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BIG FINISH: WPT partypoker Main Events Approach; Thousands of Satellite Tickets Up for Grabs

The WPT Online Championships Main Events kick off this weekend.

After almost seven weeks, the stage is set for the finale of the WPT World Online Championships at partypoker. The Main Event tournaments are approaching and playing out over the next two weeks.

With so much World Poker Tour prestige on the line, party has added even more satellites for the Micro and Mini Main Events. The goal is to get players of all bankrolls involved.

The site will have thousands of guaranteed tickets on the line and satellite events are now underway. The final three weeks promise plenty of poker fun.

WPT Main Events start this weekend

There has been plenty of action for players hoping to attain some WPT glory. The series started on July 16 and included a $100 million guarantee.

The series is the first time a WPT championship has been awarded online. The WOCs feature 12 championship events.

Five of these champions add their names to the Mike Sexton WPT Champions Cup. The winners also receive:

  • $15,000 entry and travel package for the WPT Tournament of Champions
  • individual trophies
  • Hublot watch
  • Set of Baccarat Crystal tumblers

The goal was to make the series feel as much like a real WPT event as possible. Players’ real names are used at the tables with a maximum of two Day 1s for championship events. Only one re-entry is allowed per day.

Here’s a look at the Main Events on tap beginning this weekend:

  • $109 Micro Main Event Championship – Day 1A is set for Saturday, Aug. 29, with $1 million guaranteed.
  • $1,050 Mini Main Event Championship – This event begins Sunday, Aug. 30, with $5 million guaranteed.
  • $10,300 World Championship Main Event – This premier event of the whole series begins Sept. 6 with $10 million guaranteed. Day 1B was recently moved to Sept. 13 to allow more players to compete. Days 2, 3, and 4 on the following days.

Plenty of satellite action in store for partypoker players

Those looking to get in the main event action have plenty of satellites to check out over the next week. More than 3,500 seats await those looking to get in the Micro event.

Qualifiers start at just $3 and continue until the event kicks off on Saturday.

The WPT and partypoker are teaming up for the $100 million WPT World Online Championships.

Players looking to get in the Mini Main Event also have a plethora of opportunities. More than 1,000 guaranteed seats can be won in satellites until the start of the tournament. Players can earn a seat starting at only $33. 

One satellite event stands out. A “Monster Satellite” will award as many as 100 tickets and is set for Aug. 29 ahead of Day 1A.

On top of the Micro and Mini versions, the Championship Main Event offers some qualifying opportunities as well.

Team partypoker’s Josip Simunic recently turned a $109 buy-in into a $10,000 partypoker LIVE passport. Simunic is now using that for the World Championship Main Event.

“I am very happy that there are so many good satellites on partypoker,” he says. “These satellites give so many more players the chance to play in this huge event, as they allow lots of opportunities to qualify from lower buy-ins.”

Big WPT winners so far, plenty of action remains

The WPT World Online Championships have typified the international online poker frenzy of the last few months. Operators have seen huge fields and massive guarantees.

Sites like 888poker and Unibet have major series underway and the World Series of Poker Online continues at GGPoker. Many players are jumping in both the WPT and WSOP events.

So far the winners of the WPT championships adding their names to the Sexton Cup include:

  • Gavin Cochrane – This player from the United Kingdom became the first player to win a WPT event online. He took the title in the $3,200 WPT Eight-Max Championship on Aug. 4 for $540,664.
  • Nick Petrangelo – The American won the $3,200 Six-Max Championship for $494,550 for his first tour title.
  • Daniel Smyth – In the $3,200 Knockout Championship, this player from Ireland took the title for $408,330.
  • Andrey Kotelnikov – The Russian rounder took down the $3,200 Mix-Max Championship on partypoker for $488,508.

Poker superstar and Team partypoker member Kristen Bicknell has won a WPT event as well as bracelet in the WSOP Online. She now sits atop the WOC leaderboard.

The $10,300 World Championship Main Event is the final Cup event on tap. Beyond that, however, there’s still quite a bit left on the schedule before events conclude Sept. 16.

One of those highlights is the $3,200 World Championship Mix-Max, with starting flights beginning on Sept. 5. That event features a $3 million guaranteed prize pool and there are also Micro and Mini versions as well.

The Micro ($33), Mini ($320), and World Championship Heads-Up ($3,200) events should also attract nice fields. Those events are set for Sept. 2 and feature guarantees of $20,000 (Micro), $100,000 (Mini), and $500,000 (Championship).

Here’s a look at all the remaining action.

2020 WPT World Online Championships at partypoker

DateEventBuy-inFeeGuarantee
Aug. 29#07 World Championship Main Event Day 1A [4-Day Event]$10,000$300$10,000,000
Aug. 30#07 World Championship Main Event Day 1B [4-Day Event]$10,000$300None
Sept. 2#08 World Championship Heads Up [No Late Reg, 256 Cap, 2-Day Event]$3,000$200$500,000
Sept. 2#08 Mini World Championship Heads Up [No Late Reg, 512 Cap, 2-Day Event]$300$20$100,000
Sept. 2#08 Micro World Championship Heads Up [No Late Reg, 1024 Cap, 2-Day Event]$30$3$20,000
Sept. 5#09 World Championship Mix-Max Day 1A [3-Day Event]$3,000$200$3,000,000
Sept. 5#09 Mini World Championship Mix-Max Day 1A [3-Day Event]$300$20$1,000,000
Sept. 5#09 Micro World Championship Mix-Max Day 1A [3-Day Event] $30$3$300,000
Sept. 5#10 World Championship Super High Roller Day 1A [3-Day Event]$25,000$500$10,000,000
Sept. 6#09 World Championship Mix-Max Day 1B [3-Day Event]$3,000$200None
Sept. 6#09 Mini World Championship Mix-Max Day 1B [3-Day Event]$300$20None
Sept. 6#09 Micro World Championship Mix-Max Day 1B [3-Day Event]$30$3None
Sept. 6#10 World Championship Super High Roller Day 1B [3-Day Event]$25,000$500None
Sept. 7#11 World Championship Super High Roller [2-Day Event]$100,000$2,000$5,000,000
Sept. 8#12 World Championship Turbo$3,000$200$1,000,000
Sept. 8#12 Mini World Championship Turbo$300$20$300,000
Sept. 8#12 Micro World Championship Turbo$30$3$100,000
*** All events allow one re-entry per Day 1

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Partypoker, WPT Expand WOC Main Events; Mobile App Enhanced with Portrait Mode

The WPT recently detailed the Feeder and Funnel Program, allowing partner casinos around the world to offer live satellites for WPT events.

