Posted on

Germany’s Koray Aldemir Scores WSOP Main Event Title; Series Shifts to Vegas Strip in 2022

The World Series of Poker Main Event came to a close on Wednesday night with German poker pro Koray Aldemir coming out on top.

The World Series of Poker Main Event came to a close on Wednesday night with German poker pro Koray Aldemir coming out on top. He takes home $8 million and the gold bracelet after topping a field of 6,650 players.

“It felt great. It’s the biggest final table in the world, so it’s a dream come true,” he said after winning the title. “Probably every poker player thinks about this moment when they watch this, believing ‘maybe I could be there one day.’”

Aldemir made his dream a reality after securing the championship after nine days of long hours at the tables. After the WSOP was held mostly online in 2020 at WSOP.com and GGPoker, this year’s series continued bringing back live poker in a big way.

Jack Oliver hits rail in 3rd

Getting to the title wasn’t easy. Despite bringing in a chip stack twice of his two opponents, Aldemir faced two tough players in the United Kingdom’s Jack Oliver and New Jersey’s George Holmes.

When play began, here’s how the chip stacks looked:

  • Aldemir – 264,600,000
  • Oliver – 77,300,000
  • Holmes – 57,400,000
Jack Oliver finished third in the WSOP Main Event. (photos courtesy PokerGO)

Oliver was the first player eliminated. After losing a few early pots and falling behind Holmes, he pushed the last of his 36 million chips in with A♣8♦ from the small blind. After some thought, George Holmes called from the bg blind with Q♠J♠.

A Jack landed on the turn, giving Holmes a pair and the pot when Oliver didn’t improve. The Englishman scored $3 million for third place and a great run through the Main Event.

Heads-up battle for the title

That elimination left Aldemir and Holmes battling for the title. The Oliver elimination pushed Holmes’ stack to 137.4 million. He still faced an uphill climb however, with Aldemir holding 262 million.

The matchup featured two completely different types of poker players. Aldemir is a poker pro and high roller regular with more than $13 million in live tournament winnings.

A recreational player, Holmes plays in a weekly home game with friends and has a regular job. Coming into the event, he had only one career tournament cash from the 2019 Main Event for $50,855.

Both had friends and family cheering them on throughout the matchup. Holmes’ wife was also on the rail. Seeing him on PokerGO was her first time seeing him play poker.

George Holmes battling heads-up with Koray Aldemir for the title.

The matchup featured plenty of back and forth play. Holmes went on a nice run early to cut deeply into Aldemir’s lead. He wasn’t afraid of making some big moves and an occasional bluff.

Closing out the battle

Later in the match, Holmes even took the chip lead. Aldemir never seemed to lose control or get shaken however. A seasoned pro, he waited for his own run of cards and was eventually rewarded.

In the final hand, Aldemir held a slight chip lead. Holmes put in a raise to 6 million with K♣Q♠ with Aldemir calling 10♦7♦.

He was in good shape when the flop came 10♥7♠2♥. Aldemir checked and Holmes again bet 6 million. Aldemir then showed some strength with a raise to 19 million.

Holmes called and both players saw a K♠ on the turn. Aldemir then put in a hefty bet of 36.5 million. Holmes thought just a bit and called with his pair of Kings. This brought the pot to more than 100 million.

The 9​​​♠ came on the river and Aldemir checked. Holmes’ all-in shove may have been unexpected and his 133 million went into the pot.

Despite holding two pairs, Aldemir faced a tough decision. Losing the hand meant he’d only have about 10 million chips left.  After some deep thought, he called and it was all over.

Holmes took home $4.3 million for second place and played well throughout the final table.

“Unbelievable, I still can’t put it into words,” Holmes said afterward. “It’s been a grueling week and a half. This guy was amazing, tough all night. Good game, well played.”

2021 WSOP Main Event results

  1. Koray Aldemir – $8,000,000
  2. George Holmes – $4,300,000
  3. Jack Oliver – $3,000,000
  4. Joshua Remitio – $2,300,000
  5. Ozgur Secilmis – $1,800,000
  6. Hye Park – $1,400,000
  7. Alejandro Lococo – $1,225,000
  8. Jareth East – $1,100,000

WSOP heading to Vegas Strip next year

The WSOP also made some other news this week. During Tuesday’s coverage on PokerGO, the WSOP announced that the festival would once again be played in the summer next year.

The WSOP will once again return to the summer, but is shifting to the Vegas Strip for the first time in its 53-year history. The series moves to the Bally’s and Paris properties on Las Vegas’s famed gaming and entertainment mecca.

Plans call for the series to run from May 31 to July 19 following a 17-year run at the Rio. Players won’t have to wait too long with only about six months until cards are back in the air.

Vince Vaughan takes the stage at the WSOp Main Event.

Vince Vaughan announced as new WSOP ambassador, master of ceremonies

Along with the new location announcement, WSOP officials also welcomed actor, comedian and card player Vince Vaughn on board this week. He’ll serve as a series ambassador and master of ceremonies for the 2022 series..

“As we approach the final table, we look back on yet another successful Main Event that exceeded expectations,” WSOP Vice President Ty Stewart said in a news release. “We are absolutely thrilled with this year’s turnout, both domestically and internationally. As we close out this chapter at the Rio, we are excited to have the iconic Vince Vaughn usher in a new era of WSOP at Bally’s and Paris next summer.”

