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WSOP Roundup: Israel, Lithuanian, Czech Players Win Bracelets; Michael Addamo Tops High Roller 

The action rolls on at the World Series of Poker and some non-US based players continue to score well. A few players have notched bracelet wins over the last couple weeks including two players from Israel facing off heads-up for a title.

The last week has also seen a Lithuanian win a bracelet in a live WSOP event for the first time. Michael Addamo also continues to impress with another massive win as well. Here’s a look at some of the recent action in Las Vegas.

 Czech player scores first bracelet

The Czech Republic’s Dalibor Dula scored a nice win in Event 26: $1,000 Freezeout No Limit Hold’em. He topped a field of 1,358 entries for his first bracelet and $199,227. This marked Dula’s first trip to the WSOP and certainly came with some nice results.

“It hasn’t set in for me yet,” he told WSOP.com afterward. “I think in a week or so I will feel happy, right now I just feel shocked.”

The tournament attracted a $1.2 million prize pool with Cole Ferraro finishing second for $123,142. Dula now plans to play the rest of the WSOP as well as the WSOP Europe back in his home country in November.

Ran Koller shows off his first bracelet at the World Series of Poker. (photo courtesy WSOP)

Israelis finish 1st, 2nd; Lithuanian takes down Deepstack

The big finishes by Israeli players continued with two finishing in the top two spots in Event 33: $800 Eight-Handed NLHE Deepstack. Ran Koller took this title for his first bracelet and $269,478.

Another player from the country, Ran Ilani, took the runner-up position for $166,552. It’s believed to be the first time two players from Israel have played heads-up for a WSOP bracelet.

Some other players also fared well in this event with France’s Florian Guimond taking third for $124,671. Russian Oleg Titov finished fourth for $94,028 and Canada’s Kris Steinbach took fifth for $71,457. 

In Event 37: $1,500 Super Turbo Bounty, Lithuania’s Karolis Sereika won his first bracelet for $195,310. The win came in a fast-moving tournament that brought in 1,441 entries for a prize pool of $1.2 million.

He becomes the first Lithuanian player to win a bracelet in a live event. Sereika was active at the final table, knocking all but one player on his way to the title.

Addamo does it again

Michael Addamo (pictured in lead image) may be one of the hottest players on the high roller scene. After winning the Super High Roller Bowl in September for $5.4 million, he now adds another major score to his poker record.

The Australian won Event 38: $50,000 High Roller for another $1.1 million and his third bracelet. Being considered one of the best in the game keeps him motivated to continue working on his skills.

“It does put some pressure, because if you internalize and believe that, you can become complacent, and sometimes that might make you study less,” Addamo told PokerGO about being regarded by peers as one of the best players right now. “I just try and keep humble and try not to let it get to my head and just keep working and studying hard.”

Justin Bonomo finished in second for $700,228, just short of adding a fourth bracelet. The event brought in 81 entries for a $3.9 million prize pool.

Other players securing nice finishes

Beyond these winners, a few other players have made impressive finishes. In Event 25: $5,000 Six-Handed NLHE, Taiwan’s Tingyi Tsai took fourth for $161,756 in an event that featured 604 entries for a $2.7 million prize pool.

In Event 30: $1,500 Monster Stack, several players found big finishes for some nice prize money. Brazil’s Rafael Reis finished third for $288,101 with Sweden’s Christopher Andler taking fourth for $221,289.

Israel’s Mordechai Hazan took sixth for $132,812 and Belgian Johan Schumacher took eighth for $81,573.

In Event 29: $10,000 Short Deck Israel’s Moshe Gabay took fourth for $58,601. Portugal’s Joao Vieira finished one spot behind him for $42,885.

* Lead image courtesy PokerGO

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WSOP Roundup: Benny Glaser, Adrian Mateos Come Close to a Bracelet; HOF Nominations Open

Tomorrow marks a full week of action at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas and that's brought some nice results for international players.

Tomorrow marks a full week of action at the World Series of Poker. The return of the live series has brought thousands of players to Las Vegas including many from outside the US.

That included some huge runs so far from Benny Glaser and Adrian Mateos, who both came close to their fourth bracelets. Players from Canada and France have also shined. Here’s a look at some of the action so far and some players making nice runs.

Glaser, Benyamine run deep in $25,000 HORSE

Many in the poker world watched this event to see if 15-time bracelet winner Phil Hellmuth could add a 16th. He didn’t quite get there and finished sixth for $95,329.

Well-regarded pros Benny Glaser, of the United Kingdom, and France’s David Benyamine were among the final three players.

Glaser was seeking his fourth bracelet and Benyamine looked for his second. Ultimately Benyamine bowed out in third for $236,626 and Glaser took runner-up for ​​$341,274.

In a final table full of poker stars, an unknown actually emerged as the champion. Jesse Klein owns a recruiting business in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and came into the event with only $23,000 in live tournament winnings. He seemingly came out of nowhere to secure the bracelet and $552,182.

Klein has been a high stakes cash game player, but doesn’t enter tournaments often. He had this event circled on his calendar however.

“If I was going to play something, I’d enjoy playing against the best of the best,” he told USPoker after his win. “The competition is great and it was just one of those things where it all came together.”

Glaser took the finish in stride with plenty of events ahead this fall..

 

Adrian Mateos gets close in $25,000 High Roller

Three-time bracelet winner Adrian Mateos seemed in a prime spot to add a fourth bracelet in the $25,000 NLHE High Roller. However, the Spanish superstar found himself on a short stack for much of the three-handed play.

Ultimately, California’s Tyler Cornell scored his first bracelet for $833,289. The Californian also finished eighth in the 2020 WSOP Online Main Event at GGPoker in 2020 for $328,305.

Mateos took third for $381,870 and Virginia’s Michael Liang finished runner-up for $515,014. This was the first event streamed on PokerGO this fall.

“It feels amazing,” Cornell told PokerGO after the win. “I’ve been trying to do this for a long time and I finally got a win.”

California’s Tyler Cornell scored his first bracelet for $833,289 in the $25,000 High Roller. (photos courtesy PokerGO)

 

Canadian scores in $1,500 Dealers Choice

The seventh event of the series saw the first non-American win a bracelet. Jaswinder “Jesse” Lally topped a field of 307 for his first bracelet and $97,915. 

The tournament features 20 different games and Lally admitted to not knowing all of them when he got in the event.

“I was so excited to make the final table first of all, but now that my dream has come true, it’s just an amazing feeling,” the 58-year-old told WSOP.com afterward. “I learned a lot playing all these games. Some of these games I’ve never played like Badacey or Seven-Card Stud Hi-Lo Regular.”

Frenchman finishes runner-up in turbo event

In Event 10: $1,000 Super Turbo Bounty, a player from France just missed the winner’s circle in this quick tournament. Pierre Calamusa took runner-up for runner-up for $94,060 in an event that attracted 1,640 entries for a $1.5 million prize pool.

Calamusa now has $1.4 million in live tournament winnings and is sponsored by Winamax back in France. It’s been a nice week for the Winamax roster with Mateos also part of the company’s ambassador roster.

Michael Perrone, of Chicago, Illinois, took the top spot in the Super Turbo Bounty for his first bracelet and $152,173.

Poker Hall of Fame now accepting nominations

As part of the WSOP festivities, the Poker Hall of Fame is now accepting nominations through Oct. 14. Poker fans can nominate players who meet this criteria:

  • Must have played against acknowledged top competition
  • Must be at least 40 years old at time of nomination
  • Have played for high stakes
  • Played consistently well, gaining the respect of peers
  • Stood the test of time

Non-players can be nominated as well but must have “contributed to the overall growth and success of the game of poker, with indelible positive and lasting results.”