After receiving player feedback, partypoker and the World Poker Tour have made some changes to the World Online Championships. The Mini and Main Event have been extended with more chances for players to qualify.

The $10,300 Main Event features a $10 million guarantee with Day 1A set for Sunday, Sept. 6. Day 1B has been moved to Sept. 13 with Days 2, 3 and 4 on the following days.

Players will now have more opportunities to qualify for Day 1B, even if they bust on Day 1A. Partypoker will add even more satellite events in the intervening week.

The entire WOC series features a $100 million guarantee and events for all bankroll levels. That ranges from $30 to $100,000 with numerous tournaments left on the schedule.

Changes mean more opportunities in WPT World Online Championships

The $1,050 Mini Main Event also sees a bit of a schedule change, which comes with a $5 million guarantee. Day 1A is Sunday, Aug. 30, with 1B now on Sept. 6 and the final two days afterward.

The $109 Micro Main Event, with a guarantee of $1 million, will keep its original schedule for the whole four days. Day 1A is set for Aug. 29 and Sept. 1 as the final day of action.

This allows for all three main events to be live streamed on partypoker’s Twitch channel. This now gives Micro players a chance to shine in front of live viewers.

Plenty still on the line in WPT events

The WOCs have passed the halfway point but there remains a plethora of action. The Main Event is one of five Mike Sexton WPT Champions Cup events held during the series.

On top of the prize money, the winner adds a $15,000 package to the next WPT Tournament of Champions (presented by Baccarat Crystal). The champion’s name is also engraved on the Sexton Cup.

Championship winners also join the exclusive Champions Club and win a Hublot watch and set of Baccarat tumblers. The series comes with almost $150,000 in added value for players.

The series features a $100 million guarantee and tries to replicate an authentic live WPT experience.

Tournaments use players’ real names and allow a maximum of two Day 1s for the 10 championship events. Only one re-entry is allowed per day. Here’s a look at the complete schedule.

DateEventBuy-inFeeGuarantee
Aug. 29#07 World Championship Main Event Day 1A [4-Day Event]$10,000$300$10,000,000
Aug. 30#07 World Championship Main Event Day 1B [4-Day Event]$10,000$300None
Sept. 2#08 World Championship Heads Up [No Late Reg, 256 Cap, 2-Day Event]$3,000$200$500,000
Sept. 2#08 Mini World Championship Heads Up [No Late Reg, 512 Cap, 2-Day Event]$300$20$100,000
Sept. 2#08 Micro World Championship Heads Up [No Late Reg, 1024 Cap, 2-Day Event]$30$3$20,000
Sept. 5#09 World Championship Mix-Max Day 1A [3-Day Event]$3,000$200$3,000,000
Sept. 5#09 Mini World Championship Mix-Max Day 1A [3-Day Event]$300$20$1,000,000
Sept. 5#09 Micro World Championship Mix-Max Day 1A [3-Day Event] $30$3$300,000
Sept. 5#10 World Championship Super High Roller Day 1A [3-Day Event]$25,000$500$10,000,000
Sept. 6#09 World Championship Mix-Max Day 1B [3-Day Event]$3,000$200None
Sept. 6#09 Mini World Championship Mix-Max Day 1B [3-Day Event]$300$20None
Sept. 6#09 Micro World Championship Mix-Max Day 1B [3-Day Event]$30$3None
Sept. 6#10 World Championship Super High Roller Day 1B [3-Day Event]$25,000$500None
Sept. 7#11 World Championship Super High Roller [2-Day Event]$100,000$2,000$5,000,000
Sept. 8#12 World Championship Turbo$3,000$200$1,000,000
Sept. 8#12 Mini World Championship Turbo$300$20$300,000
Sept. 8#12 Micro World Championship Turbo$30$3$100,000
*** All events allow one re-entry per Day 1

Partypoker adds to mobile app allowing portrait mode for tournaments, SNGs

Partypoker has made some other news recently. Mobile players will now find a bit more comfort at the virtual tables. The site’s app now lets players compete in multi-table tournaments (MTTs) and Sit & Go tournaments (SNGs) in portrait mode.

This means players can now take part in major tournaments like the WOCs while on the go. The change makes it simpler to play in events like this. A big part of that is the ability to play multiple games at the same time.

“This marks a very important milestone for us, with all games now being available in portrait mode,” said Ross McQuater, partypoker head of poker product. “Tournament play presented a number of interesting challenges, and the team have done a great job in overcoming them.

“The result sees a significant overhaul for tournaments that extends to the game lobbies too, not just the portrait game table. We have an exciting raft of new features that we will continue to add in the coming months, as we also work to improve the portrait experience for our other labels. We are confident our players will enjoy the latest experience.”

Partypoker began making major improvements to its app in 2019, including a much more user-friendly experience. There are now several extra features to make tournament play more enjoyable as well.

As part of the new release, the “diamonds” virtual currency and “rabbit hunt” features are available in portrait mode. Party also revamped portrait lobbies  for tournaments and SNGs. These improvements include:

  • new game listings
  • filters
  • improved tournament detail pages

More details and a clearer design has refined the mobile experience to replicate the quality of a desktop lobby.

Social gaming aspects continue to grow

Diamonds are part of a shift toward introducing some social gaming-type features to the mobile app. These are rewarded based on the number of hands played.

A player can then use those diamonds to spend on animations or the opportunity to rabbit hunt. Rabbit cards give the full picture of hands, allowing a player to see the remaining cards not dealt. The feature adds some extra excitement and fun.

The moves come after the company enhanced the mobile offering earlier this year. Portrait table mode was extended to cash games, with single-handed play spread across heads-up and six-handed games.

Last year, party launched a new SPINS interface with a selection of new social game features. Some of those included bubble chat, emojis, animations, and enhanced dialogues.

Mobile gaming continues to be a major focus for the online poker industry.  The sites hop the efforts expand the player pool and grow the industry.

