Bilzerian has more than 32 million followers.

“Dan joining Team GGPoker is a huge win,” Negreanu noted in a news release announcing the signing.

“No one in poker has a bigger reach than Dan. He has won millions in cash games and isn’t afraid to get into the mix against the sharks in the high-stakes streets at GGPoker.” 

Bilzerian comes with some controversy

While he may bring plenty of eyeballs, Bilzerian has also been a polarizing figure in the world of poker. His social media posts frequently involve plenty of partying, global travel, and scantily-clad women.

When it comes to poker Bilzerian has made some big claims. At varying times he’s said to have won more than $10 million in a single session and $50 million over the course of a year (2014).

Bilzerian also has various business interests ranging from electronic cigarettes to CBD oil to vodka. He’s also worked as an actor on occasion.

https://twitter.com/DanBilzerian/status/1269910950171127808?s=20

His winnings and wealth have been disputed through the years. His father, Paul Bilzerian, was the subject of a Wall Street Journal investigation in 2014.

The elder Bilzerian is a former corporate takeover specialist. He battled the Securities and Exchange Commission over a $64 million civil judgement for 25 years. That involved self-exile on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts and even renouncing his US citizenship.

As the Journal noted, many believed his father had “assets set aside for son Dan Bilzerian, a social-media star who has attracted millions of online followers by flaunting his exploits with cars, guns, bikini-clad women and high-stakes poker.”

Bilzerian told the paper that his father did endow him a trust. However, he says much of his wealth has come from private high stakes poker games.

“People are going to believe what they want to believe,” Bilzerian said in the article.

What’s in it for GGPoker?

While Bilzerian comes with an edgy background, that’s nothing new for the world of poker. Vice has come hand in hand with poker at various times.

Some may even view Bilzerian as a nice addition and contrast to a more sanitized version of the game. Marketers may see a little controversy as just an opportunity to get the GGPoker brand in the public eye.

The company has made big headlines in recent months with its partnerships with the World Series of Poker. That even includes the $10,000 Main Event, with much of the tournament now played online.

GG has grown at a rapid clip since its launch in 2017. Bilzerian coming on board may introduce the site to a more mainstream audience. His social media following allows the site to potentially reach those who might be new to the game.

That’s the hope for any brand ambassadorship nowadays – converting fans to real-money players. The social media star certainly has an audience and GG hopes some of those may want to play poker. 

“In these crazy times, GGPoker is the best option to get my poker on – they cater to the recreational players and that’s the future of poker, not a bunch of math nerds,” Bilzerian said in a news release.

“I’ve battled guys from the $2 buy-in to the $200,000 buy-in tables at GGPoker, and will be working with GG to make cash game tables even better for the average player out there.”

GGPoker celebrates signing with $100,000 freeroll

To celebrate, GG is hosting a special 40th birthday party for Bilzerian on Dec. 7. The $100,000 Birthday Freeroll is open to all new players.

At least 50% of the field will earn some cash and the winner takes home at least $10,000. Additionally, the champ also is rewarded with a $3,000 buy-in for a heads-up match against Bilzerian.

There are also some extras planned. The player eliminating Bilzerian wins an all-expenses paid trip to party with him in Las Vegas in summer 2021.

Anyone knocking out another Team GGPoker player or one of Bilzerian’s special guests wins:

  • a Spin & Gold bundle valued at $200
  • $1,000 in cash for one winner

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ONLINE POKER QUICK TIPS: Working on Your Game With GGPoker’s Kevin Martin

Some online poker strategy tips from GGPoker rep and Big Brother winner Kevin Martin.

Poker streamer Kevin Martin manned the microphone for the first week of action between Daniel Negreanu and Doug Polk. Providing “play by play” on the GGPoker YouTube channel, he brings some nice pipes and an excellent feel for the game.

That comes after many years at the live and online tables. His resumé also includes two appearances on the Canadian version of Big Brother.

Coming out on top brought a $100,000 payday and a new car. The longtime poker streamer is now a member of the GGSquad streaming team. No stranger to online poker, he brings some big skills to the virtual tables.

Martin recently spoke with PokerScout to offer some strategy advice for the new Online Poker Quick Tips feature.

Playing the mental game

Online poker can be a pastime that some players take part in while doing other things. A click here to call, a click there to raise – with some other things in the mix.

Players might be on social media, online shopping, or cooking dinner between hands. Martin says this isn’t a great idea and hinders a player’s focus. For best results, he suggests putting away the phone and closing all other tabs on the laptop or tablet.

“One of the best mental tips I was ever told is that when I’m in a poker tournament,” he says, “I need to treat it as if it is the most important thing happening in my life.”

Hitting the books to rake some chips

Those hoping to improve their poker game and see nice results need to take it seriously, Martin says. There are numerous online resources to check out and work on skills and situations.

Even just small articles and quick concepts (like this column) can help in that regard.