When the nomination period is complete, Caesars Entertainment will announce the finalists on Oct. 15. That list then goes to Hall of Fame members to vote. CBS Sports Net will announce the newest member during the WSOP Hall of Fame Bounty Event on Nov. 17.

A look at the week ahead

Plenty of big events are planned in the coming days. Many in the poker world will be watching the conclusion of the $25,000 Heads-up Championship. The event has reached the round of 16 with players like Galen Hall, Jason Koon, Cary Katz, and Jake Daniels still alive.

The big-field fun continues this weekend as well with the $1,500 Millionaire Maker getting started Oct. 8. Here’s a look at some of the action ahead:

  • $10,000 Limit Hold’em Championship – Oct. 7
  • $10,000 Seven Card Stud Championship – Oct. 8
  • $1,000 Flip & Go No Limit Hold’em Presented by GGPoker – Oct. 10
  • $400 NLHE Ultra Deepstack – Oct. 10 (Online Event 3 at WSOP.com)
  • $1,000 Ladies Championship – Oct. 11

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Preview: A Complete Guide To The 2021 World Series of Poker

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.

After a one-year COVID hiatus, the World Series of Poker is back at the Rio in Las Vegas beginning Thursday. Players can expect 88 gold bracelet events running Sept. 30 – Nov. 23.

This year’s events certainly bring some challenges and WSOP officials have mandated COVID vaccines for all attending. The series has been moved to the fall this year, but COVID may limit the number of players heading to Las Vegas from outside the US.

Here’s a complete look at the series and what players can expect.

World Series of Poker 2021

  • Dates: Sept. 30 – Nov. 23
  • Location: Rio, Las Vegas
  • Number of bracelet events: 88
  • $10,000 Main Event: Nov. 4-17
  • Viewing options: PokerGO (daily coverage available worldwide)
  • Online bracelets: 11 for players in Nevada and New Jersey; one for Pennsylvania

What’s ahead at this year’s WSOP

Players will once again find a packed schedule with buy-ins to suit every bankroll. The WSOP also regularly features poker variants not seen in many other tournaments as well.

The $500 “Reunion” is one of the events kicking off the series on the first weekend. The event features a $5 million guarantee and should produce a huge field.

Other massive-field favorites like the Millionaire Maker, Colossus, and Monster Stack are also back on the schedule. Those with bigger bankrolls will also find numerous $10,000 events as well as other nosebleed buy-in events like the $50,000 Poker Players Championship.

Again this year, the WSOP is also running several events in conjunction with the $10,000 Main Event, which runs from Nov. 4-17. That includes some high roller action, with a $100,000 No Limit Hold’em event set for Nov. 21. Here’s a look at the complete schedule.

2021 World Series of Poker

DateEventBuyinNumber of days
Sept. 30Event #1: Casino Employees No Limit Hold'em$5002
Sept. 30Event #2: H.O.R.S.E.$25,0003
Sept. 30Event #3: Covid-19 Relief No Limit Hold'em Charity Event$1,0002
Oct. 1Event #4: The Reunion No-Limit Holdem
$5,000,000 Guaranteed Prize Pool		$5005
Oct. 1Event #5: Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better$1,5003
Oct. 2Event #6: High Roller No-Limit Hold’em 8-Handed$25,0003
Oct. 3Event #7: Dealers Choice 6-Handed$1,5003
Oct. 4Event #8: No-Limit Hold’em Deepstack$6002
Oct. 4Event #9: Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship$10,0004
Oct. 5Event #10: Super Turbo Bounty No Limit Hold'em (freezeout)$1,0001
Oct. 5Event #11: Heads Up No Limit Hold'em Championship$25,0003
Oct. 5Event #12: Limit Hold’em$1,5003
Oct. 6Event #13: Freezeout No Limit Hold'em$3,0003
Oct. 6Event #14: Seven Card Stud$1,5003
Oct. 7Event #15: 6-Handed No-Limit Hold’em$1,5003
Oct. 7Event #16: Limit Hold'em Championship$10,0003
Oct. 8Event #17A: MILLIONAIRE MAKER No-Limit Hold’em$1,5005
Oct. 8Event #18: Mixed Triple Draw Lowball (Limit)$2,5003
Oct. 9Event #17B: MILLIONAIRE MAKER No Limit Hold'em$1,5001
Oct. 9Event #19: Seven Card Stud Championship$10,0003
Oct. 10Event #20A: Flip & Go No Limit Hold'em Presented by GGPoker$1,0002
Oct. 10Event #21: Mixed: Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better; Omaha Hi Lo 8 or Better; Big O$1,5003
Oct. 10Event #20B: Flip & Go No Limit Hold'em Presented by GGPoker$1,0001
Oct. 11Event #22: LADIES No-Limit Hold’em Championship$10,0003
Oct. 11Event #23: Eight Game Mix 6-Handed$1,5003
Oct. 12Event #24: Pot-Limit Omaha Deepstack (8-Handed)$6002
Oct. 12Event #25: 6-Handed No-Limit Hold’em$5,0003
Oct. 13Event #26: Freezeout No-Limit Holdem$1,0002
Oct. 13Event #27: H.O.R.S.E.$1,5003
Oct. 14Event #28: Pot-Limit Omaha 8-Handed$1,0003
Oct. 14Event #29: Short Deck No Limit Hold'em$10,0003
Oct. 15Event #30A: MONSTER STACK No Limit Hold'em (freezeout)$1,5005
Oct. 15Event #31: No-Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw$1,5003
Oct. 16Event #30B: MONSTER STACK No Limit Hold'em$1,5001
Oct. 16Event #32: H.O.R.S.E.$3,0003
Oct. 17Event #33: 8-Handed No-Limit Hold’em Deepstack$8002
Oct. 17Event #34: Limit 2-7 Lowball Triple Draw$1,5003
Oct. 18Event #35: Freezeout No-Limit Holdem$5002
Oct. 18Event #36: Dealers Choice 6-Handed Championship$10,0003
Oct. 19Event #37: Super Turbo Bounty No Limit Hold'em (freezeout)$1,5001
Oct. 19Event #38: High Roller No Limit Hold'em 8-Handed$50,0003
Oct. 20Event #39: Pot-Limit Omaha (8-Handed)$1,5003
Oct. 20Event #40: H.O.R.S.E. Championship$10,0004
Oct. 21Event #41: Freezeout No Limit Hold'em$2,5003
Oct. 21Event #42: Razz$1,5003
Oct. 22Event #43A: DOUBLE STACK No Limit Hold'em$1,0005
Oct. 25Event #44: $3,000 Six-Handed NLHE$3,0003
Oct. 23Event #45: Pot-Limit Omaha 8-Handed Championship$10,0004
Oct. 24Event #46: No-Limit Hold’em Deepstack$8002
Oct. 24Event #47: Freezeout No-Limit Hold’em 8-Handed$5,0003
Oct. 25Event #48: SHOOTOUT No Limit Hold'em$1,5003
Oct. 25Event #49: No-Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw Championship$10,0003
Oct. 26Event #50: Mixed No Limit Hold'em/Pot-Limit Omaha Deepstack 8-Handed$6002
Oct. 26Event #51: 6-Handed No-Limit Hold’em$3,0002
Oct. 27Event #52A: SENIORS No-Limit Hold’em Championship$1,0001
Oct. 27Event #53: High Roller Pot-Limit Omaha (8-Handed)$25,0004
Oct. 28Event #52B: SENIORS No-Limit Hold’em Championship$1,0001
Oct. 28Event #54: Nine Game Mix 6-Handed$2,5001
Oct. 29Event #55A: COLOSSUS No-Limit Hold’em$4003
Oct. 29Event #56: 6-Handed No Limit Hold'em Championship$10,0003
Oct. 30Event #55B: COLOSSUS No-Limit Hold’em$4001
Oct. 30Event #57: Limit 2-7 Lowball Triple Draw Championship$10,0003
Oct. 31Event #58: SUPER SENIORS No-Limit Hold’em$1,0003
Oct. 31Event #59: TAG TEAM No Limit Hold'em$1,0003
Oct. 31Event #60: Poker Players Championship 6-Handed$50,0005
Nov. 1Event #61: Deepstack Championship No Limit Hold'em$6003
Nov. 1Event #62: Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better (8-Handed)$1,5003
Nov. 2Event #63: SALUTE to Warriors - No-Limit Hold’em$5003
Nov. 2Event #64: Mixed No Limit Hold'em; Pot-Limit Omaha (8-Handed)$5,0002
Nov. 3Event #65: MINI Main Event No-Limit Hold’em (freezeout)$1,0002
Nov. 3Event #66: Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship (8-Handed)$10,0003
Nov. 4Event #67A: MAIN EVENT No Limit Hold'em World Championship - Day 1A$10,0001
Nov. 5Event #67B: MAIN EVENT No Limit Hold'em World Championship - Day 1B$10,0001
Nov. 6Event #67C: MAIN EVENT No Limit Hold'em World Championship - Day 1C$10,0001
Nov. 7Event #67D: MAIN EVENT No Limit Hold'em World Championship - Day 1D$10,0001
Nov. 8Event #68A: LITTLE ONE FOR ONE DROP No-Limit Hold’em$1,1115
Nov. 9Event #68B: LITTLE ONE FOR ONE DROP No-Limit Hold’em$1,1111
Nov. 10Event #68C: LITTLE ONE FOR ONE DROP No-Limit Hold’em$1,1111
Nov. 10Event #69: Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo 8 or Better$1,5003
Nov. 11Event #70A: CRAZY EIGHTS No Limit Hold'em 8-Handed$8886
Nov. 11Event #71: BOUNTY Pot-Limit Omaha 8-Handed$1,5001
Nov. 12Event #70B: CRAZY EIGHTS No Limit Hold'em 8-Handed$8881
Nov. 12Event #72: Mixed No Limit Hold'em; Pot-Limit Omaha (8-Handed)$1,5003
Nov. 13Event #70C: CRAZY EIGHTS No Limit Hold'em 8-Handed$8881
Nov. 13Event #73: Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship$10,0003
Nov. 14Event #70D: CRAZY EIGHTS No Limit Hold'em 8-Handed$8881
Nov. 14Event #74: Mixed Big Bet Event$2,5003
Nov. 15Event #75: Freezeout No-Limit Holdem$1,5003
Nov. 15Event #76: Super Turbo Bounty No Limit Hold'em (freezeout)$10,0002
Nov. 16Event #77: FIFTY STACK No-Limit Hold’em$1,5002
Nov. 16Event #78: Razz Championship$10,0003
Nov. 17Event #79: Poker Hall of Fame Bounty No Limit Hold'em (freezeout)$1,9792
Nov. 17Event #80: 6-Handed Pot-Limit Omaha$3,0004
Nov. 18Event #81: No-Limit Hold’em Deepstack$8002
Nov. 18Event #82: Super High Roller No Limit Hold'em$250,0003
Nov. 19Event #83A: The Closer - No-Limit Hold’em$1,5003
Nov. 19Event #84: HIGH ROLLER Pot-Limit Omaha$50,0002
Nov. 20Event #83B: The Closer - No-Limit Hold’em$1,5001
Nov. 20Event #85: HIGH ROLLER No-Limit Hold’em$50,0002
Nov. 21Event #86: Super Turbo No Limit Hold'em$1,0001
Nov. 21Event #87: High Roller No-Limit Hold’em$100,0003
Nov. 22Event #88: 8-Handed No Limit Hold'em$5,0002