Operators are adapting to those prefer their gaming more on the go. Partypoker has been a big part of that and continues to enhance its mobile product.

Champions Cup photo courtesy WPT/Joe Giron

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WPT ROUNDUP: Tour Awards First Online Cup Title via Partypoker; Bicknell Shines and More

The $100 million WPT World Online Championships have reached the halfway point at partypoker. There’s been plenty of action and two players have already seen their names etched to the Mike Sexton WPT Champions Cup.

The series becomes the first time a WPT champion has been awarded online. The series features 12 championship events with five of these champions getting their names engraved on the Sexton Cup.

Winners of those five championship main events also receive:

  • individual trophies
  • a $15,000 entry and travel package for the WPT Tournament of Champions
  • membership into the Champions Club

There remains plenty of action and here’s a complete look at the headlines so far.

Cochrane wins first online WPT Champions Cup title awarded online at partypoker

Gavin Cochrane made some poker history by winning the $3,200 WPT 8-Max Championship on Aug. 4. After reaching the final table of the first championship event (PLO Hi-Lo), he took the title for $540,664.

From St. Albans, United Kingdom, Cochrane beat Belgium’s Thomas Boivin heads-up to become a WPT champion. The event featured a $3 million guarantee, but topped that at almost $3.2 million with 1,062 entries.

Cochrane’s name will be engraved on the Sexton Cup and he’ll receive a replica version as well. He will also receive a Hublot Classic Fusion Titanium watch and a set of Baccarat Crystal tumblers.

The Champions Cup namesake offered plenty of praise for the new champion.

“Becoming a Mike Sexton Champions Cup winner is a truly special achievement, and I congratulate Gavin Cochrane on his victory in a prestigious event,” Sexton said. “There is nothing quite like being a WPT champion, and there are still plenty of opportunities for players to join that list before the end of the series.”

A look at some other partypoker WOC winners

In the second event awarding Champions Club membership, American Nick Petrangelo came out on top for his first WPT title. The win in the $3,200 6-Max Championship included a $494,550 payday and Tournament of Champions entry package.

Petrangelo’s name will also go on the Sexton Cup and he received a Hublot watch.

The WPT ONline Championships kicked off over the weekend.

Petrangelo has had a few close calls before at WPT events. He finished runner-up in a WPT Alpha8 in 2015 for $1 million. He also finished second in a WPT High Roller at the LA Poker Classic in 2018 for $425,000.

A couple other winners in main events include:

  • $3,200 PLO Hi-Lo Championship ($500,000 guaranteed) – Paul Tedeschi (France), $97,109
  • $3,200 Omaha Championship ($1 million guaranteed) – Alex Manzano (Chile), $76,131

Plenty of side action remains on tap beyond championship events

There may be plenty of hardware and prestige on the line, but the WOCs offer nice side events as well. The WOC features 12 championship events divided into three categories; Micro, Mini, and Main.

Ireland’s Daniel McAulay won the Mini version of the 8-Max Championship for $118,433. Boris Angelov, of Canada, won the Micro version for $44,807.

Some other notable side event winners include:

  • Gabriele Lepore of Italy won the $1 million guaranteed WPT Opener for $172,000.
  • Russia’s Artur Martirosian took down the $1 million guaranteed WPT High Roller for $251,000.
  • Aleksejs Ponakovs of Latvia edged out Team partypoker’s Kristen Bicknell to win “The Big Game” for $219,750.

Bicknell rolls, takes top spot on leaderboard

Speaking of Kristen Bicknell, she’s been one of the hottest players in poker. She currently leads the Player of the Championships leaderboard.

Along with her runner-up in the Big Game, Bicknell won the $5,200 7-Max High Roller for $79,275. 

Kristen Bicknell (photo courtesy WPT/Joe Giron)

The big scores haven’t come just at partypoker. In July, she earned her second World Series of Poker bracelet by winning the $2,500 NLHE 6-Handed event online at GGPoker for $356,412.

If she can keep the WPT success going and win the leaderboard title, Bicknell will add another $50,000 to her winnings. Here’s a complete look at the leaderboard ro far.

  • 1st – Kristen Bicknell, 157.94
  • 2nd – Lars Kamphues, 130.62
  • 3rd – Nick Petrangelo, 128.77
  • 4th – Gavin Cochrane, 127.87
  • 5th – Sam Grafton,  122.66

Satellite success means big bucks

There has been plenty of satellite success so far for players in the WPT World Online Championships. Four players at the final table of the 8-Max Championship main event won their places via satellite.

Artsiom Prostak finished runner-up in the 6-Max Championship and qualified via a $320 satellite. That proved a nice option – leading to a score of $388,119.

In total, $1.5 million in seats were awarded for the 8-Max tournaments via satellites. Mega satellites continue running for all championship events. Thousands of dollars in tournament seats are still up for grabs as the series advances.

Looking at upcoming WPT partypoker events

Players looking to get in on the WPT action at partypoker still have plenty to check out. That ranges from Micro buy-in events to the Main category including three more Sexton Cup events.

Those looking for some real WPT glory have three more Sexton Cup events to check out. All these include a TOC package for the winner as well as Hublot watches and Baccarat Crystal.

  • $3,200 Knockout Championship, Aug. 15 – $3 million guarantee
  • $3,200 Mix-Max Championship, Aug. 22 – $3 million guarantee
  • $10,300 WPT World Championship Online Main Event, Sept. 5 – $10 million guarantee

A few upcoming side events should also attract plenty of interest. The $3,200 World Championship 6-Max begins on Aug. 15 and features a $3 million guarantee.

The $320 Mini version comes with a $1 million guarantee and $300,000 for the $33 Micro version.

The $3,200 Heads-Up World Championship is set for Sept. 2 and comes with a $500,000 guarantee.

There is also a $320 Mini version for $320 and a $100,00 guarantee. The $33 Micro version has a $20,000 guarantee.

Here’s a look at the complete schedule of events remaining.