On Tuesday, the star of “Wedding Crashers” and “Swingers” hit the stage to voice the official “shuffle up and deal.” He also joined the PokerGO broadcast team during the final table action.

Vaughn has been a regular card player for much of his life and plans on playing in the WSOP next summer.

“I have such a strong connection to Las Vegas and am honored to be selected as the master of ceremonies for what is set to be the most anticipated WSOP tournament ever,” Vaughn said. “Poker has long been one of my favorite sports, so to be a part of something as historic as the WSOP finally moving to the Strip is an absolute dream. Vegas Baby, Vegas!”

The full 2022 WSOP schedule is expected to be released in January.

More WSOP tournaments continue

The Main Event may be over, but even more WSOP events are in the works. Players will find 10 events left on the schedule, including two online bracelet tournaments.

That includes one online tournament for players only on the WSOP.com Pennsylvania platform.

Thursday’s action sees an $800 NLHE Deepstack and the $250,000 Super High Roller kicking off. Check back to PokerScout next week for a look at some recent winners in other events.

★★★ Ready to get in the action at WSOP.com? Click here for a complete site review with exclusive PokerScout bonus offers. ★★★

Posted on

WSOP Roundup: Germany’s ​​Koray Aldemir Takes Big Lead Into $10,000 Main Event Final Table

The World Series of Poker Main Event reached the final table on Tuesday after seven days of play in Las Vegas.

The World Series of Poker Main Event reached the final table on Tuesday after seven days of play in Las Vegas. The final nine players now return to action on Tuesday later in the afternoon to play down to the final four with a champion crowned on Wednesday.

The winner scores the championship bracelet and $8 million with all players at least earning $1 million. The final table includes several international players with Germany’s ​​Koray Aldemir leading the pack.

Aldemir returns with 140 million chips, a deep stack of 175 big blinds. After a long day, Aldemir looked forward to resting up.

“The focus is on sleeping well,” he told WSOP.com after Day 7. “That’s going to be kind of important. It’s of course a big final table, but it’s still poker. So I’ll try to play well. Just normal poker. I’ll try to play it like any other final table and see where it brings me.”

In other events, several other international players were making big runs and winning bracelets. Here’s a look at the latest news.

A look at the final nine in the WSOP Main Event. (photo courtesy PokerGO)

Event 67: $10,000 Main Event

Main Event chip leader Koray Aldemir.

When play began in the Rio on Tuesday, 36 players returned to the action. After six starting flights and Day 2 registration, the event brought in 6,650 players for a $62 million prize pool.

The last man standings can look forward to a bracelet sporting 10 karats of yellow and white gold encrusted with 2,230 rubies and white and black diamonds.

Beyond Aldemir, a few other players from outside the US return. Argentina’s Alejandro “Papo MC” Lococo sits third in chips. The freestyle rapper has a big following in Latin America and recently signed as a PokerStars ambassador.

“What I enjoy most about poker is the different emotions that you experience while playing,” Papo told PokerScout in August. “Beyond this, poker has helped me get to know wonderful people and visit wonderful places. It’s given me great friends and amazing stories.”

Two players from the United Kingdom also return. Jack Oliver is fifth in chips with 24.5 million and ​​Jareth East returns as the short stack in ninth with 8.3 million.

Turkey’s Ozgur Secilmis enters the final table in sixth with 24.5 million. Here’s a look at the final nine players:

  1. Koray Aldemir (Germany), 140,000,000
  2. George Holmes(US), 83,700,000
  3. Alejandro Lococo (Argentina), 46,800,000
  4. Joshua Remitio (US), 40,000,000
  5. Jack Oliver (UK), 34,000,000
  6. Ozgur Secilmis (Turkey), 24,500,000
  7. Chase Bianchi (US), 14,100,000
  8. Hye Park (US), 13,500,000
  9. Jareth East (UK), 8,300,000

Poker fans looking to follow the final table can check out PokerGO beginning at 4:30 pm (ET) on Tuesday. The four-player action continues on Wednesday at the same time.

Event 71: $1,500 Bounty Pot Limit Omaha

France’s Mourad Amokrane transitioned from final table chip leader to winner in this event. He scored his first bracelet and $132,844 with Matt Mamiya taking runner-up for $82,100. The tournament brought in 860 entries for a $1.1 million prize pool.

Motoyoshi Okamura shows off his first WSOP bracelet. (photo courtesy WSOP.com)

Event 72: $1,500 Mixed NLHE; Pot Limit Omaha

Several international players scored big in this event, which brought in 846 players for a $1.1 million prize pool. Japan’s Motoyoshi Okamura took down the tournament for his first bracelet and $209,716. Brazilian rounder Rafael Mota finished runner-up for $129,621.

“Winning the bracelet has been a dream of mine,” Okamura told WSOP.com afterward. “This is my first time playing the WSOP, and I will surely be back next time.”