“Work on your game,” he says. “Poker, like life, will give you what you put into it. Actively seek out resources to make yourself better. That’s the attitude I always have.”

That said, Martin says players should go at their own pace and everyone’s game and situation is different. Do what works for you.

“If you want to play five tournaments a month and you don’t really care how you do I respect that as well,” he says. “Everyone is going to have a unique relationship with the game.”

Players who put in less volume can still work on some of their skills. Taking in a few new concepts here and there can pay dividends. Like everything, learning new things and studying can help.

Adjusting to online poker

Some players new to the online game may need to make a few adjustments when making the transition. Those thinking there are only loose players and “donks” online may be surprised at the experience.

There’s a good chance a new online player will find better players than he might experience in a casino. Online players have a chance to see so many more hands and can improve quickly.

“People really do not account for improvement of the quality in play,” Martin says. “Internet players are good. There is a lot of talent and determination out there.

“When I made the transition to online back in 2015, I got smoked but it was a great lesson to learn. It was a wakeup call that I had to improve myself to compete. I recommitted and because of that I transformed myself into a winning player.”

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WSOP Main Event Shifts Online with Live Final Tables on Two Continents, $1M Heads-Up Battle

Hundreds of online poker players will head off to Las Vegas this summer to play in the WSOP $10,000 Main Event, courtesy of GGPoker.

There will be a World Series of Poker Main Event this year after all. Series officials announced on Friday the $10,000 championship will begin online with players around the world able to take part.

That’s not all. The specifics offer a completely revamped event because of the Coronavirus pandemic. That includes two separate live final tables at the Rio in Las Vegas and King’s Casino in the Czech Republic.

Winners of those events will play for the bracelet and an extra $1 million in a winner-take-all battle in Vegas. For international players, the Main Event begins Nov. 29 at GGPoker. US-based players get their half of the tournament started on Dec. 13 at WSOP.com.

“There must be a world champion in 2020,” WSOP executive director Ty Stewart said in a news release. “Poker’s history is too important. It’s a unique format for the Main Event, but this is a unique year. We want to keep players’ health and safety top of mind and still deliver a great televised showcase for the game we love.”

WSOP Main Event – 2 continents, 2 final tables, 1 heads-up champion

This year’s tournament may be the Main Event, but it certainly comes with some changes. How does it all work? Play globally and in the US begins online on WSOP.com or GGPoker.com. 

Players can expect the event’s usual freezeout format and players can enter once at either site. WSOP.com and GGPoker promise “the longest levels and deepest stacks ever offered on the online platform.”

Once play reaches nine players, the action moves to a live table and both sites will pay out winners independently. When one player is left at each, those two will head to Las Vegas to play in a heads-up duel.

Most of this year's WSOP Main Event moves online at GGPoker.

Additionally, Caesars and GGPoker are putting up $1 million in prize money but with no second place in this showdown. The two players will compete in a winner-take-all format for seven figures.

WSOP officials have promised play at live tables will be subject to special COVID rules and procedures. Players will also undergo health screenings prior to live play.

ESPN will once again air the 2020 Main Event with Lon McEachern and Norman Chad calling the action.

GGPoker adds to growing WSOP presence

For GGPoker, the event comes after a record-setting WSOP Online series this summer. The site now expands its relationship with the series, allowing players around the world to compete in the Main Event.

“We’re very happy to continue to deepen our relationship with WSOP,” GGPoker head of poker operations Steve Preiss said. “It was a huge summer of record-setting action on GGPoker and we’re excited to offer players access to the biggest tournament of all.”

For GG players, there will be three starting flights to take advantage of. Play will be paused each day after about 12 hours of play and when the final nine players are left.

That final table is then set to play out at King’s Casino in Rozvadov, Czech Republic, and filmed for TV. Here’s how the complete international schedule looks: 

WSOP Main Event – international schedule

  • Day 1A – Sunday, Nov. 29
  • Day 1B – Saturday, Dec. 5
  • Day 1C – Sunday, Dec. 6
  • Day 2 – Play down to nine players on Monday, Dec. 7
  • Final table – Play continues to a winner on Tuesday, Dec.15 at King’s Casino in Czech Republic

American players in the legal states of New Jersey and Nevada can get in the action on WSOP.com. Play follows a similar schedule as in the international half of the tournament but with only a single starting flight.

WSOP Main Event – US schedule

  • Day 1 – Sunday, Dec. 13
  • Day 2 – Play down to nine players on Monday, Dec. 14
  • Final table – Play continues to a winner on Monday, Dec. 28, at the Rio in Las Vegas

Heads-up in Las Vegas for a million bucks

With US and international winners named, the action shifts to heads-up play at the Rio in Las Vegas. That duel is set for Dec. 30 with ESPN filming the event.

While everything looks firmed up now, COVID-19 has a way of changing that. Those types of issues could alter the live schedule. WSOP officials reserve the right to continue the event online or reschedule live play as needed.