2020 WPT partypoker World Online Championships

DateEventBuy-inFeeGuarantee
Aug. 29#07 World Championship Main Event Day 1A [4-Day Event]$10,000$300$10,000,000
Aug. 30#07 World Championship Main Event Day 1B [4-Day Event]$10,000$300None
Sept. 2#08 World Championship Heads Up [No Late Reg, 256 Cap, 2-Day Event]$3,000$200$500,000
Sept. 2#08 Mini World Championship Heads Up [No Late Reg, 512 Cap, 2-Day Event]$300$20$100,000
Sept. 2#08 Micro World Championship Heads Up [No Late Reg, 1024 Cap, 2-Day Event]$30$3$20,000
Sept. 5#09 World Championship Mix-Max Day 1A [3-Day Event]$3,000$200$3,000,000
Sept. 5#09 Mini World Championship Mix-Max Day 1A [3-Day Event]$300$20$1,000,000
Sept. 5#09 Micro World Championship Mix-Max Day 1A [3-Day Event] $30$3$300,000
Sept. 5#10 World Championship Super High Roller Day 1A [3-Day Event]$25,000$500$10,000,000
Sept. 6#09 World Championship Mix-Max Day 1B [3-Day Event]$3,000$200None
Sept. 6#09 Mini World Championship Mix-Max Day 1B [3-Day Event]$300$20None
Sept. 6#09 Micro World Championship Mix-Max Day 1B [3-Day Event]$30$3None
Sept. 6#10 World Championship Super High Roller Day 1B [3-Day Event]$25,000$500None
Sept. 7#11 World Championship Super High Roller [2-Day Event]$100,000$2,000$5,000,000
Sept. 8#12 World Championship Turbo$3,000$200$1,000,000
Sept. 8#12 Mini World Championship Turbo$300$20$300,000
Sept. 8#12 Micro World Championship Turbo$30$3$100,000
*** All events allow one re-entry per Day 1

* Sexton Cup photo courtesy WPT/Joe Giron

* Gavin Cochrane photo courtesy Poker Central

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BONUS BUCKS: PartyPoker Adds $150K in Extras to WPT series

The WPT and partypoker are teaming up for the $100 million WPT World Online Championships.

After two weeks of PLO events in the WPT World Online Championships, No Limit Hold’em now takes center stage at partypoker beginning Saturday. With plenty of extras already in line for winners, the site announced some nice extras this week bringing the total to almost $150,000.

The five Mike Sexton WPT Champions Cup events include a $15,000 entry into the Tournament of Champions presented by Baccarat Crystal. Partypoker announced Thursday that those entries won’t be removed from the prize pool.

In essence the TOC entries are added value with partypoker chipping in that money.

Click here for a complete preview and schedule of the WPT World Online Championships including an interview with poker star Jason Koon.

Big bang for the buck in WPT championships

The TOC entries aren’t the only extras players can expect for winning one the five Cup events. Added value extras added up to almost $150,000 and include:

  • $75,000 – $15,000 TOC entries for each of the five events
  • $45,000 – Hublot watches, worth $7,500 for the first four events and $15,000 for the main event
  • $2,500 – Baccarat Crystal awarded to each winner
  • $25,000 – $5,000 TOC travel packages for each winner

There are a total of 12 championship events included within the series. Only these five events include the above. The champions will also have their names engraved on the Sexton Cup.

DateBuy-inEventGTE
Sat., Aug. 1$3,200Eight-Max Championship$3 million
Sat., Aug. 8$3,200Six-Max Championship$3 million
Sat., Aug. 15$3,200Knockout Championship$3 million
Sat., Aug. 22$3,200Mix-Max Championship$3 million
Sat., Sept. 5$10,300WPT World Championship Online Main Event$10 million

Winners also receive a replica version of the cup and join the exclusive WPT Champions Club. That club roster includes names like Darren Elias, Anthony Zinno, Doyle Brunson, Daniel Negreanu, Antonio Esfandiari, and current Player of the Year leader Brian Altman.

The annual TOC features a rake-free $15,000 buy-in and all WPT champions are eligible. German poker pro Ole Schemion took down last year’s event for $440,395.

$3,200 Eight-Max event kicks off  WPT Sexton Cup events on Saturday

The inaugural WPT World Online Championships run through Sept. 9 with an overall guarantee of $100 million. Despite being played online, the series is designed to replicate an authentic live tour experience.

That includes the use of players’ real names at the tables. There will also be a maximum of two Day 1s for the 12 championship events. Only one re-entry is allowed.

The first Sexton Cup event is the Eight-Max Championship on Saturday. The tournament concludes on Tuesday with mega satellites running through Sunday with $1.5 million worth of seats up for grabs.

More than 2,500 tickets will be claimed with buy-ins available at $33 and $320. Winners of the TOC package have plenty to look forward to. 

The trip includes VIP concierge service for transport and hotel arrangements for the event. Players will also be treated to a party with the WPT talent team including Vince Van Patten, Tony Dunst, Lynn Gilmartin, and Matt Savage.

Players also receive a special VIP swag bag. Last year’s TOC was held at the Aria in Las Vegas. This year’s event was set to be played at the HyperX Esports Arena.

However, that has now been postponed because of the Coronavirus pandemic. Official plans for the event haven’t yet been determined.

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READY TO GO: Jason Koon Previews partypoker WPT World Online Championships

The WPT recently detailed the Feeder and Funnel Program, allowing partner casinos around the world to offer live satellites for WPT events.

The WPT Online Championships officially kicked off at partypoker July 17 and players can expect a massive series. The festival includes the biggest overall guarantee in the site’s history – $100 million.

The series, which runs through Sept. 8, is designed to replicate an authentic live WPT experience. That includes adding new players to the WPT Champions Club.

The series comes at a time when online poker is reaching record numbers of players. Series continue to attract massive fields and that should include the WPT series.

Partypoker ambassador Jason Koon has more than $31 million in live tournament winnings. He’ll be looking to add his own name to the Champions Club and spoke with PokerScout about the series.

Koon sees the WPTOC as a way to replace some big live poker action that’s missing right now. 

“The series has been warmly received, with players being locked up and itching to play some higher-stakes tournaments,” Koon says. “This is of course a difficult year for live poker, and while online poker has seen higher traffic, what poker really needs is that familiarity with the large-scale live events we are used to seeing.”

A chance for WPT glory via partypoker

Players may not be able to play live, but the WPT is bringing some big prestige for winners. The series includes 12 championship events divided into three categories; Micro, Mini, and Main. 

Jason Koon, a member of Team partypoker

Winners of five of the championship events will receive individual trophies. These players will also win a $15,000 entry and travel accommodations for the WPT Tournament of Champions.