Players ready to go

While uncertainty remains about the turnout for the series, numerous big names are ready to get back in the action. Players have been active on Twitter about their plans in getting back to Las Vegas.

Daniel Negreanu is promising to resume his popular vlogging from the series He’s also been selling some of his WSOP action recently.

https://twitter.com/RealKidPoker/status/1441837095832592395?s=20

Italy’s Max Pescatori, a four-time bracelet winner, also seems ready for action as well.

Poker legend Doyle Brunson has even said he may be coming back to play in the series again this year. He planned on making the 2019 series his last but it looks like he’ll be making his return at age 88.

Daily Deepstacks offer even more tournament action

Players with smaller bankrolls may also want to check out the Daily Deepstack tournaments. These non-bracelet events feature smaller buy-ins but can produce huge fields and nice payouts.

Most Daily Deepstacks are held daily in the Pavilion room and begin on Sept. 30. Here’s a look at those events:

  • 1 pm – $250 NLHE
  • 4 pm – $200 NLHE
  • 7 pm – $400 NLHE Turbo
  • 10 pm – $150 NLHE
  • Mondays, 5 pm – $250 HORSE (starting Oct. 4)
  • Wednesdays, 9 am – $250 NLHE Seniors (starting Oct. 6)

Vaccine mandates, travel restrictions may affect WSOP

WSOP organizers were hoping for the largest series in the history of the festival. However, that may now be a challenge.

Players are required to be vaccinated to play in the series. The WSOP is using CLEAR’s Health Pass free mobile app for players to offer proof of vaccination. Players will only have to provide vaccination proof once and can then head to the registration area to play.

The series will also have on-site vaccination proof registration, which may benefit international players. However, with travel restrictions to some degree still in force in many countries, international player turnout may be reduced.

A few big-name European pros recently told PokerScout that they wouldn’t be playing. Canada’s Kristen Bicknell isn’t playing because of the vaccine mandate. Neither is her fiancé Alex Foxen. Turnout will be interesting to watch.

Following the action at home

Those who can’t make it to Las Vegas can still check out some of the action via PokerGO. The streaming service will be showing 26 events. The live streaming begins with the $25,000 High Roller on Oct. 4 and runs through Nov. 23.

Viewers at home can also follow every day of the $10,000 Main Event. PokerGO will show the tournament from start to finish.

In total, the platform will stream 36 days of WSOP action. PokerScout will also offer regular updates as well. Here’s a look at the complete streaming schedule

2021 PokerGO WSOP Streaming

DateTournament
Oct. 4$25,000 No Limit Hold’em High Roller
Oct. 6$600 No Limit Hold’em Deepstack
Oct. 7$25,000 Heads-Up Championship
Oct. 8$3,000 No Limit Hold’em Freezeout
Oct. 9$10,000 Limit Hold’em Championship
Oct. 11$10,000 Seven-Card Stud Championship
Oct. 13$1,500 8-Game Mix
Oct. 14$1,000 Ladies Championship
Oct. 15$5,000 No Limit Hold’em 6-Handed
Oct. 16$10,000 Short Deck
Oct. 18$3,000 H.O.R.S.E.
Oct. 19$800 No Limit Hold’em 8-Handed
Oct. 21$50,000 No Limit Hold’em High Roller
Oct. 22$1,500 Pot-Limit Omaha
Oct. 23$10,000 H.O.R.S.E. Championship
Oct. 24$3,000 Limit Hold’em 6-Handed
Oct. 26$10,000 Pot-Limit Omaha Championship
Oct. 26$5,000 No Limit Hold’em Freezeout
Oct. 27$10,000 No Limit 2-7 Lowball Championship
Oct. 30$25,000 Pot-Limit Omaha High Roller
Nov. 5$50,000 Poker Players Championship
Nov. 4-17$10,000 Main Event
Nov. 19$1,979 Poker Hall of Fame Bounty
Nov. 20$250,000 No Limit Hold’em Super High Roller
Nov. 22$50,000 No Limit Hold’em High Roller
Nov. 23$100,000 No Limit Hold’em High Roller

Playing online for a WSOP bracelet

Those heading to Las Vegas can also play a few bracelet events for online poker players. In the US, the WSOP.com network is available to players in Nevada and New Jersey. Users can create and fund an account from anywhere to play while in Nevada.