Others in the top five were:

  • 3rd – Nicolas Yunis (Chile), $91,989
  • 4th – Leonid Yanovski (Israel), $91,989
  • 5th – Mike Takayama (Philippines), $48,428

Two more online bracelets awarded

WSOP.com featured two more bracelet events on Sunday as the end of the series gets closer. Estonia’s Aleksejs “APonakov” Ponakovs took down the first one, the $7,777 Lucky 7s High Roller. He won his first bracelet and $432,491 for the effort.

Canada’s Jaroslaw “johnnyloveit” Jaskiewicz took the runner-up spot for $267,232 in an event featuring 183 entries for a $1.3 million prize pool.

In the $777 version of the Lucky 7s, Bulgaria’s Yuliyan “Dr.Feelg00da” Kolev came out on top for his first bracelet and $146,163. The tournament produced 1,122 entries for a $785,400 prize pool.

More tournaments on the horizon

The action at the Rio continues this week with several other events as the series winds its way to a conclusion on Nov. 23. Here’s a look at events in the coming days.

  • 77: $1,500 Fifty Stack NLHE – Nov. 16
  • 78: $10,000 Razz Championship – Nov. 16
  • 79: $1,979 Poker Hall of Fame Bounty – Nov. 17
  • 80: $3,000 Six-Handed PLO – Nov. 17
  • 81: $800 NLHE Deepstack – Nov. 18
  • 82: $250,000 Super High Roller – Nov. 18

* Lead image courtesy PokerGO

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

Posted on

WSOP Roundup: Chris Moneymaker Runs Deep in Main Event, French Player Leads Bounty PLO

Poker Hall of Famer Chris Moneymaker returns for Day 4 as one of the chip leaders in the World Series of Poker Main Event.

Poker Hall of Famer Chris Moneymaker returns for Day 4 as one of the chip leaders in the World Series of Poker Main Event. The 2003 champion scored some huge hands on Day 2 and that big run continued on Day 3.

Some international players also return among the chip leaders as well. In other action, a French player leads the pack in the Pot Limit Omaha Bounty event. The Little One for One Drop also returns to action on Friday. Here’s a look at some of the headlines from Las Vegas.

Event 67: $10,000 Main Event

The Main Event is heating up as players move on to Day 4 on Friday. The bubble burst on Thursday and all players have now reached the money with 1,000 left in the field.

Those now hitting the rail will at least earn a min-cash of $15,000. The event brought in 6,650 players for a $62 million prize pool, bringing a winner payout of  $8 million. The runner-up takes $4.3 million with ninth-place even earning $1 million.

The series is seeing a bit of deja vu so far, with 2003 Main Event winner Chris Moneymaker among the top chip stacks returning to the Rio. Moneymaker took his seat at the ‘03 Main Event via an $86 PokerStars qualifier.

His win was captured on ESPN and helped kickstart the poker boom. Another big score would make for big news.

Florida’s Jessica Cai leads the field going into Day 4 with 1.8 million. She comes into the Main Event with only $78,454 in live tournament winnings.

“(It’s) surreal,” she told PokerGO’s Jeff Platt of her run so far. “I’m still in shock, but I’m definitely grateful to be here.”

International players running deep in Main Event

Those aren’t the only players making nice runs. Thailand’s Phachara Wongwichit finished second in chips with just under 1.8 million. A regular in Asian events, he has $1.5 million in live tournament winnings and is looking for his first bracelet.

Ehsan Amiri, of Australia, bagged 1.6 million for the fourth-place spot. He’s seeking his first bracelet and the best finish of his career.

Another player to watch is Italy’s Gianluca Speranza, who finished the day with 1.3 million. In 2017, he took runner-up in the WSOP Europe Main Event for €689,246.

Event 68: $1,111 Little One for One Drop

This event heads to the third day of action on Friday after three Days 1s to get things started. The tournament produced 3,797 entries for a $3.8 million prize pool with a winner’s haul of $396,445.

GGPoker qualifier Mathew Solitro, of Massachusetts, returns as chip leader with 228 players remaining. Chile’s Oscar Alache sits second in chips with a few other international players among the chip leaders as well.

Germany’s Jan Wagner checks in at fourth with France’s Idris Ambraisse sitting in fifth. Japan’s Masaki Nakamura returns ninth in chips.

Event 71: $1,500 Bounty Pot-Limit Omaha

This tournament began on Thursday with France’s Mourad Amokrane returning as chip leader.

He’s the only player to top 1 million chips so far and this could be a career-defining tournament for the Frenchman. Amokrane currently has only $21,244 in live tournament winnings.

Bulgaria’s Nikolay Yosifov is third in chips with Greece’s Miltiadis Kyriakides in fifth. Canada’s Kirk Dillon and Spain’s Paulo Villena are in sixth and seventh as well.

The tournament attracted 860 players with only 84 returning for Day 2. Others advancing to Day 2 include Calvin Anderson, Team GGPoker’s Felipe Ramos, and Dario Sammartino.