“Winning a big field, high-buy in tournament online versus great players is an excellent accomplishment, deserving of being in the Champions Club,” Koon says. “While it may not quite be the same as it would with TV cameras there in front of you, it still gives an added edge to events and I’m sure players will be going all out to win their place.”

Koon describes the series as “player friendly,” even beyond the championship events. Some buy-ins will be priced as low as $3 and $20.

“It’s important to make players of all levels feel like they are welcome to play in the series,” Koon says. “Having a tiered structure like this means the quality of the festival can still be at a high level without making people feel like it’s too exclusive for them to be involved.”

Another nice bullet point for the series, Koon says, is that players will only be allowed one re-entry for championships. He hopes that is the trend in major online poker events.

“Online operators have gone a bit bonkers with allowing unlimited rebuys and overall, I don’t think it’s good for the poker economy and I don’t think it’s something many players will ever be in favor of,” he says. “Give players an opportunity to re-buy, but don’t saturate the field and make it too easy. It’s meant to be a challenge that rewards only the best players.”

Partypoker enhances Twitch stream for series

As part of the Online Championships, partypoker has upped its streaming game for fans as well. Players can follow the action via Partypoker’s Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook platforms.

Party has teamed with ShareHand, its production partner for live partypoker MILLIONS festivals. The effort is meant to provide an experience as close as possible to watching a live series. That includes:

  • Live streaming of the 12 championship events.
  • All final tables featuring cards up on a short delay.
  • Real names of all final table players will be shown on screen to replicate a live WPT final table.

Partypoker also promises tournament ticket giveaways to viewers.  Commentary will be provided by traditional WPT commentators Vince Van Patten, Tony Dunst, and Mike Sexton.

Others will also be joining in including James Dempsey, Joey Ingram, and Team partypoker pros Koon, Isaac Haxton, Roberto Romanello, Sam Trickett, and Ludovic Geilich. WPT executive tour director Matt Savage will be lead commentator for the five Champions Cup events.

 Several side events will also be streamed. James Dempsey and Henry Kilbane will offer coverage of those events up to four times per week.

Commentary for all streams will be available in English as well as Russian, German, Spanish, and Portuguese.

“The WPT World Online Championships is special for so many reasons,” Sexton says. “Give it a go and good luck. I hope to see you on a final table where I’ll be commentating.”

Leaderboards offer an extra $100,000 in prizes 

There are even more opportunities for players to win during the WPT World Online Championships. Two tournament leaderboards will pay out a guaranteed $100,000 to players of all buy-in levels.

The top leaderboard is for events with a buy-in of $320 or more (excluding High Roller week). The winner takes home $50,000 and the top 10 finishers on the leaderboard will cash. Points will be awarded based on:

  • finishing position
  • tournament buy-in
  • number of entries

The series will also feature the WPT Rising Star leaderboard for players in smaller buy-in events. The promotion features a guaranteed $25,000 paid, including $10,000 to the winner.

Players earn points by competing in events with a buy-in of $300 or less. A player’s 10 best scores count toward the leaderboard, meaning everyone has a chance and the outcome isn’t bankroll dependent.

The top 10 finishers will cash with prizes ranging from $500 to $10,000. 

Second chance freerolls offer players an extra $400,000 in prizes

Players have extra opportunities to qualify for WPT World Online Championships throughout the series. Partypoker is offering numerous second chance freerolls through Sept. 6.

Any player taking part in any satellite or tournament will win a ticket into one of the two daily freerolls. These events will offer more than $400,000 in WPT World Online Championships event tickets.

The series offers several weeks of big poker action. Here’s a look at the complete schedule.

DateEventBuy-inFeeGuarantee
Aug. 29#07 World Championship Main Event Day 1A [4-Day Event]$10,000$300$10,000,000
Aug. 30#07 World Championship Main Event Day 1B [4-Day Event]$10,000$300None
Sept. 2#08 World Championship Heads Up [No Late Reg, 256 Cap, 2-Day Event]$3,000$200$500,000
Sept. 2#08 Mini World Championship Heads Up [No Late Reg, 512 Cap, 2-Day Event]$300$20$100,000
Sept. 2#08 Micro World Championship Heads Up [No Late Reg, 1024 Cap, 2-Day Event]$30$3$20,000
Sept. 5#09 World Championship Mix-Max Day 1A [3-Day Event]$3,000$200$3,000,000
Sept. 5#09 Mini World Championship Mix-Max Day 1A [3-Day Event]$300$20$1,000,000
Sept. 5#09 Micro World Championship Mix-Max Day 1A [3-Day Event] $30$3$300,000
Sept. 5#10 World Championship Super High Roller Day 1A [3-Day Event]$25,000$500$10,000,000
Sept. 6#09 World Championship Mix-Max Day 1B [3-Day Event]$3,000$200None
Sept. 6#09 Mini World Championship Mix-Max Day 1B [3-Day Event]$300$20None
Sept. 6#09 Micro World Championship Mix-Max Day 1B [3-Day Event]$30$3None
Sept. 6#10 World Championship Super High Roller Day 1B [3-Day Event]$25,000$500None
Sept. 7#11 World Championship Super High Roller [2-Day Event]$100,000$2,000$5,000,000
Sept. 8#12 World Championship Turbo$3,000$200$1,000,000
Sept. 8#12 Mini World Championship Turbo$300$20$300,000
Sept. 8#12 Micro World Championship Turbo$30$3$100,000
*** All events allow one re-entry per Day 1

Champions Cup photo courtesy of WPT

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ONLINE POKER TOURNAMENT WEEKEND: A Complete Guide and Event Schedule for June 18-21

A look at the online poker weekend for May 18-21.

Casinos may be opening, but live poker is slow to return. That means huge events continue for online poker players.  PokerScout once again brings you a complete guide to this weekend’s action.

International players have fewer series than in past week, but look for even more next week. Americans have quite a bit of action this weekend and those events have been included as well. Here’s your guide for June 18-21.

  • 888poker– The Freezeout Series kicks off this weekend for all bankrolls.
  • Partypoker– The Poker Masters PLO series kicks off on Sunday.
  • PokerStars– Players in the US have plenty of action during the Summer Series.
  • GGPoker – Look for big Sunday majors paying out millions of dollars.