That schedule features 10 online tournaments on Sundays throughout the live series. Many players compete both at a live table and online while in Las Vegas.

The site also runs daily qualifiers for live WSOP events as well as satellites for the Main Event. One additional event is also available for players in Pennsylvania. Here’s a look at the complete series.

2021 WSOP Online bracelet events

DateEventTourhnamentBuy-in
Oct. 31NLHE Freezeout$5,300
Oct. 32Big 500 (3x re-entry)$500
Oct. 103Ultra Deepstack (2x re-entry)$400
Oct. 174PLO Crazy 8s (3x re-entry)$888
Oct. 245Online Bracelet Championship (2x re-entry)$1,000
Oct. 316NLHE (2x re-entry)$666
Oct. 31satellite25 Seat Main Event Scramble$215
Nov. 2satellite25 Seat Main Event Scramble Encore$215
Nov. 77High Roller (2x re-entry)$3,200
Nov. 148Lucky 7s High Roller (1x re-entry)$7,777
Nov. 149Lucky 7s NLHE (2x re-entry)$777
Nov. 2110Mini Main Event (freezeout)$1,000
Nov. 21PAMini Main Event (freezeout) – PA market$1,000

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World Series of Poker Releases Complete Fall Schedule With 88 Events, Festival Returns Sept. 30

The World Series of Poker returns to the Rio in Las Vegas with 88 gold bracelet events running Sept. 30 to Nov. 23.

The World Series of Poker is back. Series officials released the official schedule on Tuesday and the festival becomes the biggest in the event’s history.

Players looking to make the trip to Las Vegas will find 88 gold bracelet events running Sept. 30 to Nov. 23 at the Rio. Organizers announced earlier this year that the series would move to the fall this year after running mostly online in 2020.

For international players, the WSOP also announced GGPoker as the exclusive partner offering online satellites outside the US. With just a bit over three months until action gets underway, many rounders will be ready to get back to the tables.

“We could not be more excited to welcome everyone back to Las Vegas and the Rio,” WSOP Vice President and tournament director Jack Effel said in a news release. “The entire WSOP team is hard at work to ensure players have the absolute best experience possible.”

 

What can players expect at this year’s WSOP?

The WSOP returns after live poker was basically non-existent for much of 2020. With vaccinations curtailing COVID-19 cases across the US, many major tournaments have returned.

That now includes the biggest spectacle in poker after a 26-month absence. A full slate of tournaments is on tap this fall.

“Make no mistake, the 2021 WSOP will be the real deal and we’re preparing for a full house,” WSOP’s executive director Ty Stewart said.

“Throughout the storied history of the WSOP, this year will be particularly memorable and we’re preparing for a poker reunion all players can celebrate. We’re beyond thrilled to offer a complete schedule of can’t-miss events including all our flagships and the variety players deserve.”

Favorite events back at the Rio

Those looking to get in the action will find plenty of old favorites. That includes several of the series’ signature events attracting huge fields and major prize pools.

Events like the Millionaire Maker, Monster Stack, Double Stack, Colossus, and The Closer will run Oct. 8 to Nov. 19. Those events will usher in the weekends throughout the series.

One of these tournaments will kick off each Friday and Saturday. Other popular events on the schedule include:

  • $25,000 Heads Up Championship (Oct. 5) – The buy-in is now $25,000 and capped at 64 players. Big names should be out in force for this one.
  • $1,000 Seniors Championship (Oct. 27 – 28) – This has become a highly anticipated event and is now a two-day event beginning this year. Players get one optional re-entry per flight. 
  • Freezeouts (Oct. 6, 13, 18, 21, and 24) – Those who don’t like unlimited re-entries, or re-entries at all, are in luck. Players will find plenty of freezeout action starting on Oct. 6. That includes popular buy-in levels ranging from $500 to $5,000.
  • 2-7 No Limit Single Draw – Lowball fans will once again find this game in the mix. This format has been added to the Poker Players’ Championship (PPC), now featuring nine games. A $2,500 version of the PPC also runs Oct. 28 with some 2-7 Single Draw action.

Organizers add some new events events

WSOP organizers freshen up the schedule every year with some new events and that includes 2021. With players getting back to the action, the WSOP launches “The Reunion” on Oct. 1. The $500 tournament features a $5 million guarantee.

Players can choose from three starting flights on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Some other new events include:

  • $1,979 Poker Hall of Fame Bounty (Nov. 17) – This event honors members of the Poker Hall of Fame, which was founded in 1979. Members earn a free buy-in and have a bounty on their heads corresponding to the year they were inducted.
  • $1,000 Flip and Go presented by GGPoker (Oct. 10) – Everyone’s all in on the first hand in this popular online format. Players receive three cards and choose two. One player wins the table, automatically moving into the money. The tournament then reverts to a traditional structure.
  • $50,000 Pot Limit Omaha (Nov. 19) – This is now the highest PLO buy-in ever at the WSOP. The tournament highlights a high roller series scheduled after the Main Event. Players will find major stakes including $50,000, $100,000 and $250,000 No Limit Hold’em events.

 

Non-bracelet Daily Deepstacks back at the Rio

Beyond the traditional bracelet events, the WSOP also runs daily events at bargain prices. Daily Deepstacks tournaments feature big fields and nice payouts for winners.

Tournaments run in the Pavilion and kick off on Sept. 30. Here’s a look at what to expect:

  • 1 pm – $250 NLHE
  • 4 pm – $200 NLHE
  • 7 pm – $400 NLHE Turbo
  • 10 pm – $150 NLHE
  • Mondays, 5 pm – $250 HORSE (starting Oct. 4)
  • Wednesdays, 9 am – $250 NLHE Seniors (starting Oct. 6)

Players heading to Las Vegas can also play legal online poker at WSOP.com. That includes satellites for bracelet events.

Qualifiers are already underway on WSOP.com for players in Nevada and New Jersey. These run throughout the series and WSOP.com awarded over 1,000 seats in 2019. 

International players can also qualify for WSOP events via GGPoker.

More bracelets also up for grabs this summer

The WSOP may be in the fall, but rounders can also score a bracelet this summer. The WSOP Online runs July 1 to Aug. 1 with 33 bracelets on the line at WSOP.com.

The bracelet action then shifts to GGPoker for international players. Another 33 bracelet events are planned for players outside the US from Aug. 1 to Sept. 12. An official schedule hasn’t been released yet however.

What to know before heading to the 2021 WSOP

Along with a complete schedule, WSOP organizers have detailed things to remember before heading to Las Vegas. Here are some key reminders when booking that trip to Sin City.

International players

All international players are required to bring an additional form of identification. The ID must show a residential address, such as a signed lease agreement, utility bill, or a mobile phone bill.

Players from outside the US must also have a valid passport. Foreign players from non-tax treaty countries are also subject to up to 30 percent tax withholding. 

Online registration

To avoid lines and congestion, players are asked to utilize the online or mobile registration to pay and sign up for events. WSOP uses the Bravo Poker Live app for this process.

Players who register online will need to visit the Belize Ballroom and have their identification validated. Once verified, players can simply pick events online via the app or use the self-service kiosks located throughout the Convention Center. Registration opens in August.