Josh Ariah moved to the top of the Player of the Year standings. (Photo courtesy WSOP))

Player of the Year update

Josh Arieh has been the player of the series so far and moves into the No. 1 slot in the Player of the Year standings. The American rounder has already won two events and scored two other final table appearances. Here’s a look at the standings as of Friday:

  • 1st – Josh Arieh, 3,110.91 points
  • 2 – Jake Schwartz, 2,757.37
  • 3 – Anthony Zinno, 2,731.32
  • 4 – Ryan Leng, 2,684.04
  • 5 – Kevin Gerhart, 2,643.23

Upcoming events

Plenty of events remain in the series including some interesting tournaments over the weekend. That includes plenty of mixed games and two online events set for Sunday. Here’s a look at the action over the next few days:

  • 70: $888 Crazy Eights – Nov. 12
  • 72: $1,500 Mixed NLHE; PLO – Nov. 12
  • 73: $10,000 Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship – Nov. 13
  • 74: $2,500 Mixed Big Bet Event – Nov. 14
  • Online Event 8: $7,777 WSOP.com Lucky 7s High Roller – Nov. 14
  • Online Event 9: $777 WSOP.com Lucky 7s – Nov. 14
  • 75: $1,500 Freezeout NLHE – Nov. 15
  • 76: $10,000 Super Turbo Bounty – Nov. 15

* Lead image courtesy PokerGO

★★★ Ready to get in the action at WSOP.com? Click here for a complete site review with exclusive PokerScout bonus offers. ★★★

Posted on

WSOP Roundup: Players From Russia, France, Finland Win Big; Main Event Kicks Off Thursday

international players came up big over the last week at the WSOP in Las Vegas as the Main Event kicks off on Thursday.

A few international players came up big over the last week at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. Russia’s Anatolii Zyrin took down one of the biggest events of the series, the $400 Colossus.

A Frenchman also scored big in the Super Seniors event. Finland saw a winner crowned as well with Eelis Parssinen (pictured above) taking his first bracelet.

In other news, the $10,000 Main Event also kicks off Thursday, which brings the first of six starting flights. Here’s a look at some of the headlines from the WSOP.

Event 55: $400 COLOSSUS

Anatolii Zyrin shows off his new bracelet. (photo courtesy PokerGO)

This event produced a colossal field of 9,399 entries for a $3.1 million prize pool with a Russian player scoring gold. Anatolii Zyrin won his second bracelet and took home $314,705.

His previous bracelet came in 2019 in a $1,500 Omaha Mix event for $199,838 and he now has $2.2 million in live tournament winnings.

The final table was held in the King’s Lounge area. That produced some different dynamics with player’s friends even closer to the action to cheer them on. The location received nice reviews from payers and fans.

Event 58: $1,000 Super Seniors NLHE

The seniors events at the WSOP have become some of the most popular tournaments at the festival. The Super Seniors championship is open to players 60 years old and over. The event brought in 1,893 players for a $1.7 million prize pool.

It was a French super senior taking the top spot this year. Jean-Luc Adam scored his first bracelet for a payday of $255,623.

Adam currency lives in the Caribbean island of Saint Martin, where he won a WSOP Circuit ring in 2019. His son Cedric also won a ring during that series and taught his father how to play poker. The elder Adam was in a state of shock after winning the title.

France’s Jean-Luc Adam won the WSOP Super Seniors event. (photo courtesy WSOP)

“I’m dreaming,” Adam told WSOP.com. “It’s very strange, a strange sensation. I felt good for all of the tournament and I felt very relaxed. I never think about first place, but only play every hand.

“It’s a very nice moment. I like to play for pleasure. I like to have emotion … it’s a very strange sensation for me because I don’t realize that it’s a world championship. It’s very unbelievable, I don’t understand now. It’s too soon, I just finished the tournament. I can’t realize exactly everything now.”

Event 64: $5,000 Mixed NLHE; PLO

This event combines two of poker’s most popular variants and saw Finland’s Eelis Parssinen  rise to the top. He scored his first bracelet and $545,616 in an event with 579 entries for a $2.7 million prize pool.

The online poker pro doesn’t play many live tournaments, but has now found a bracelet in only his fifth WSOP event. The win came after a massive comeback.

With just 40 players remaining, Parssinen was left with only a single big blind. He’d even texted his friends that he was out of the tournament before staging a massive rally.

Some other big WSOP winners

Shaun Deeb took down Event 53: $25,000 High Roller PLO for $1.3 million. A couple of international players came in just behind him. Hong Kong’s Ka Kwan Lau took runner-up for $773,708. Bulgaria’s Veselin Karakitukov finished fifth for $276,870.

Event 56: $10,000 Six-Handed NLHE Championship brought a runner-up finish for Russia’s Nikita Kuznetsov. That brought a nice score of $445,892. Israel’s Ariel Mantel took third for $293,578 with South Korea’s Joonhee Yea finishing fifth for $137,303.

Winamax team pro Joao Vieira made a run at his second bracelet in Event 57: $10,000 Limit 2-7 Lowball Triple Draw Championship. However, he finished fifth for $54,993.

The tag team events always make for a run atmosphere at the Rio. After an Israeli team won the $1,000 version in 2019, another team from the country came close this year. Tomer Wolf and David Landell finished runner-up in Event 59 for $70,074, both just missing out on their first bracelet.

In Online Event 6: $666 NLHE, a Canadian player found a deep run in this Halloween event. “Sucra71” finished in second place for $71,000.

Another Russian made a deep run in Event 62: $1,500 PLO Hi-Lo 8 or Better with Alexander Orlov scoring fifth for $42,823.