Weekend Poker Events June 18-22, 2020

DateSiteEventBuy-inGuarantee
Thursday, June 18 – Sunday, June 21888pokerFreezeout Series #24 - Main Event Day 1
** starting flights (daily)		$109$200,000
Thursday, June 18PokerStars US (Pennsylvania)Summer Series NLHE Kick-Off [8-Max]$100$30,000
Thursday, June 18PokerStars US (Pennsylvania)Summer Series Mini Kick-Off [8-Max]$20$7,500
Thursday, June 18PokerStars US (Pennsylvania)Summer Series Thursday Thrill SE [Progressive KO]$200 $25,000
Thursday, June 18PokerStars US (Pennsylvania)Summer Series Mini Thrill [Progressive KO]$30$12,500
Thursday, June 18PokerStars US (Pennsylvania)Summer Series NLHE 8-Max$75$10,000
Thursday, June 18PokerStars US (New Jersey)Summer Series NLHE Kick-Off [8-Max]$100$15,000
Thursday, June 18PokerStars US (New Jersey)Summer Series Mini Kick-Off [8-Max]$20$5,000
Thursday, June 18PokerStars US (New Jersey)Summer Series Thursday Thrill SE [Progressive KO]$200$15,000
Thursday, June 18PokerStars US (New Jersey)Summer Series Mini Thrill [Progressive KO]$20$6,000
Thursday, June 18PokerStars US (New Jersey)Summer Series NLHE Turbo$75$5,000
Friday, June 19PokerStars US (Pennsylvania)Summer Series Escalating Antes$50$10,000
Friday, June 19PokerStars US (Pennsylvania)Summer Series NLHE 6-Max$20$6,000
Friday, June 19PokerStars US (New Jersey)Summer Series Escalating Antes$150$10,000
Friday, June 19PokerStars US (New Jersey)Summer Series NLHE 6-Max$50$ 7,000
Saturday, June 20PokerStars US (Pennsylvania)Summer Series NLHE 6-Max$100$20,000
Saturday, June 20PokerStars US (Pennsylvania)Summer Series PLO 6-Max$50 $5,000
Saturday, June 20PokerStars US (Pennsylvania)Summer Series Progressive KO [8-Max]$75$7,500
Saturday, June 20PokerStars US (New Jersey)Summer Series Deepstack$150$12,500
Saturday, June 20PokerStars US (New Jersey)Summer Series Saturday Speedway$50$6,000
Saturday, June 20PokerStars US (New Jersey)Summer Series Hyper PKO$100$6,000
Sunday, June 21partypokerPoker Masters Event #1 – PLO High Roller Online [2 Day Event]$10,300$500,000
Sunday, June 21partypokerPoker Masters Event #1 – High Roller Mini Online [2 Day Event]$1,050$50,000
Sunday, June 21partypokerPoker Masters Event #2 – PLO High Roller Online$5,200$250,000
Sunday, June 21partypokerPoker Masters Event #2 – PLO High Roller Knockout Mini Online$530$25,000
Sunday, June 21888pokerFreezeout Series #1 - Tune Up$55$50,000
Sunday, June 21888pokerFreezeout Series #2 - Mini Tune Up$16.50$20,000
Sunday, June 21888pokerFreezeout Series #3 - Late Tune Up$33$15,000
Sunday, June 21GGPokerGlobal Millions$100$1 million
Sunday, June 21GGPokerHigh Roller Global Millions$500$2 million
Sunday, June 21PokerStarsSunday Million$109$1 million
Sunday, June 21partypoker US (New JerseySATELLITE: WPT ONLINE POKER OPEN - 10 seats guaranteed NLHE $45$300,000
Sunday, June 21PokerStars US (Pennsylvania)Summer Series NLHE 6-Max$75$20,000
Sunday, June 21PokerStars US (Pennsylvania)Summer Series Sunday Special SE$100$100,000
Sunday, June 21PokerStars US (Pennsylvania)Summer Series Mini Special$25$15,000
Sunday, June 21PokerStars US (Pennsylvania)Summer Series Progressive KO [8-Max]$75$12,500
Sunday, June 21PokerStars US (Pennsylvania)Summer Series Sunday Supersonic SE$50$10,000
Sunday, June 21PokerStars US (New Jersey)Summer Series 6-Max$75$20,000
Sunday, June 21PokerStars US (New Jersey)Summer Series Sunday Special SE$200$45,000
Sunday, June 21PokerStars US (New Jersey)Summer Series Mini Special$25$6,500
Sunday, June 21PokerStars US (New Jersey)Summer Series Progressive KO$50$7,500
Sunday, June 21PokerStars US (New Jersey)Summer Series Sunday Supersonic SE$75$8,000
Sunday, June 21WSOP.com US (New Jersey, Nevada, Delaware)$100K Sunday$320$100,000
Sunday, June 21888poker US (New JerseyBig Sunday$200$10,000

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Partypoker Hosts Poker Masters PLO Series; Cash Leaderboards Now Offer Daily Payouts

Partypoker again partnering with Poker Central for the Poker Masters Online PLO Series.The series runs June 21-29 with more than $10 million in guarantees.

The action at partypoker doesn’t seem to slow down and the site announced three tournament series just last week. The site is once again partnering with Poker Central/PokeGO for the new Poker Masters Online (PMO) Pot Limit Omaha Series.

The series runs June 21-29 and features 29 two-day events with buy-ins ranging from $530 to $51,000. That includes more than $10 million in guarantees.

“Partnering with partypoker for our recent online tournaments like Poker Masters Online and the Super High Roller Bowl has proven to be a great success,” Poker Central chief business officer of J.R. McCabe said in a news release.

What to expect from the partypoker PLO series? 

Fans of this form of poker will be in heaven with a high-stakes series devoted solely to PLO. The $51,000 Main Event highlights the final two days with a $1.5 million guarantee.

A further $500,000 will be paid out in the $5,200 Mini Main Event. A few other highlights include these events:

  • $5,200 High Roller – $250,000 guaranteed (Event 2, June 21)
  • $25,500 Super High Roller – $1 million guaranteed (Event 5, June 23)
  • $530 High Roller Knockout Mini – $25,000 guaranteed (Event 8, June 24)
  • $1,050 High Roller Mini – $50,000 guaranteed (Event 13, June 27)

On top of the cash winnings, the top series performer wins the PMO Pot Limit Omaha Championship. That honor comes with a championship purple jacket and $50,000 bonus.

