There are many large poker tournaments around the world, but some stand out more than others. These events boast massive prize pools and draw thousands of participants – often thousands in total!
The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is the pinnacle event on WPT’s live yearly schedule, boasting an extravagant $10k buy-in with record-setting guarantees.
1. World Series of Poker
The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is considered the premier tournament in poker. Winners of its Main Event become part of an exclusive club and considered world champions of poker.
This year’s World Series of Poker (WSOP) runs from May 28 through July 17 at Paris Las Vegas and Horseshoe Casino, as well as online bracelet events held throughout summer.
At a traditional multi-table tournament, players sit around a table and wager one stack of chips from start to finish – losing all your chips will result in elimination from play. In contrast, WSOP Flip & Go tournaments differ as they begin with what amounts to a quick lottery before moving onto more traditional tournament play.
2. World Poker Tour
The World Poker Tour (WPT) is one of the world’s premier live poker tournament series. Every year, thousands of poker players compete for large prize pools at WPT events across America, featuring top names like Daniel Negreanu, Antonio ‘The Magician’ Esfandiari and Doyle Brunson as commentators.
The WPT has also established itself in Europe and Asia. At present, two tournament series exist: Main Tour and WPT Prime; with latter offering lower buy-ins to accommodate for a wider array of players.
Tony Dunst and Vince Van Patten co-host these series from various venues across the country and stream them online through various streaming services; Lynn Gilmartin provides sideline reporting.
3. Irish Poker Open
The Irish Poker Open is one of the oldest regular tournament series in Europe and one of the friendliest poker tournaments around. A tournament rich in history, this competition provides players an opportunity to experience Dublin’s legendary hospitality first-hand.
2024’s edition saw Finland’s Tero Laurila conquer the Main Event for EUR292,685, an astounding achievement for a 38-year-old who usually prefers cash play but was well aware of his chances in this tournament.
Hiep Ninh delivered the first knockout against Georgios Tsouloftas’ pocket nines by using A-5 against Georgios’. Laurila slipped to seventh, before Hiep Ninh struck with his A-5 against Georgios’ pocket nines for an instant knockout victory.
4. European Poker Tour
The European Poker Tour (EPT) has grown from humble beginnings into one of the premier tournament series worldwide, featuring prize pools of several million euros at every event. It is a staple on live poker calendars worldwide and remains a fan-favorite among fans and competitors alike.
Since 2004 when it began as Europe’s answer to the World Poker Tour, the EPT has seen steady growth. Founded by English television director John Duthie – winner of 2000 Poker Millions and later an award-winning TV commentator – its growth has been steady.
2024 promises an action-packed European Poker Tour (EPT) schedule! Beginning with EPT Paris, events then move onto Monte Carlo (April), Barcelona from August 26 – September 8 and Cyprus for Dolce Vita Series and Belgium with France Poker Series (FPS) which boasts EUR1,100 main events as well as High Roller tournaments offering buy-ins of up to EUR2,200 – all within just 12 months!
5. BSOP Millions
BSOP Millions is one of the premier poker tournament series in Latin America. Held from November 15-29 this year, this year’s edition offered 94 tournaments with an estimated prize pool of R$40 Million (USD $8 Million).
This tournament featured multiple formats of poker competition including Multi Table Tournaments (MTT) and Sit & Go’s with fast blind levels; perfect for players looking for all of the excitement of major tournaments without investing too heavily.
In addition to its main event, the BSOP Millions features several satellites and daily freerolls that award complete tournament packages. Committed to player safety, COVID-19 rules are in effect: Players must receive vaccinations as part of this event and wear face masks at all times during play.