PokerGO adds to Main Event streaming schedule

The $10,000 Main Event begins Thursday and PokerGO will be streaming the entire event as well as some of the final few tournaments. The series recently added two additional starting flights after travel restrictions were relaxed for some international passengers.

Poker fans around the world can follow the Main Event action via PokerGO. Here’s a complete look at the platform’s coverage plans.

PokerGO WSOP Main Event streaming schedule

DateWSOP DayTime
Thursday, Nov. 41A4:30 pm
Saturday, Nov. 61C4:30 pm
Sunday, Nov. 71D4:30 pm
Monday, Nov. 81E4:30 pm
Tuesday, Nov. 92ABD4:30 pm
Wednesday, Nov. 102CEF4:30 pm
Thursday, Nov. 11
34:30 pm
Friday, Nov. 1244:30 pm
Saturday, Nov. 1352 pm
Sunday, Nov. 1462 pm
Monday, Nov. 15712:30 pm
Tuesday, Nov. 16Final Table Day 14:30 pm
Wednesday, Nov. 17Final Table Day 24:30 pm

Player of the Year update

The battle for Player of the Year continues playing out with some big names at the top. Phil Hellmuth and Anthony Zinno both held the No. 1 position at times, but Jake Schwartz now finds himself in that spot.

While he hasn’t won an event yet, Schwartz has several deep runs including a runner-up and two third-place finishes. Here’s a look at the standings and point totals as of Nov. 4:

  1. Jake Schwartz, 2,711.43
  2. Kevin Gerhart, 2,643.28
  3. Anthony Zinno, 2,627.88
  4. Phil Hellmuth, 2,598.59
  5. Shaun Deeb, 2,518.89

Looking ahead

Along with the Main Event, several other events are currently running. Event 63: $500 Salute to Warriors serves as a fundraiser for the USO and has reached the final  table.

Two international players are still alive in that event, which should wrap up Thursday. South Korea’s Chulhan Choi sits sixth in chips with Ukraine’s Hlib Kovtunov one spot behind. Both players are seeking their first bracelet.

Event 65: $1,000 Mini Main Event continues with Day 2 on Thursday with Russia’s Giorgiy Skhulukhiya second in chips. Here’s a look at some upcoming events.

  • 67: $10,000 Main Event – starting flights A-F running Nov. 4-9
  • Online Event 7: $3,200 WSOP.com NLHE High Roller Eight-Max – Nov. 7
  • 68: Little One for One Drop – three starting flights running Nov. 8-10

★★★ Looking to get in the action at WSOP.com? Click here for a complete site review with exclusive USPoker bonus offers. ★★★

Posted on

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

★★★ Ready to get in the action at WSOP.com? Click here for a complete site review with exclusive PokerScout bonus offers. ★★★

Posted on

WSOP Weekly: Brazilian Players Continue Winning, Spain’s Adrian Mateos Runs Deep Again

Following its successful debut on the Las Vegas Strip, the World Series of Poker has released the international schedule for 2022-23.

Brazil scored another bracelet as the country’s players continue dominating the bracelet count in the World Series of Poker Online at GGPoker. Dmitry Yurasov found his second bracelet and Spanish star Adrian Mateos scored another final table appearance.

GG is hosting 33 WSOP bracelet events through Sept. 12. Here’s a look at the action of the past week. 

Event 15: $10,000 Heads Up Championship (Sept. 4)

After over a week’s delay the final four faced off in the Heads Up Championship. At the end of the bracket, France’s Arthur Conan won a bracelet and $466,167. He defeated Latvia’s Aleksejs Ponakovs for the title.

Adrian Mateos and Daniel Soltys finished in third and fourth, but still brought home $155,389 each. 

The total prize pool for this event reached $1.5 million with 161 players entering the competition. Regular WSOP commentators Lon McEachern and Norman Chad entertained fans as they covered the finals live online. 

Event 20: $1,500 Monster Stack (Aug. 28)

Brazilian player Eduardo “Ghazbaran” Rodrigues  brought home $212,815 and the win in this event. He defeated Italy’s Dario Sammartino with two players remaining.

The tournament brought in 1,080 entrants, creating a prize pool of over $1.5 million.

Sammartino has been on a hot streak after making a final table a few days earlier in Event 18. In 2019, he took runner-up in the $10,000 Main Event for $6 million.

Event 21: $25,000 Super High Roller (Aug. 29)

Greek poker player Alexandros Theologis took down his first bracelet for $1.2 million. This high stakes buy-in included the largest buy-in during the GGPoker series and the largest prize pool as well.

The event came with a $5 million guaranteed prize pool. That number was smashed with 255 entries and $6.2 million up for grabs. Mateos continued to be a driving force in this series with another final table appearance.

He finished eighth for $196,476 after appearing in the final four of the heads-up event.

Event 22: $400 COLOSSUS (Aug. 29)

The Colossus is aptly named after the huge fields created. This event again lived up to those epic proportions with a player pool of 10,903 entries. The $3 million guaranteed prize pool was crushed, generating over $4 million. 

In the end, Italy’s Armando D’avanzo captured his first gold bracelet and $409,007. Japan’s Kosuke “PXR-51” Tajima finished in second place for $306,707.

Notable cashes include Argentina’s Damian Salas, finishing ninth for $40,900. He is best known as the 2020 Main Event champion.