“This is such a great opportunity to watch the world’s best PLO players fight it out on the virtual felt,” partypoker LIVE President John Duthie said. “The exceptional PokerGo production and commentary team will be on hand to deliver their usual excellent streams. This is not to be missed.”

Here’s a look at the complete schedule:

2020 partypoker Poker Masters Online (PMO) Pot Limit Omaha Series

DateEventBuy–inGuaranteeFormat
Sunday, June 21, 2020Event #1 – PLO High Roller Online [2 Day Event]$10,300$500,0002 re-entries
Sunday, June 21, 2020Event #1 – High Roller Mini Online [2 Day Event]$1,050$50,0002 re-entries
Sunday, June 21, 2020Event #2 – PLO High Roller Online$5,200$250,0002 re-entries
Sunday, June 21, 2020Event #2 – PLO High Roller Knockout Mini Online$530$25,0002 re-entries
Monday, June 22, 2020Event #3 – PLO High Roller Online [2 Day Event]$10,300$500,0002 re-entries
Monday, June 22, 2020Event #3 – PLO High Roller Mini Online 1 Day [2 Day Event]$1,050$50,0002 re-entries
Monday, June 22, 2020Event #4 – PLO High Roller$5,200$250,0002 re-entries
Monday, June 22, 2020Event #4 – PLO High Roller Knockout Mini$530$25,0002 re-entries
Tuesday, June 23, 2020Event #5 – PLO Super High Roller Online [2 Day Event]$25,500$1 million2 re-entries
Tuesday, June 23, 2020Event #5 – PLO Mini High Roller Online [2 Day Event]$2,600$125,0002 re-entries
Tuesday, June 23, 2020Event #6 – PLO High Roller Online$10,300$500,0002 re-entries
Tuesday, June 23, 2020Event #6 – PLO High Roller Knockout Mini Online$1,050$50,0002 re-entries
Wednesday, June 24, 2020Event #7 – PLO High Roller [2 Day Event]$10,300$500,0002 re-entries
Wednesday, June 24, 2020Event #7 – PLO High Roller Mini Online [2 Day Event]$1,050$50,0002 re-entries
Wednesday, June 24, 2020Event #8 – PLO High Roller$5,200$250,0002 re-entries
Wednesday, June 24, 2020Event #8 – PLO High Roller Knockout Mini$530$25,0002 re-entries
Thursday, June 25, 2020Event #9 – PLO Super High Roller [2 Day Event]$25,500$1 million2 re-entries
Thursday, June 25, 2020Event Mini #9 – PLO Online [2 Day Event]$2,600$125,0002 re-entries
Thursday, June 25, 2020Event #10 – PLO High Roller Online$10,300$500,0002 re-entries
Thursday, June 25, 2020Event #10 – PLO High Roller Knockout Mini Online$1,050$50,0002 re-entries
Friday, June 26, 2020Event #11 – PLO High Roller Online 1 Day Event : $500K GTD [2 Day Event]$10,300$500,0002 re-entries
Friday, June 26, 2020Event #11 – PLO High Roller Mini Online [2 Day Event]$1,050$50,0002 re-entries
Friday, June 26, 2020Event #12 – PLO High Roller Online$5,200$250,0002 re-entries
Friday, June 26, 2020Event #12 – PLO High Roller Knockout Mini Online$530$25,0002 re-entries
Saturday, June 27, 2020Event #13 – PLO High Roller Online$10,300$500,0002 re-entries
Saturday, June 27, 2020Event #13 – PLO High Roller Mini Online$1,050$50,0002 re-entries
Saturday, June 27, 2020Event #14 – PLO High Roller Online$5,200$250,0002 re-entries
Saturday, June 27, 2020Event #14 – PLO High Roller Knockout Mini$530$25,0002 re-entries
Sunday, June 28, 2020Event #15 – PLO Main Event Online Day 1 $51,000$1.5 million2 re-entries
Sunday, June 28, 2020Event #16 – PLO Mini Main Event Online Day 1$5,200$500,0002 re-entries
Monday, June 29, 2020Event #15 – PLO Main Event Online Final Day
Monday, June 29, 2020Event #16 – PLO Mini Main Event Online Final Day

Big few weeks for partypoker

The new PLO series follows the Poker Masters Online tournament, also hosted on partypoker in conjunction with Poker Central. That series crushed the $16.5 million guarantee, generating a final prize pool of $35.4 million.

The new series comes after some other big announcements for partypoker. That included three series announcements just last week.

Beyond the PMO, the company also announced another pair of partnerships with the World Poker Tour. The biggest of those is the WPT World Online Championships, which run July 17 to Sept. 8 with a massive $100 million guaranteed prize pool.

The series is designed to replicate an authentic live WPT experience with several major events. The live WPT World Championship hasn’t been offered on tour since 2015 and partypoker is now reviving the event.

The series includes 12 championship tournaments divided in three categories; Micro, Mini, and Main. Winners of five of these will receive:

  • membership in the WPT Champions Club
  • championship trophies
  • a $15,000 entry and travel accommodations to the WPT Tournament of Champions

The company also announced the new WPT Online Poker Open for players in the US in New Jersey. The series runs June 21-28 with 12 events plus a $400 championship on June 28 with $300,000 guaranteed. 

The partypoker US Network also includes BorgataPoker and BetMGM. Players can participate on any of these three sites.

The series becomes the first partypoker/WPT coordinated effort in the Garden State. The winner also adds an $11,000 package to the next WPT Five Diamond World Poker Classic at Bellagio in Las Vegas ($10,400 buy-in).

$1 million Cash Games Leaderboards shift to daily payouts

 Along with major tournament series announcements, partypoker also added to its Cash Games Leaderboards. The site is giving away even more money for players with the prize structure moving from weekly to daily payouts.

Beginning June 15, $36,206 will be paid out each day across 16 leaderboards. That’s more than $1 million per month available to winners.

The site works to ensure the leaderboards offer prizes to all levels of player. Eight of the leaderboards will be for NLHE games and the remaining eight will be for PLO.

