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WPT – Guide to the World Poker Tour

Discover the story behind the globetrotting poker tournament series.

The World Poker Tour is a series of live poker events held around the world since 2002 , and often televised. It attracts many of the world’s best poker players , competing for large prize pools in destinations such as Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Australia, Amsterdam and Canada.

Many will be most familiar with the WPT thanks to its successful TV shows ; a deal with the Travel Channel saw edited coverage of the first five seasons of WPT events screened across the USA, and further broadcast deals would follow.

Eventually more than 150 countries and territories across the world would show WPT events, making household names of World Poker Tour hosts including Mike Sexton , Tony Dunst , Vince Van Patten and Lynn Gilmartin .

TV fame may be an attractive proposition for some poker players, but the promise of big cash prizes is a common factor for anyone who sits down in a WPT event! And, true to their name, WPT poker tournaments are routinely held right across the globe, with more opportunities available online.

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Who are the World Poker Tour Hosts?

Many people’s first experience of the WPT is on TV, with broadcasts hosted by some of the most recognizable faces in the poker world.

• Vince Van Patten is a presenter, actor, director, author, poker player and former tennis pro.
• Tony Dunst is a formidable poker pro who has won major titles at the WSOP, WPT and online.
• Lynn Gilmartin is an Irish-born Australian presenter and reporter who has spent more than 10 years travelling the pro poker circuit, even taking down an EPT event in 2015.
• Matt Savage is probably the best known poker tournament director in the world, and co-founder of the Tournament Directors Association.
• Phil Hellmuth is one of the world’s greatest poker players, with more WSOP bracelets than anyone in history.

Notable WPT Winners

With the WPT free poker lessons are always available thanks to their extensive backlog of televised tournaments; it’s possible to watch some of the game’s biggest names take down tournaments all over the world. There is no shortage of famous faces who have triumphed at the WPT poker tables and become WPT Champions – sometimes multiple times over.

The man known as ‘The Great Dane’ not only won the very first WPT event back in 2002, but went on to win a further event later in season 1, and yet another in season 2 for almost $1.5m in combined prize money.

Darren Elias

The East Coast pro has won a record four WPT titles, including two back-to-back in 2014 (season 13). Elias also has two World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP) titles to his name, proving he is as dangerous online as he is at the live tables.

Ole Schemion

One of the German young guns who hit the poker scene hard in the 2010’s, Schemion defeated WPT player/host Tony Dunst heads up to win the WPT Tournament of Champions in the final event of season 17 (2019). Also successful in online poker, Schemion once won two flagship Sunday tournaments at PokerStars on the same night.

Brian Altman

The WPT Lucky Hearts Poker Open was certainly lucky for Massachusetts’ Altman, who won the event in 2015 and again in 2020 – the first time such a feat had been achieved. Proving he has more than luck on his side, Altman went on to win a third WPT title at the Seminole Hard Rock Tampa in 2021.

Anthony Zinno

This poker pro from Rhode Island has three WPT titles on his resumé, as well as four WSOP bracelets. Like Elias, above, Zinno managed to win back-to-back events in season 13 (2015), defeating two fields of over 400 players within a couple of weeks.

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History of the World Poker Tour

In 2002 television executive Steven Lipscomb launched the World Poker Tour, a series of tournaments televised, initially, on the Travel Channel. The success of the broadcasts was aided by two significant technological advances: faster and more reliable internet had made online poker a reality for much of the world (including, at the time, the entire USA), while the recent invention of hole-card cameras enabled viewers to see players’ cards during a hand. This innovation helped the audience follow and understand the decisions being made by players on screen.

With a growing WPT schedule of tournaments taking place in destinations ranging from Paris to the Caribbean and both US coasts, 2007 saw former WSOP World Champion Carlos Mortensen win the biggest WPT prize to date : close to $4M for winning the Five Star World Poker Classic in Las Vegas.

2009 saw the World Poker Tour valued at $12.3M , as the group was acquired by the online gaming company behind PartyPoker, PartyGaming. Two years later, in 2011 , PartyGaming merged with bwin to form an even larger gaming giant.

In 2013 the WPT launched the Alpha8 Tour, aimed at Super High Rollers and with buy-ins around the $100K mark. Steven Silverman of Washington DC won the first, in Florida, beating JC Tran heads-up and taking home over $891K.

In 2014 a partnership was struck between the WPT and Ourgame International Holdings, with the latter licensing WPT products across Asia including in China, Hong Kong, Korea, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. A year later, in 2015 , Ourgame acquired WPT in its entirety for $35M .

April 2014 saw a record-breaking 2,482 players register for – once again – the WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown in Florida, USA!

In 2021 the value of the World Poker Tour rocketed once more, as Element Partners bought the WPT for $ 105M , triple the price it sold for in 2014.

Another record was set, as the 2022 WPT World Championship guaranteed a $15M prize pool – the largest live poker tournament guarantee in history.

World Poker Tour FAQ

What different tours are run by the wpt.