In-person registration

The main registration area remains in the Tropical Ballroom, near the back end of the Rio Convention Center. More stations have been added to the main registration cage and the VIP cage.

The registration area opens Sept. 30 and remains open 24 hours a day through Nov. 23. Guests are required to present valid photo identification along with their Caesars Rewards card and payment to enter events. 

Caesars Rewards

This area remains in the Rio Rotunda as a central location for players to obtain loyalty cards. Caesars Rewards kiosks will also be available for players to reprint their card without having to visit a representative.

Methods of payment

To buy into an event, players can use cash, credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express), wire transfers, cashier’s checks, Rio gaming chips, Rio or tournament buy-in chips or credits.

Also, players can use ACH transfers this year. Additional fees will be incurred on all ACH, credit, or debit card transactions.

 

WSOP tournament account

Players can wire in funds for WSOP events or place money on account when they arrive. After setting up an account at the WSOP Main Cage, players can register online or via mobile device.

A seat card can then be printed at a kiosk – avoiding the need to use the registration line.

Payouts now available in Palma Ballroom

For efficiency and reduced wait times, players can begin the payout process in Palma before collecting winnings in the Tropical Ballroom.

Players can request one of the following methods of payment:

  • cash
  • wire transfer
  • casino chips
  • check
  • tournament account deposit

Valid ID 

Players are reminded to bring a valid government-issued picture identification with current residential address. A secondary form of ID, such as a bill or statement confirming address, is also requested. 

Winners will be required to provide a valid picture ID. Tax forms will be completed for those with winnings in excess of $5,000 net of the buy-in.

Hotel specials

The Rio and all Caesars Entertainment resorts in Las Vegas will offer reduced hotel room rates for WSOP players. Players will need to use the special advanced booking code “WSOPM” when reserving rooms.

The Rio offers players rates on select dates as low as $47. Caesars Palace, Planet Hollywood, Paris, Flamingo, Harrah’s, Bally’s, and The Linq also have discounted WSOP player rates.

Complete 2021 WSOP schedule

DateEventBuyinNumber of days
Sept. 30Event #1: Casino Employees No Limit Hold'em$5002
Sept. 30Event #2: H.O.R.S.E.$25,0003
Sept. 30Event #3: Covid-19 Relief No Limit Hold'em Charity Event$1,0002
Oct. 1Event #4A: The Reunion No-Limit Holdem
$5,000,000 Guaranteed Prize Pool		$5005
Oct. 1Event #5: Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better$1,5003
Oct. 2Event #6: High Roller No-Limit Hold’em 8-Handed$25,0003
Oct. 3Event #7: Dealers Choice 6-Handed$1,5003
Oct. 4Event #8: No-Limit Hold’em Deepstack$6002
Oct. 4Event #9: Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship$10,0004
Oct. 5Event #10: Super Turbo Bounty No Limit Hold'em (freezeout)$1,0001
Oct. 5Event #11: Heads Up No Limit Hold'em Championship$25,0003
Oct. 5Event #12: Limit Hold’em$1,5003
Oct. 6Event #13: Freezeout No Limit Hold'em$3,0003
Oct. 6Event #14: Seven Card Stud$1,5003
Oct. 7Event #15: 6-Handed No-Limit Hold’em$1,5003
Oct. 7Event #16: Limit Hold'em Championship$10,0003
Oct. 8Event #17A: MILLIONAIRE MAKER No-Limit Hold’em$1,5005
Oct. 8Event #18: Mixed Triple Draw Lowball (Limit)$2,5003
Oct. 9Event #17B: MILLIONAIRE MAKER No Limit Hold'em$1,5001
Oct. 9Event #19: Seven Card Stud Championship$10,0003
Oct. 10Event #20A: Flip & Go No Limit Hold'em Presented by GGPoker$1,0002
Oct. 10Event #21: Mixed: Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better; Omaha Hi Lo 8 or Better; Big O$1,5003
Oct. 10Event #20B: Flip & Go No Limit Hold'em Presented by GGPoker$1,0001
Oct. 11Event #22: LADIES No-Limit Hold’em Championship$10,0003
Oct. 11Event #23: Eight Game Mix 6-Handed$1,5003
Oct. 12Event #24: Pot-Limit Omaha Deepstack (8-Handed)$6002
Oct. 12Event #25: 6-Handed No-Limit Hold’em$5,0003
Oct. 13Event #26: Freezeout No-Limit Holdem$1,0002
Oct. 13Event #27: H.O.R.S.E.$1,5003
Oct. 14Event #28: Pot-Limit Omaha 8-Handed$1,0003
Oct. 14Event #29: Short Deck No Limit Hold'em$10,0003
Oct. 15Event #30A: MONSTER STACK No Limit Hold'em (freezeout)$1,5005
Oct. 15Event #31: No-Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw$1,5003
Oct. 16Event #30B: MONSTER STACK No Limit Hold'em$1,5001
Oct. 16Event #32: H.O.R.S.E.$3,0003
Oct. 17Event #33: 8-Handed No-Limit Hold’em Deepstack$8002
Oct. 17Event #34: Limit 2-7 Lowball Triple Draw$1,5003
Oct. 18Event #35: Freezeout No-Limit Holdem$5002
Oct. 18Event #36: Dealers Choice 6-Handed Championship$10,0003
Oct. 19Event #37: Super Turbo Bounty No Limit Hold'em (freezeout)$1,5001
Oct. 19Event #38: High Roller No Limit Hold'em 8-Handed$50,0003
Oct. 20Event #39: Pot-Limit Omaha (8-Handed)$1,5003
Oct. 20Event #40: H.O.R.S.E. Championship$10,0004
Oct. 21Event #41: Freezeout No Limit Hold'em$2,5003
Oct. 21Event #42: Razz$1,5003
Oct. 22Event #43A: DOUBLE STACK No Limit Hold'em$1,0005
Oct. 23Event #45: Pot-Limit Omaha 8-Handed Championship$10,0004
Oct. 24Event #46: No-Limit Hold’em Deepstack$8002
Oct. 24Event #47: Freezeout No-Limit Hold’em 8-Handed$5,0003
Oct. 25Event #48: SHOOTOUT No Limit Hold'em$1,5003
Oct. 25Event #48: SHOOTOUT No Limit Hold'em$1,5003
Oct. 25Event #49: No-Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw Championship$10,0003
Oct. 26Event #50: Mixed No Limit Hold'em/Pot-Limit Omaha Deepstack 8-Handed$6002
Oct. 26Event #51: 6-Handed No-Limit Hold’em$3,0002
Oct. 27Event #52A: SENIORS No-Limit Hold’em Championship$1,0001
Oct. 27Event #53: High Roller Pot-Limit Omaha (8-Handed)$25,0004
Oct. 28Event #52B: SENIORS No-Limit Hold’em Championship$1,0001
Oct. 28Event #54: Nine Game Mix 6-Handed$2,5001
Oct. 29Event #55A: COLOSSUS No-Limit Hold’em$4003
Oct. 29Event #56: 6-Handed No Limit Hold'em Championship$10,0003
Oct. 30Event #55B: COLOSSUS No-Limit Hold’em$4001
Oct. 30Event #57: Limit 2-7 Lowball Triple Draw Championship$10,0003
Oct. 31Event #58: SUPER SENIORS No-Limit Hold’em$1,0003
Oct. 31Event #59: TAG TEAM No Limit Hold'em$1,0003
Oct. 31Event #60: Poker Players Championship 6-Handed$50,0005
Nov. 1Event #61: Deepstack Championship No Limit Hold'em$6003
Nov. 1Event #62: Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better (8-Handed)$1,5003
Nov. 2Event #63: SALUTE to Warriors - No-Limit Hold’em$5003
Nov. 2Event #64: Mixed No Limit Hold'em; Pot-Limit Omaha (8-Handed)$5,0002
Nov. 3Event #65: MINI Main Event No-Limit Hold’em (freezeout)$1,0002
Nov. 3Event #66: Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship (8-Handed)$10,0003
Nov. 4Event #67A: MAIN EVENT No Limit Hold'em World Championship - Day 1A$10,0001
Nov. 5Event #67B: MAIN EVENT No Limit Hold'em World Championship - Day 1B$10,0001
Nov. 6Event #67C: MAIN EVENT No Limit Hold'em World Championship - Day 1C$10,0001
Nov. 7Event #67D: MAIN EVENT No Limit Hold'em World Championship - Day 1D$10,0001
Nov. 8Event #68A: LITTLE ONE FOR ONE DROP No-Limit Hold’em$1,1115
Nov. 9Event #68B: LITTLE ONE FOR ONE DROP No-Limit Hold’em$1,1111
Nov. 10Event #68C: LITTLE ONE FOR ONE DROP No-Limit Hold’em$1,1111
Nov. 10Event #69: Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo 8 or Better$1,5003
Nov. 11Event #70A: CRAZY EIGHTS No Limit Hold'em 8-Handed$8886
Nov. 11Event #71: BOUNTY Pot-Limit Omaha 8-Handed$1,5001
Nov. 12Event #70B: CRAZY EIGHTS No Limit Hold'em 8-Handed$8881
Nov. 12Event #72: Mixed No Limit Hold'em; Pot-Limit Omaha (8-Handed)$1,5003
Nov. 13Event #70C: CRAZY EIGHTS No Limit Hold'em 8-Handed$8881
Nov. 13Event #73: Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship$10,0003
Nov. 14Event #70D: CRAZY EIGHTS No Limit Hold'em 8-Handed$8881
Nov. 14Event #74: Mixed Big Bet Event$2,5003
Nov. 15Event #75: Freezeout No-Limit Holdem$1,5003
Nov. 15Event #76: Super Turbo Bounty No Limit Hold'em (freezeout)$10,0002
Nov. 16Event #77: FIFTY STACK No-Limit Hold’em$1,5002
Nov. 16Event #78: Razz Championship$10,0003
Nov. 17Event #79: Poker Hall of Fame Bounty No Limit Hold'em (freezeout)$1,9792
Nov. 17Event #80: 6-Handed Pot-Limit Omaha$3,0004
Nov. 18Event #81: No-Limit Hold’em Deepstack$8002
Nov. 18Event #82: Super High Roller No Limit Hold'em$250,0003
Nov. 19Event #83A: The Closer - No-Limit Hold’em$1,5003
Nov. 19Event #84: HIGH ROLLER Pot-Limit Omaha$50,0002
Nov. 20Event #83B: The Closer - No-Limit Hold’em$1,5001
Nov. 20Event #85: HIGH ROLLER No-Limit Hold’em$50,0002
Nov. 21Event #86: Super Turbo No Limit Hold'em$1,0001
Nov. 21Event #87: High Roller No-Limit Hold’em$100,0003
Nov. 22Event #88: 8-Handed No Limit Hold'em$5,0002

