The highly anticipated 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP) has officially begun in Las Vegas. This year marks the 55th annual event, hosted at the Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas casinos. The series, which runs from May 28 to July 17, promises to be a thrilling spectacle for poker enthusiasts worldwide.
Opening Ceremony and Key Figures
The event kicked off with a ceremonial “Shuffle Up & Deal” delivered by Jonathan Marchessault, a champion from the Vegas Golden Knights. Marchessault, who is also a Conn Smythe Trophy winner, expressed his excitement about participating in his first competitive poker tournament. He received pointers from poker legend Daniel Negreanu, adding to the event’s prestige.
Event #1: Champions Reunion No-Limit Hold’em Freezeout
The first major event of the series was the $5,000 buy-in Champions Reunion No-Limit Hold’em Freezeout. This event featured a unique twist: players who knocked out a former Main Event champion received automatic entry into the 2024 WSOP Main Event. All living Main Event champions were given one free entry to play in this event, making it a star-studded affair.
Record-Breaking Participation
Last year’s WSOP set records with over 214,641 entrants from more than 114 countries. The 2023 Main Event alone had a record-breaking 10,043 entries, with a $12.1 million payout to winner Daniel Weinman. This year, the WSOP aims to surpass these numbers, offering 99 gold bracelet events, up from 95 in 2023.
New and Returning Events
The 2024 WSOP introduces several new events, including the $5,000 buy-in Champions Reunion No-Limit Hold’em Freezeout and a third seniors event. Popular events from previous years, such as the Mystery Millions and Gladiators, are also making a return. These events are scheduled to run from Thursday through Sunday during the opening week.
Main Event Details
The highly coveted WSOP Main Event Bracelet is up for grabs once again. The Main Event begins on July 3 with four starting flights running until July 6. Late registration is available on July 7-8 through Level 7, or around 4:40 p.m. on Day 2 of each day. The Main Event Final Table will occur on July 16-17 at Horseshoe Las Vegas.
Additional Tournaments and Highlights
Other notable tournaments include the $10,000 Big O Championship on June 13, the $1,500 Mixed No-Limit Hold’em/Pot-Limit Omaha Double Bomb Pot on June 15, and the $600 Poker News Deep Stack Championship NL Hold’em on June 25. The $5,000 Seniors High Roller No-Limit Hold’em is scheduled for June 26.
Online Bracelet Events
In addition to live events, nearly twenty online poker events are available through WSOP.com in Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. These online events provide an opportunity for players who cannot attend in person to still participate in the WSOP.
Daily Deep Stack Tournaments
The WSOP also features daily one-day no-limit hold’em tournaments with varying entry fees, starting from May 28 to July 16. These daily deep stack tournaments offer additional opportunities for players to win big without committing to the longer, multi-day events.
Registration and Accessibility
Players can register both in-person and online. In-person registration started on May 3 at the Paris Las Vegas main cashier cage. Online registration is available through Bravo Poker Live but requires initial in-person verification at Paris Las Vegas before using online buy-in options thereafter.
Conclusion
The 2024 World Series of Poker is set to be an unforgettable event, with a diverse range of tournaments and a record number of participants. From the opening ceremony to the final table of the Main Event, poker fans can expect high-stakes action and thrilling moments. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the game, the WSOP offers something for everyone. Stay tuned for live updates and coverage from Las Vegas as the world’s best poker players compete for glory.