Event 23: $600 Deep Stack Championship (Aug. 31) 

Portugal’s Nuno “albertov” Capucho scored $190,274 and his first gold bracelet in this event. Capucho faced off against the United Kingdom’s Karolina “KarolinaNe” Norvaisaite for the title. 

The two-day event created a $1.6 million prize pool. The Day 1 field consisted of 2,820, with only 49 moving on to Day 2. Daniel Negreanu continues to live stream most of the events in the series and that included this tournament. 

Event 24: $1,050 Bounty Pot Limit Omaha (Sept. 2)

Dmitry Yurasov, of Russia, landed his second bracelet and $92,711. He defeated a field of 896 entries and took down $56,487 in bounties. In heads-up play, Yurasov defeated Canada’s Ami Barer, who won $69,347 for second. 

Yurasov was short stacked at the final table but battled his way back to grab the gold. This was the last PLO event of the series.

Upcoming GGPoker WSOP bracelet events

GGPoker offers multiple tournaments over the next few days, as the site begins wrapping up action. That includes bounty events and the $20 million guaranteed Main Event. Here’s a look at what as what is up on deck:

  • $777 Lucky Sevens (Event 25, Sept. 4)
  • $888 Crazy Eights  (Event 26, Sept. 5) 
  • $5,000 Main Event Championship (Event 27, Sept. 5) – $20 million guaranteed
  • $2,100 Bounty Championship (Event 28, Sept. 7)
  • $1,500 Fifty Stack (Event 29, Sept. 9)

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

Posted on

PREVIEW: WSOP Online Starts Sunday at GGPoker; Road To Vegas Main Event Promotion Kicks Off

The first week is in the books after GGPoker kicked off the World Series of Poker Online international bracelet hunt on Aug. 1.

A second month of World Series of Poker Online bracelet hunting begins on Sunday. After a month of action at WSOP.com, the spotlight now shifts to international players at GGPoker.

As in the US, the series features 33 gold bracelets up for grabs from Aug. 1 to Sept. 12. The overall series offers players $45 million guaranteed.

Along with the bracelet action, players can also qualify to play in the WSOP Main Event this fall as part of the site’s Road to Vegas satellites.

What to expect from GGPoker WSOP Online 

This becomes the second year that players outside the US will be able to win a bracelet online. The $5,000 Main Event highlights the series and comes with a $20 million guarantee.

The first starting flight begins on Aug. 22 and players can enter up to three flights on their quest for the bracelet.

GG is also throwing in some extras for the Main Event winner including:

  • Custom site avatar
  • $50,000 tournament entry package
  • Team champions badge
  • GGPlatinum Fish Buffet Status

In 2020, Bulgaria’s Stoyan Madanzhiev took down the Main Event for $3.9 million. That event produced a prize pool of $27.5 million and earned recognition from the Guinness World of Records.

The win produced a life-changing score for Madanzhiev, who plays online poker full time. 

“Before my WSOP win, I had to grind hard because poker was my main source of income and grinding was more important,” Madanzhiev told USPoker after the win. “I have more free time now. So, I spend some time with friends or just read or watch videos about stuff that interests me. I don’t think I started living some flashy life or something.”

No doubt many players are ready to follow in his footsteps and that includes GGPoker ambassador Felipe Ramos.

Big name Americans are also heading south of the border to get in the action as well. Team GG’s Daniel Negreanu is planning another month of online grinding in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Plenty of action planned

Beyond the Main Event, players can expect plenty of other events. The site is not only running bracelet events but also a full schedule of other tournaments as well.

“The Return” fittingly gets the series started on Sunday. The $50 event begins features $1 million guaranteed.

The $1,111 Charity COVID Relief is also scheduled for the same day with the $11 tournament fee going to charity.

As in the live WSOP series, GGPoker is also offering some of the big field staples. The $1,500 Millionaire Maker is set for Aug. 8 with $5 million guaranteed.

The $400 PLOSSUS runs Aug. 22 for Omaha players and guarantees $1 million. Here’s a look at the complete series.