This is the same format used for weekly Cash Games Leaderboards. However, an improved payment structure has been added – with more rewards to low and micro stakes players.

There are also still huge daily prizes for medium and high-stakes players as well. Up to $1,200 is up for grabs and the number receiving payouts is extended for many leaderboards.

For example, the $0.01/$0.02 Micro leaderboards pay out 75 places daily.

“We’re excited to offer cash game and fast forward players a daily leaderboard promotion, following the great success we’ve seen with our daily SPINS and Sit and Go leaderboards,” partypoker managing director Tom Waters said.

“We think this makes partypoker more fun, as players no longer have to grind for a whole week to win leaderboard prizes, and we are opening up leaderboards to a whole new range of players.”

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POWER PLAY: Partypoker Unveils $100 Million WPT World Online Championships 

The WPT and partypoker are teaming up for the $100 million WPT World Online Championships.

After announcing the new partypoker WPT World Online Championships in mid-May, players were left wondering what would be on the schedule. That was answered in a big way on Friday.

Partypoker will be paying out its biggest prize pool ever before for one series – a guarantee of $100 million. Running from July 17 to Sept. 8, the series is designed to replicate an authentic live poker experience.

The series also revives the WPT World Championship, which was discontinued as a live event after 2015. Asher Conniff took down that event at the Borgata for $974,000. Partypoker officials are pleased to bring back the event online.

“I’m delighted that we have been able to partner with WPT to revive the WPT World Championships and bring the series online for the first time,” partypoker managing director Tom Waters said in a news release.

“We want to give the festival more of a live event feel, so the tournaments will be structured as such, including single re-entry for all NLHE events, freezeouts, limited late registration, and limited Day 1s. Due to popular demand, players will be able to see each other’s real names at the tables.”

Partypoker offers a chance at WPT championship glory

The series will include 12 championship events divided into three categories; Micro, Mini, and Main. 

Winners of five of the championship events will join the World Poker Tour Champions Club and receive individual trophies. These players will also win a $15,000 entry and travel accommodations for the WPT Tournament of Champions, presented by Baccarat Crystal.

These five events will be made up of four $3,200 buy-in tournaments, each with $3 million guarantees. Four of those events include:

  • 8-Max
  • 6-Max
  • Mix-Max
  • Knockout 

The highlight of the series will then be the $10,300 buy-in WPT World Championship Online. The main event runs Aug. 29 to Sept. 2 with a $10 million guarantee. Here’s a look at the complete championship event schedule.

2020 partypoker WPT World Championships Online

DateEventBuy-inFeeGuarantee
Aug. 29#07 World Championship Main Event Day 1A [4-Day Event]$10,000$300$10,000,000
Aug. 30#07 World Championship Main Event Day 1B [4-Day Event]$10,000$300None
Sept. 2#08 World Championship Heads Up [No Late Reg, 256 Cap, 2-Day Event]$3,000$200$500,000
Sept. 2#08 Mini World Championship Heads Up [No Late Reg, 512 Cap, 2-Day Event]$300$20$100,000
Sept. 2#08 Micro World Championship Heads Up [No Late Reg, 1024 Cap, 2-Day Event]$30$3$20,000
Sept. 5#09 World Championship Mix-Max Day 1A [3-Day Event]$3,000$200$3,000,000
Sept. 5#09 Mini World Championship Mix-Max Day 1A [3-Day Event]$300$20$1,000,000
Sept. 5#09 Micro World Championship Mix-Max Day 1A [3-Day Event] $30$3$300,000
Sept. 5#10 World Championship Super High Roller Day 1A [3-Day Event]$25,000$500$10,000,000
Sept. 6#09 World Championship Mix-Max Day 1B [3-Day Event]$3,000$200None
Sept. 6#09 Mini World Championship Mix-Max Day 1B [3-Day Event]$300$20None
Sept. 6#09 Micro World Championship Mix-Max Day 1B [3-Day Event]$30$3None
Sept. 6#10 World Championship Super High Roller Day 1B [3-Day Event]$25,000$500None
Sept. 7#11 World Championship Super High Roller [2-Day Event]$100,000$2,000$5,000,000
Sept. 8#12 World Championship Turbo$3,000$200$1,000,000
Sept. 8#12 Mini World Championship Turbo$300$20$300,000
Sept. 8#12 Micro World Championship Turbo$30$3$100,000
*** All events allow one re-entry per Day 1

Something for every level of player

Beyond those championship events, WPT and partypoker promise a series appealing to all different bankrolls. Buy-ins range from $33 to $102,000.

That includes a range of satellites throughout the series including satellites for $4.40, $22, and $109. The $109 qualifiers are for the $1,050 buy-in Sunday Final wrapping up the series.

All major disciplines of poker will be included within the championship events: 8-Max NLHE, 6-Max NLHE, Mix-Max NLHE, Knockout NLHE, PLO, PLO8, and Heads Up. There will be at least one micro championship and mini championship event for each of these.

“After the tremendous success of the first-ever WPT Online Championship, the series is back again and trust me, it’s a series you don’t want to miss,” Team partypoker’s Mike Sexton said. “There will be buy-ins for all bankrolls and the series will be massive.”

Players can use their partypoker Live Passport to enter the World Championship and receive the $300 registration fee free.

Series becomes just the latest from partypoker, World Poker Tour

The World Online Championships offer yet another major series from the two companies. In May, the tour and partypoker teamed up for the WPT Online Championships and they continue to make news.

That event featured 94 events and smashed the $30 million guarantee. The series ultimately paid out $52 million. Sweden’s Christian Jeppsson won the $3,200 main event for $6.4 million. That handily beat the $5 million guarantee.

The World Online Championships comes just two days after announcing another big event for US-based players. The new WPT Online Poker Open is for players in New Jersey and runs June 21-28.

The series features 12 events plus a $400 championship on June 28 with $300,000 guaranteed. In New Jersey, the network includes BorgataPoker and BetMGM and players can participate on any of the three sites.

With live poker still on ice because of the Coronavirus pandemic, operators including partypoker, PokerStars, GGPoker, 888poker, and WSOP.com continue to ramp up events and promotions.

That’s led to record numbers of players and prize pools. The World Online Championships have a chance to be another massive event.

For a complete partypoker review including an exclusive bonus from PokerScout, click here.