* photos courtesy WSOP

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Live WSOP Shifts to Fall This Year; Organizers Also Announce WSOP Europe, Summer Online Events

The World Series of Poker returns to live action this fall, running Sept. 30 to Nov. 23 at the Rio in Las Vegas.

The World Series of Poker announced the return to live action on Thursday, only now moving events to the fall. The series also announced an expanded summer online poker schedule and the return of WSOP Europe.

Many poker fans will be pleased to see the return of a live series. The summer poker festival now runs from Sept. 30 to Nov. 23 at the Rio in Las Vegas. A complete schedule hasn’t been released yet, but is expected to be available this summer.

“This year, more than ever, we embrace our role at the WSOP to deliver memorable experiences and bring this community of poker lovers back together,” WSOP Executive Director Ty Stewart said in a news release.

“In 2021, the theme is ‘get vaccinated and get back to Vegas.’”

Details on the live WSOP this fall

While a complete schedule isn’t available, there are a few events that WSOP officials released. That includes the $10,000 Main Event and here are some details:

  • Dates: Nov. 4-17
  • Starting flights: Nov. 4-7
  • Day 2 dates: Nov. 8 for players in first two starting flights (Nov. 4-5). Nov. 9 for players in final two starting flights (6-7) 
  • Day 3 and beyond: Players combine into one field on Nov. 10.

A few other events for the first weekend were also outlined on Thursday. A charity event benefiting frontline healthcare workers helps kick off the series. 

That same weekend, a $25,000 HORSE event offers some action for high rollers. A No Limit Hold‘em event billed as “The Reunion” also promises a $5 million guarantee.

WSOP officials plan extensive COVID-19 safety measures and to comply with all Nevada regulations. That includes social distancing and limits on player capacity.

WSOP Online returns this summer

After huge numbers in the WSOP Online bracelet events last summer, the series promised more at WSOP.com. In 2020, the series also ran international bracelet events at GGPoker.

The American side of the series awarded $27 million in 31 events. That made it the biggest series in US regulated online poker history.

At GG, the Main Event became the largest online tournament in history, paying out $27.5 million. The entire festival awarded $150 million with 45 events paying out more than $1 million.

This year, the WSOP confirmed to PokerScout that an international series is again in the works. Details on those plans haven’t been released yet however.

At WSOP.com this summer, players can again expect numerous WSOP Online bracelet events. All tournaments will be held on the site’s All-American Poker Network beginning July 1 for players in Nevada and New Jersey.

WSOP officials released a few details of what to expect. A $1,000 championship closes the series and qualifiers will run for as little as $1.

A complete WSOP Online schedule is expected to be available on April 15.

WSOP Europe also in the works

Along with the live series and online plans, players in Europe are also in luck. WSOP Europe is back at King’s Casino in Rozvadov, Czech Republic, from Nov. 19 to Dec. 8.

The series is subject to regulatory approval, but WSOP officials are pleased to return to Europe.

“We hope and anticipate travel restrictions will ease by the fall,” Stewart said. “It’s important to us that we have an excellent tournament schedule available to our European players.”

Only a few details have been released, but here’s a look at what is known so far:

  • 15 gold bracelet events
  • €10,000 Main Event
  • €50,000 High Roller

PokerScout will offer more details when they become available.

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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.

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WSOP Roundup: Mini Main Swells Prize Pool, Americans Score Gold, Negreanu Frustrated, & More

The World Series of Poker Online continues at GGPoker with just a few more events remaining. Here's a look at some action from the last week.

Less than a month of bracelet hunting remains for players in the World Series of Poker Online at GGPoker. However, plenty of action lies ahead and the last week saw some big names make waves in the series.

One of those is David Peters, who added a bracelet to his illustrious career. Chris Moorman also came close to poker’s biggest prize and Daniel Negreanu has experienced some frustration.

Here’s a look at all the major WSOP headlines over the last week.

WSOP Online numbers stay strong with increasing prize pools and winner payouts

With 34 events at GGPoker now in the books, the numbers in the series continued to shine. In the last week, the average winner payout increased by more than $135,000.

The average prize pool rose by almost $14,000. The $500 Mini Main Event was a massive part of those increases. That tournament alone had 15,205 entries and a prize pool of $7.2 million. Croatia’s Ivan Zufic took the title for $843,460.

The WSOP and GGPoker have announced a new summer online bracelet series.