2021 GGPoker WSOP Online

DateTournamentBuy-inGuarante
Aug 9#12: $1,000 DOUBLE STACK NLHE [Day 1A]$1,000$4,000,000
Aug 10#8: $5,000 6-Handed NLHE Championship [2-Day Event]$5,000–
Aug 10#12: $1,000 DOUBLE STACK NLHE [Day 1B]$1,000$4,000,000
Aug 11#12: $1,000 DOUBLE STACK NLHE [Day 1C]$1,000$4,000,000
Aug 12#9: $525 Superstack Turbo Bounty NLHE$525–
Aug 12#12: $1,000 DOUBLE STACK NLHE [Day 1D]$1,000$4,000,000
Aug 13#12: $1,000 DOUBLE STACK NLHE [Day 1E]$1,000$4,000,000
Aug 14#12: $1,000 DOUBLE STACK NLHE [Day 1F]$1,000$4,000,000
Aug 14#10: $400 DOUBLE CHANCE PLO [2-Stack, 2-Day Event]$400–
Aug 14#12: $1,000 DOUBLE STACK NLHE [Day 1G]$1,000$4,000,000
Aug 15#12: $1,000 DOUBLE STACK NLHE [Day 1H]$1,000$4,000,000
Aug 15#12: $1,000 DOUBLE STACK NLHE [Day 1I]$1,000$4,000,000
Aug 15#11: $10,000 Super MILLION$ High Roller NLHE [2-Day Event]$10,000$5,000,000
Aug 15#12: $1,000 DOUBLE STACK NLHE [Day 1J, Turbo]$1,000$4,000,000
Aug 15#12: $1,000 DOUBLE STACK NLHE [Final Day]$1,000$4,000,000
Aug 16#17: $400 PLOSSUS [Bounty, Day 1A]$400$1,000,000
Aug 17#13: $5,000 Pot-Limit Omaha Championship [2-Day Event]$5,000–
Aug 17#17: $400 PLOSSUS [Bounty, Day 1B]$400$1,000,000
Aug 18#17: $400 PLOSSUS [Bounty, Day 1C]$400$1,000,000
Aug 19#14: $500 THE BIG 500 [2-Day Event]$500–
Aug 19#17: $400 PLOSSUS [Bounty, Day 1D]$400$1,000,000
Aug 20#17: $400 PLOSSUS [Bounty, Day 1E]$400$1,000,000
Aug 21#17: $400 PLOSSUS [Bounty, Day 1F]$400$1,000,000
Aug 21#15: $10,000 Heads Up NLHE Championship [No Late Reg, 128 Cap]$10,000–
Aug 21#17: $400 PLOSSUS [Bounty, Day 1G]$400$1,000,000
Aug 22#17: $400 PLOSSUS [Bounty, Day 1H]$400$1,000,000
Aug 22#17: $400 PLOSSUS [Bounty, Day 1I]$400$1,000,000
Aug 22#16: $1,050 WSOP GGMasters HR Freezeout NLHE [2-Day Event]$1,050$2,000,000
Aug 22#17: $400 PLOSSUS [Bounty, Day 1J, Turbo]$400$1,000,000
Aug 22#27: $5,000 MAIN EVENT Online Championship [Day 1A]$5,000$20,000,000
Aug 22#17: $400 PLOSSUS [Bounty, Final Day]$400$1,000,000
Aug 23#22: $400 COLOSSUS [Day 1A]$400$3,000,000
Aug 23#27: $5,000 MAIN EVENT Online Championship [Day 1B]$5,000$20,000,000
Aug 24#18: $5,000 Short Deck Championship [3-Stack, 2-Day Event]$5,000–
Aug 24#22: $400 COLOSSUS [Day 1B]$400$3,000,000
Aug 24#27: $5,000 MAIN EVENT Online Championship [Day 1C]$5,000$20,000,000
Aug 25#22: $400 COLOSSUS [Day 1C]$400$3,000,000
Aug 25#27: $5,000 MAIN EVENT Online Championship [Day 1D]$5,000$20,000,000
Aug 26#19: $840 6-Handed Bounty NLHE [2-Day Event]$840–
Aug 26#22: $400 COLOSSUS [Day 1D]$400$3,000,000
Aug 26#27: $5,000 MAIN EVENT Online Championship [Day 1E]$5,000$20,000,000
Aug 27#22: $400 COLOSSUS [Day 1E]$400$3,000,000
Aug 27#27: $5,000 MAIN EVENT Online Championship [Day 1F]$5,000$20,000,000
Aug 28#22: $400 COLOSSUS [Day 1F]$400$3,000,000
Aug 28#20: $1,500 MONSTER STACK NLHE [Freezeout, 2-Day Event]$1,500–
Aug 28#22: $400 COLOSSUS [Day 1G]$400$3,000,000
Aug 28#27: $5,000 MAIN EVENT Online Championship [Day 1G]$5,000$20,000,000
Aug 29#22: $400 COLOSSUS [Day 1H]$400$3,000,000
Aug 29#22: $400 COLOSSUS [Day 1I]$400$3,000,000
Aug 29#21: $25,000 Super High Roller Championship NLHE [2-Day Event]$25,000$5,000,000
Aug 29#22: $400 COLOSSUS [Day 1J, Turbo]$400$3,000,000
Aug 29#27: $5,000 MAIN EVENT Online Championship [Day 1H]$5,000$20,000,000
Aug 29#22: $400 COLOSSUS [Final Day]$400$3,000,000
Aug 30#27: $5,000 MAIN EVENT Online Championship [Day 1I]$5,000$20,000,000
Aug 31#23: $600 Deepstack Championship NLHE [2-Day Event]$600–
Aug 31#27: $5,000 MAIN EVENT Online Championship [Day 1J]$5,000$20,000,000
Sep 1#27: $5,000 MAIN EVENT Online Championship [Day 1K]$5,000$20,000,000
Sep 2#24: $1,050 Bounty Pot-Limit Omaha [2-Day Event]$1,050–
Sep 2#27: $5,000 MAIN EVENT Online Championship [Day 1L]$5,000$20,000,000
Sep 3#27: $5,000 MAIN EVENT Online Championship [Day 1M]$5,000$20,000,000
Sep 4#27: $5,000 MAIN EVENT Online Championship [Day 1N]$5,000$20,000,000
Sep 4#25: $777 LUCKY SEVENS 7-Handed NLHE [2-Day Event]$777–
Sep 4#27: $5,000 MAIN EVENT Online Championship [Day 1O]$5,000$20,000,000
Sep 5#27: $5,000 MAIN EVENT Online Championship [Day 1P]$5,000$20,000,000
Sep 5#26: $888 CRAZY EIGHTS 8-Handed NLHE [2-Day Event]$888–
Sep 5#27: $5,000 MAIN EVENT Online Championship [Day 1Q]$5,000$20,000,000
Sep 5#27: $5,000 MAIN EVENT Online Championship [Day 1R, Turbo]$5,000$20,000,000
Sep 5#27: $5,000 MAIN EVENT Online Championship [Final Day]$5,000$20,000,000
Sep 7#28: $2,100 Bounty NLHE Championship [2-Day Event]$2,100–
Sep 9#29: $1,500 FIFTY STACK NLHE [2-Day Event]$1,500–
Sep 11#30: $525 WSOP Beat the Pros [Freezeout, 2-Day Event]$525–
Sep 12#31: ¥815 WSOP Zodiac Autumn Festival [Final Day]¥815¥2,888,888
Sep 12#32: $210 WSOP Bounty Double MILLION$ [Final Day]$210$2,000,000
Sep 12#33: $500 The Closer [Final Day]$500$2,021,000