Another issue could arise if a player under 21 won on the international side.  Players must be 21 to gamble in Nevada. The WSOP could alter the date and location for the heads-up final if needed.

GGPoker, WSOP ramp up satellite and promotional power

Players with lighter bankrolls aren’t going to be shut out of the WSOP Main Event at GG and WSOP.com. Both sites promise plenty of satellites starting at just $1 as well as weekly freerolls awarding $10,000 seats.

The new series adds to an already packed lineup of recent events for GG. The Battle of Malta has shifted online and runs through Nov. 22 with $30 million guaranteed.

The High Rollers Week series is also underway with $22 million guaranteed and runs through Nov. 15. The WSOP Main Event certainly becomes another nice online poker option for GG players.

♠♠♠ Those looking to play at GGPoker and WSOP.com for the Main Event, should check out the PokerScout reviews of each site where players can also earn exclusive bonuses. Click here for WSOP.com and here for GGPoker. ♠♠♠

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GGPoker Launches High Rollers Week With $22 Million Guaranteed

High Rollers Week begins Nov. 8 at GGPoker.

The high stakes action returns to GGPoker starting on Sunday. The site’s latest High Rollers Week series is set for Nov. 8-15 with $22 million guaranteed.

 The one-week festival features 20 high roller tournaments with buy-ins all the way up to $25,000. Beyond that there are even a few events with more modest buy-ins – starting at just $525.

“GGPoker is online poker’s true home for high-roller tournaments and massive prize pools – and we’ve got the Guinness World Record to prove it,” GGPoker spokesman  Paul Burke said in a news release, referencing the site’s recent record-setting World Series of Poker Online Main Event.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the world’s top tournament players go for glory during High Rollers Week.”

Plenty of nosebleed action planned at GGPoker

Players with big bankrolls looking for massive payouts have plenty to look forward to in November. High Rollers Week features seven events with guarantees of more than $1 million.

That kind of action should bring out some of the game’s heavyweights. The series is capped by the $10,300 Super MILLION$ Main Event on Nov. 15.

That event should attract plenty of players with a $5 million guarantee. Beyond that tournament, here’s a look at a few more highlights.

  • $1,050 High Roller NLHE (Event 1, Nov. 8) – $1.5 million guaranteed
  • $10,300 Super MILLION$ (Event 2, Nov. 8) – $3 million guaranteed
  • $10,300 PLO High Roller (Event 3 Nov. 8) –  $1 million guaranteed
  • $10,300 NLHE High Roller (Event 7, Nov. 10) – $1.25 million guaranteed
  • $25,000 NLHE Super High Roller (Event 11, Nov. 12) – $2.5 million guaranteed
  • $1,050 High Rollers (Event 17, Nov. 15) – $1 million guaranteed

Poker fans will find cards-up coverage of the two $10,300 Super MILLION$ final tables on Nov. 10 and 17. Here’s a look at the complete High Rollers Week schedule.

2020 GGPoker High Rollers Week

DateEventBuy-InGuarantee
Nov 801: GGMasters High Roller NLHE$1,050$1,500,000
Nov 802: Super MILLION$ [2-day event]$10,300$3,000,000
Nov 803: PLO High Roller$10,300$1,000,000
Nov 804: NLHE High Roller$5,200$600,000
Nov 905: NLHE$525$500,000
Nov 906: NLHE$1,050$400,000
Nov 1007: NLHE High Roller$10,300$1,250,000
Nov 1008: NLHE Bounty$2,100$600,000
Nov 1109: NLHE$2,100$600,000
Nov 1110: NLHE High Roller$5,200$400,000
Nov 1211: NLHE Super High Roller$25,000$2,500,000
Nov 1212: NLHE Deepstack$1,050$600,000
Nov 1313: NLHE Bounty 6-Max$1,050$600,000
Nov 1314: Short Deck High Roller$10,300$500,000
Nov 1415: NLHE High Roller$5,200$600,000
Nov 1416: NLHE High Roller 6-Max$10,300$600,000
Nov 1517: GGMasters High Rollers$1,050$1,000,000
Nov 1518: Super MILLION$ Main Event$10,300$5,000,000
Nov 1519: PLO$2,100$600,000
Nov 1520: NLHE Bounty$1,050$600,000

Plenty more action planned for GGPoker players

High Rollers Week isn’t the only upcoming GG tournament series. The festival runs  simultaneously with the Battle of Malta, which kicks off online Nov. 8-22.

That series features 15 ring events with a $30 million overall guarantee and a packed schedule of side events. The $550 Main Event is set for Nov. 22 and features a $5 million guarantee.

The series leaderboard offers something extra for players who really cash in. Big winners have a chance to win tournament packages for the live Battle of Malta in 2021.

Between the two series, it will be a busy month at GGPoker with action for players of every level.

Between the two series, GGPoker is guaranteeing a hefty $52 million in November’s tournament series. Satellites and qualifiers already underway.

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