The Mini Main was one of the tournaments offering players a guarantee – $5 million. That total was destroyed and the event became the second-largest prize pool and winner of the series after the Millionaire Maker ($9 million and $1.5 million).

The $5,000 NLHE Six-Handed Championship also drew well with a $3.2 million prize pool. Israel scored its first bracelet winner of the series with Ravid Garbi winning $531,513.

Here’s a look at complete numbers, averages so far.

Tournament averages

  • Entries – 3,641
  • Prize pool – $2.1 million
  • Winner payout – $313,654

Series totals

  • Entries – 123,784
  • Prize pool – $72. 6 million
  • Winner payout – $10.7 million

* Figures as of Aug. 19. For complete facts and information about the WSOP Online, including Twitch streams, click here.

EventBuy-inTotal entriesPrize poolWinner payoutWinnerCountry
#32: The Opener NLHE$10029,306$2,696,152$265,880Marcelo Jakovljevic PudlaBrazil
#33: Every 1 for Covid Relief$1,1112,323$2,580,853$343,204Alek StasiakCanada
#34: Super Turbo Bounty NLHE 6-Handed$5252,214$1,107,000$117,650Shoma IshikawaJapan
#35 Pot Limit Omaha Championship$5,000328$1,558,000$306,622Juha HelppiFinland
#36 FIFTY STACK NLHE$1,5001,342$1,912,350$297,496Michael ClacherSouth Africa
#37 Bounty Pot Limit Omaha$1,050971$971,000$161,887Hun Wei LeeAustralia
#38 Monster Stack NLHE 6-Handed [Asia Time Zone]$6002,007$1,143,990$171,389Aaron WijayaChina
#39: NLHE [Asia Time Zone]$1,500922$1,313,850$216,213Roberto RomanelloUnited Kingdom
#40: Pot Limit Omaha$2,500532$1,263,500$224,493Klas LofbergSweden
#41: COLOSSUS$40012,757$4,796,632$595,930Ranno SootlaEstonia
#42: PLOSSUS$4004,356$1,637,856$221,557Yuri DzivielevskiBrazil
#43: Short Deck NLHE Championship$10,000301$812,700$276,393Lev "LevMeAlone" GottliebUnited States
#44: NLHE 6-Handed$2,500892$2,118,500$356,412Kristen BicknellCanada
#45: Bounty NLHE$8402,382$1,906,500$245,448Patrick "Muddington" KennedyUnited Kingdom
#46: Deepstack NLHE$5002,307$1,095,825$189,098Sung Joo "ArtePokerTV" HyunSouth Korea
#47: Short Deck NLHE$1,000487$462,560$88,202Paul TeohMalaysia
#48 MILLIONAIRE MAKER$1,5006,299$8,976,075$1,489,289Daniel DvoressCanada
#49 Turbo Deepstack$5002,978$1,414,550$192,523Vladas "apuokos" BurneikisLithuania
#50: Bounty Championship$2,1001,168$2,336,000$327,319Enrico "GTOExploiter" CamosciItaly
#51: Pot Limit Omaha$4002,005$753,880$100,945Eoghan "DrRoche" O'DeaIreland
#52: NLHE$1,0002,006$1,905,700$273,505Alek StasiakCanada
#53: Double Stack PLO [Asia Time Zone]$800831$631,560$94,253Frank CrivelloUnited States
#54: Heads-Up Championship$10,000128$1,241,600$360,480David PetersUnited States
#55: NLHE Asia Time Zone ChampionshipHK$8,0003,247$3,184,074$458,261Luis Eduardo Assuncao GarlaBrazil
#56: GGMasters WSOP Edition$1502,153$3,068,025$444,869Seth FischerUnited States
#57: GGMasters WSOP Edition$1509,835$1,357,230$183,526Anatoly "Pohitrusha" SuvarovRussia
#58: NLHE 6-Handed Championship$5,000672$3,192,000$531,513Ravid "jerbi9999" GarbiIsrael
#59: NLHE Double Stack$2,5001,061$2,519,875$399,047Leonardo "Babaehduro" MattosBrazil
#60: $525 Bounty NLHE 6-Handed$5253,170$1,585,000$180,177Orhan "yirtil" AtesTurkey
#61: Monster Stack NLHE 6-Handed$3003,491$973,989$127,660Alexander "MightyWarior" StaceyUnited Kingdom
#62: Pot Limit Omaha$1,500990$1,410,750$220,160Bradley "DrStrange7" RubenUnited States
#63: Mini Main Event$50015,205$7,222,375$843,460Ivan "zufo16" ZuficCroatia
#64: Super Turbo Bounty NLHE$8402,207$1,765,600$131,461Kartik "Mandovi" VedIndia
#65: NLHE Deepstack$6002,911$1,659,270$227,906Dmytro "Too Bad" BystrovzorovUkraine
TOTALS123,784$72,574,821$10,664,228
Average 3,641$2,134,553$313,654.00

‘Unknown’ players shine – and shine up new WSOP bracelets

A few “unknown” names came to the forefront over the last week. Ivan Zufic, winner of the Mini Main Event, leads the pack after winning the event for $843,460.

The Croatian had only one $571 score on his Hendon Mob profile before cashing in. Russia’s Anatoly Suvarov’s win in the $ 150 GGMasters WSOP Edition topped his entire live tournament earnings of $178,947.

Ravid Garbi now has eight cashes in the series but only $29,000 in live tournament winnings. He capped his series off by winning the $5,000 NLHE Championship for $531,513.

Alexander “MightyWarrior” Stacey, of the United Kingdom, also hit the poker scene in a big way last week. Despite only $1,100 in live tournament winnings, he showed some chops at the virtual tables.

Stacey won the $300 Monster Stack NLHE 6-Handed for $127,660. In this case, the warrior slayed the monster. 

Dmytro Bystrovzorov had just a single $555 live tournament cash before winning the $600 NLHE Deepstack for $227,906. His ironic GGPoker username is “Too Bad.” Insert your own joke here.

A few bigger names running deep

While several unknowns made some waves in the WSOP Online, a few heavyweights also checked in with nice scores. Chris Moorman battled for his first bracelet last week in the $5,000 NLHE Championship.

The English poker pro and Team 888poker ambassador came up just short, finishing runner-up for $398,393. He now has five cashes in the series and despite not winning the bracelet, Moorman was pleased.

In July he also had a fourth-place finish in a $500 PLO event at WSOP.com for $28,601. Moorman now has 15 cashes in the WSOP Online at both sites.

In the $10,000 Heads Up Championship, David Peters added the second bracelet of his career. No stranger to success on the felt, he’s now seventh on the all-time money list.

The win brought $360,480 and adds to a stellar career that includes $34 million in live tournament winnings.

Daniel Negreanu has also been finding plenty of deep runs. The GGPoker ambassador has been quite a grinder, totaling 15 cashes on WSOP.com and 12 on GG.

Despite that, it’s been frustrating for the Canadian six-time bracelet winner. His best finish came in the $10,000 Heads Up Championship, where he took 13th for $24,832.

“Constantly getting there,” he noted on Twitter. “Constantly on the outside looking in at the final table.”

That’s included several rough beats and this hand from Tuesday provides a good example.

Canadian tops series leaderboard

Daniel Dvoress remains in the top spot on the bracelet series leaderboard after winning the Millionaire Maker for $1.5 million. The Canadian remains just ahead of his fellow countryman Alek Stasiak.