Road to Vegas offers players a chance to win WSOP Main Event seat packages

Along with running the WSOP Online in August, GGPoker is also launching Road to Vegas satellite tournaments. Winners earn a package to play in the 2021 WSOP Main Event, which begins on Nov. 4.

GG is the exclusive home to WSOP satellite events for international players. A full schedule qualifying events begin on Aug. 1. Dozens of WSOP Main Event packages will be up for grabs each week. A winner’s package is worth $12,500 and includes:

  • $10,000 Main Event entry
  • Accommodation at Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino for seven nights
  • $1,250 for travel expenses
  • Entry to the GGPoker WSOP players party
  • GGPoker-branded merchandise
  • Access to the GGPoker Platinum Lounge at the Rio

Qualifiers can also take part in a Main Event last longer promotion with a special WSOP Europe 2021 package on the line.

“The WSOP Main Event is the most prestigious tournament on the planet, and GGPoker’s Road To Vegas will allow players from all over the world to win their way in,” GGPoker global ambassador Daniel Negreanu said in a news release. “I’ve been playing the Main Event since 1998. There’s no tournament like it. It’s every poker player’s dream to win it, including mine.”

★★★ To get in the WSOP Online action at GGPoker, click here for a complete site review with exclusive USPoker bonus offers. ★★★

Posted on

Phil Hellmuth Honors WSOP Main Event Winner Noel Furlong

1999 WSOP Main Event champion Noel Furlong passed away on Sunday in Ireland at age 83. Phil Hellmuth looked back on Furlong this week.

Editor’s note – 1999 World Series of Poker Main Event champion Noel Furlong passed away on Sunday at his home in Ireland at age 83. The two-time Irish Poker Open champion was a successful businessman as well as a poker player. Phil Hellmuth looked back on Furlong this week. 

The Irishman Noel Furlong was a world champion of poker, and in our poker world that means something! Everyone wants to win the coveted WSOP Main Event.

Only one person a year wins it, only one, but even fewer have done it as an amateur player.

Remembering a massive poker bluff

Noel was at the WSOP Main Event final table with me and Johnny Chan in 1989. He was fearless, and bluffed me in a huge pot.

I remember this well, as it was on the front page of the Las Vegas Review-Journal on May 17, 1989, with pictures. Noel had 9♥9♣ and I had K♣Q♥ on a Q♣7♣4♥2♣ board.

I had top pair and a King-high flush draw and he had Nines with a Nine-high flush draw. I believe he check-raised me and I folded.

Well done Noel! I still have the newspaper clipping.

Huge call in the Main Event

In the 1999 WSOP Main Event, I was watching closely as my best friend at the time, Huck Seed, was making an epic run. The great Erik Seidel was also at that WSOP Main Event final table as well.

On Day 4, with six players remaining, I somehow still remember that Seed was sick of this pesky Irishman bombing pots – raising and re-raising what seemed like every hand!

We have all been there, frustrated by someone running us all over. So Seed made a stand when he moved all in (four-bet, I believe) with J♦8♦ for a mountain of chips (500,000).

But Noel sensed his opportunity and pounced. He snap-called 500,000 with A♥3♥. I couldn’t believe it! A-3?!? All those chips with A♥3♥ and a SNAP call?!?

Somehow, some way, Noel made an incredible call. I thought that Seed would outdraw him for sure. But, the flop was A-Q-3, with the turn like a 6.

In a flash, Noel had dispatched one of the best players in the world in sixth place – the great Huck Seed. Noel went on to win the 1999 WSOP Main Event.

Beyond poker

As successful as Noel was in the poker world, he was even more successful off of the table, as he crushed it in the business world.

We heard rumors that he was one of the most successful businessmen in Ireland. But that’s a tale for someone else to tell.

He never bragged to us about his business prowess. I mean, you would never know about those massive business successes from this humble, well-mannered businessman.

Noel always seemed to handle himself well, with class, and always with a smile. Rest in peace Noel Furlong.