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– Huge guaranteed prize pools: millions up for grabs
– Hundreds of events: Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Razz, H.O.R.S.E and many more
– The biggest online and live poker events
Whether in cash games, home games, local tournaments or main events, poker players are all attempting one thing, and that’s to come out on top. So, the question is: what’s the pinnacle of the poker world? Well, throughout this article, we’re looking at the top five poker events and we’ll be discussing how you can get involved.
Held annually, The WSOP Main Event is considered the best poker tournament in the world. Here, pros and amateurs collide in a two-week frenzy of non-stop action, hoping their skills and strategies can lead them to a seat at the final table. It’s where players become legends – Hellmuth, Brunson, Moneymaker, Chan, and so many more. In 2024, thousands of entrants battled it out for the coveted bracelet and, of course, the $10,000,000 top prize. However, from a field of 10,112, only one could become the champion. After an epic back-and-forth head-to-head, Jonathan Tamayo came out on top, cementing his position in the record books.
Each season of the WPT Tour comes to a close with the WPT World Championship. Since 2022, it has been restructured as a $10,000 buy-in open tournament, with millions of dollars in prizes up for grabs. Last year’s record-breaking event sported the largest guaranteed prize pool in live poker history – $40 million. Ultimately, America’s Dan Sepiol took home the crown, earning a colossal $5,282,954 for his first-place finish. Now, in 2024, The World Poker Tour and Wynn Las Vegas are partnering for the third time to host the championship between December 3-23. It’s definitely one you don’t want to miss.
The EPT is Europe’s biggest annual poker tour. Sponsored by PokerStars, it features multiple events across some of the continent’s biggest cities, including London, Barcelona, Paris, Monte-Carlo and Prague. Pleasingly, PokerStars offers freerolls and affordable satellites where you can win seats to the main events. So, even if you don’t necessarily have a substantial bankroll but still want to take on the pros, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.
The WCOOP, sponsored by PokerStars, is the closest online equivalent to the World Series of Poker. Running from September to October, it features hundreds of events for various poker games, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Razz, H.O.R.S.E and many others. Players can log in to their accounts and buy-in for low costs to potentially win huge prizes. Last year alone, over a million entrants competed across 340 tournaments, with the overall prize pool sitting at over $95 million and first-place prizes exceeding $15 million. So, if you love playing online poker, it’s one to watch out for.
Along with the WCOOP, the PokerStars Spring Championship of Online Poker is one of the most prestigious online events of the year. The annual festivities run throughout May, featuring over 100 events for all bankrolls, skill levels and specialities. Last year, PokerStars guaranteed $75 million across the series. Plus, they also introduced Mystery Bounty tournaments to the SCOOP schedule. So, if you’re the type of player who loves aggressive strategies, it’s something to look out for during the 2025 championship – a single knockout can lead to a huge payday.
Say hello to Ajit Raghavan, the poker-savvy dynamo behind Magazine Poker! Ajit is a whiz when it comes to the virtual felt, sharing his wisdom on everything from Texas Hold’em tactics to mastering multi-table tournaments. His articles are like a well-shuffled deck—full of excitement and always delivering a fresh twist on the poker scene. With an approach as engaging as a high-stakes game, Ajit infuses each piece with the thrill of the draw and the joy of a well-played hand. Whether you’re bluffing your way to a big pot or aiming for that royal flush, Ajit’s insights ensure your poker journey is both fun and fulfilling. Ante up and enjoy—the game’s just getting started!
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