Mini Main Event winner Ivan Zufic now vaults into the third-place spot.  Here’s a look at the complete leaderboard:

  • 1st – Daniel Dvoress (Canada), 6,185.90
  • 2nd – Alek Stasiak (Canada), 6,063.43
  • 3rd – Ivan Zufic (Croatia), 5,719.69
  • 4th – Ranno Sootla (Estonia), 5,021.13
  • 5th – Belarmino De Souza (Brazil), 4,912.17

US overtakes Canada in bracelet totals

In the race to see which country can collect the most hardware, the United States moved ahead with five bracelets. That comes after wins by Americans David Peters and Bradley Ruben. The latter won the $1,500 Pot Limit Omaha event for $220,160.

The Americans find the top spot despite not legally being able to play the series within their own borders.

Brazil also tied the Canadians with four bracelets after Leonardo Mattos took down the $2,500 Double Stack for $399,047. The United Kingdom sits behind those with three bracelets.

Looking at the week ahead

Some major action is planned for the week ahead. On Thursday and Saturday, players will find a pair of $500 bargain buy-ins. The deep stack is in the Asian time zone, but both should attract nice numbers.

Sunday, Aug. 23, brings big events as well. Look for big names in the $25,000 Poker Players Championship – with a $10 million guarantee.

The final day of the Big 50 also plays out on Sunday. That event comes with a $1 million guarantee for just $50. Here’s a look at the complete schedule remaining in the series.

DateEvent NumberTournamentBuy-inPrize GuaranteeNotes
Wednesday, September 02, 202048People's Choice Event [Pros Vote]TBATBATBA by Vote
Thursday, September 03, 202049People's Choice Event [Spin the Wheel]TBATBATBA by Vote
Saturday, September 05, 202050People's Choice Event [Most Popular]TBATBAAsia Time Zone, TBA by Vote
Saturday, September 05, 202051$1,050 Beat the Pros [Bounty]$1,050
Sunday, September 06, 202052$10K WSOP Super MILLION$, $5M GTD$10,000$5,000,0002-Day Event
Sunday, September 06, 202053$100 WSOP MILLION$ [Final Day], $2M GTD$100$2,000,0002-Day Event, 1-RE Flights
Sunday, September 06, 202054$500 The Closer [LAST CHANCE]$500

Poker chips photo courtesy WSOP/Tomas Stacha

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WORLDWIDE SERIES OF POKER: GGPoker Releases WSOP Online Schedule With $25M Main Event

After the World Series of Poker announced a total of 85 online bracelet events in June, players got an idea of what to expect internationally from GGPoker. On Friday, the fast-growing operator released details of the schedule’s 54 bracelet events.

The series runs July 19 through Sept. 6 and is highlighted by the $5,000 Main Event. That boasts a record-breaking $25 million guarantee the biggest online poker tournament in history.

Players will find multiple Day 1 starting flights beginning on Aug. 16. Day 2 of the Main Event kicks off on Aug. 30.

“We knew GGPoker would go big on the WSOP Online Series, but this is ridiculous,” WSOP executive director Ty Stewart said in a news release. “The single biggest guarantee in the history of online poker is exactly what this once-in-a-lifetime event deserves.”

A look at the GG Poker WSOP Online schedule

The WSOP Online begins July 1 at WSOP.com, with 31 bracelets awarded each day throughout the month. Those events will be available for players in Nevada and New Jersey.

Series organizers hoped to offer an online bracelet schedule after the traditional summer WSOP was postponed to the fall. On July 19, GGPoker is added to the mix for international players.

The series is the first time players outside the US can win a bracelet online. Many players, including well-known players like Daniel Negreanu and Phil Hellmuth, have plans to play events on both sites.

Beyond the Main Event, GG players can expect a robust schedule. Buy-ins range from $50 to $25,000. The Big 50 will award a bracelet in an event featuring a buy-in of only fifty bucks.

Players will also find popular events like the Colossus, Millionaire Maker, and Poker Players Championship. Some highlights include:

  • WSOP Event #1: $100 The Opener – July 19 (Day 2), $2 million guarantee
  • WSOP Event #2: $1,111 Every 1 for COVID Relief  – July 19 ($111 from each entry goes to the Caesars Cares fund)
  • WSOP Event #10: $400 COLOSSUS – July 26 (Day 2), $3 million guarantee
  • WSOP Event #17: $1,500 MILLIONAIRE MAKER – Aug. 2 (Day 2), $1 million first prize guarantee
  • WSOP Event #25: $10,000 Heads Up NLHE Championship – Aug. 9 (limited to 128 players)
  • WSOP Event #31: $500 Mini Main Event – Aug. 16 (Day 2), $5 million guarantee 
  • WSOP Event #38: $25,000 NLHE Poker Players Championship –  Aug. 23, $10 million guarantee
  • WSOP Event #39: $50 BIG 50 – Aug. 23 (Day 2), $1 million guarantee
  • WSOP Event #52: $10,000 WSOP Super MILLION$ – September 6 – $5,000,000 prize pool guarantee 

Few guarantees, but plenty of big events

GGPoker players have become accustomed to massive guarantees. While the Main Event features a huge payout, only 12 events feature a guarantee.

“We wanted to keep to the format of the live WSOP as much as possible, where the glory of winning the WSOP bracelet was the real highlight,” GG spokesman Paul Burke told PokerScout. “They don’t put guarantees on the events, so barring some of the real standout events, neither are we.”

Players with lower bankrolls and looking to win their way into a bracelet event will have plenty of opportunities. GGPoker will run a series of micro and low-stakes qualifying events leading up to the series.

The site will also hold standard satellite tournaments beginning July 1. 

“This reminds me of poker’s boom years,” said Negreanu, a GGPoker ambassador.  “Anyone who has dreamed of winning a real WSOP bracelet can now do so across the globe. There’s no feeling like winning a WSOP bracelet, and GGPoker is opening that opportunity to the masses.”

Players will find several poker variations including Pot Limit Omaha and Short Deck. Organizers have also added a few other unique elements as well.

The Asia Championship will be held on Aug. 9 for players in that part of the world. There will also be four People’s Choice events from Sept. 1-5.

A $1,050 Beat the Pros Bounty is also planned for Sept. 5. Unlike the recent WSOP Online Circuit Super Series, however, there won’t be non-bracelet side events.

Real names at the table please

Along with the move to offering international WSOP bracelets, GG is adding another interesting element to the series. Players who make a final table will be required to play using their real names.

This is something new to the industry. Players will know who they’re up against and allows for better media coverage as well. It also allows final tables to mimic live WSOP final tables.

Viewers on the site’s Twitch stream, GGPoker.TV, and PokerCentral will be able to follow their favorite players. The real names of all players who earn cash prizes will also be made available.

“The ability to compete for WSOP bracelets – the ultimate prize in poker – from home is so amazing,” GGPoker ambassador Fedor Holz said. “The big events will be full of players from all over the world: Europe, Canada, South America, and everywhere else. The WSOP action will be scorching hot this summer.”

Here’s a look at the complete GGPoker WSOP Online schedule.

DateEvent NumberTournamentBuy-inPrize GuaranteeNotes
Wednesday, September 02, 202048People's Choice Event [Pros Vote]TBATBATBA by Vote
Thursday, September 03, 202049People's Choice Event [Spin the Wheel]TBATBATBA by Vote
Saturday, September 05, 202050People's Choice Event [Most Popular]TBATBAAsia Time Zone, TBA by Vote
Saturday, September 05, 202051$1,050 Beat the Pros [Bounty]$1,050
Sunday, September 06, 202052$10K WSOP Super MILLION$, $5M GTD$10,000$5,000,0002-Day Event
Sunday, September 06, 202053$100 WSOP MILLION$ [Final Day], $2M GTD$100$2,000,0002-Day Event, 1-RE Flights
Sunday, September 06, 202054$500 The Closer [LAST CHANCE]$500

Photo by Tomas Stacha/WSOP