The WPT schedule includes various live poker tours that cater to different players, from low buy-in events to super high rollers, across the USA and the rest of the world. Alongside the main WPT these include: WPT Prime, WPT DeepStacks, WPT Alpha8, WPT500, WPT National, WPT Regional and special events. WPT Global is the home of WPT online poker.

Is WPT legal in the US?

When it comes to live poker WPT is one of the biggest names in the USA, regularly operating fully legal tournaments in many states including California, Florida and Oklahoma. In terms of online poker, WPT games are available in the US courtesy of ClubWPT, which is a legal, subscription-based platform. WPT Global is a real money online poker operator which is not currently available in the US.

What is the difference between ClubWPT and WPT Global?

WPT poker online is available at two different sites. ClubWPT is a sweepstakes-based subscription site where subscribers can play for cash and prizes including seats in WPT live poker events. WPT Global is an online poker platform where players can take part in cash games, tournaments and everything the best online poker sites can offer. Availability of these sites may depend on where you are based.

Can you win money at ClubWPT?

Paying subscribers have the chance to win a share of over $100K each month in cash and prizes and to qualify for WPT live events. Different payment tiers offer various other benefits including discounted ticket prices for events and concerts, as well as access to episodes of the WPT TV show and a dedicated poker training package.

Is WPT Global available where I live?

That depends on where you live! WPT Global is available in many countries, including Canada, Brazil, Argentina and many more around the world. A full list of jurisdictions where WPT Global is not available can be found here .

What is the difference between the WSOP and the WPT?

The WSOP, or World Series of Poker, is a series of live and online poker tournaments that takes place once a year, during the summer in Las Vegas (and on occasion in Europe). The WPT, or World Poker Tour, is a year-round series of poker tournaments held across the world, in various countries and at various buy-in levels. Since they were first introduced, WPT events have been produced for television.

How old do you have to be to play WPT?

You must be over 18 years, or over the legal gambling age in your country – whichever is higher.

How much do WPT players make?

This depends on where each player finishes and in which tournament they play, but winners can expect at least six figures. Eliot Hudon won the 2022 WPT World Championship and took home $4,146,400.

Who won WPT 2023?

In 2023, the winners of some of the WPT tournaments were as follows:

• WPT Rolling Thunder: Scott Eskenazi
• WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown: Bin Weng
• WPT Choctaw: Jared Jaffee
• WPT Gardens Poker Championship: Ky Nguyen
• Wynn Summer Classic: Bin Weng

What happened to WPT Poker?

The WPT was sold to Element Partners for $105 million in 2021.

How much does it cost to enter WPT?

The buy-in range for the WPT Main Tour is between $3,500–$25,000.

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Edmonton woman wins World Poker Tour Ladies Championship

'it felt like a dream,' says poker champion who earned more than $105,000 us.

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Lina Niu knows when to hold 'em.

The 38-year-old Edmonton woman is more than $140,000 richer after winning the first-ever World Poker Tour Ladies Championship.

Niu has been celebrating in Las Vegas after she trumped the competition on Monday at the Wynn.

"It felt like a dream. It still hasn't really fully hit me yet," Niu told CBC.

Her total winnings from the tournament came to $105,136 US.

Niu said knowing all her moves were televised and viewers could see her hand made her decisions all that more nerve-racking. 

"If I make this wrong move, everyone else can see exactly what my hand is. I definitely was really nervous going into day three on the final table while knowing that it's going to be aired and everyone could see my hand. I was worried that I was going to play my hands a lot differently. 

"But I would say after a few minutes, I was more comfortable and I'm glad that I didn't change too much of the way I played being on TV."

• Year in review: The sports moments that resonated with Canadians

The ladies championship was Niu's first major live poker tournament, which she was inspired to attend after her seeing boyfriend, Jaspal Brar, win big at poker. Niu paid $1,100 to buy-in to the event but said she felt confident after finding success at a tournament in Edmonton two weeks earlier.

"I've always loved poker. I was inspired by [Brar] and decided that I wanted to try to play more tournaments. I just kind of grew into loving it over time," Niu said.

Between her game-play techniques and all the support she garnered, Niu said she managed to stay focused and play her best game.

"There were a lot of people from Alberta playing other tournaments as well. And when they made a final table, a few of them came and supported. My type of play would definitely be more tight and aggressive, so try not to get in too many hands," Niu said.

• Canadian men's coach John Herdman declares need for better competition following World Cup exit

Brar, who has won more than $1 million as a poker player, said he's happy to enjoy the game with Niu.

"It feels good to play poker together and travel sometime to play cards together," Brar said.

The World Poker Tour Ladies Championship drew 578 total entries, growing the prize pool to $560,660 — more than double the $200,000 guarantee.

Although Niu's competition was more experienced than her, Brar said Niu's play was impressive against Ukrainian pro poker player Olga Lermolcheva at the final table.

"I feel so good about her. I'm so proud of her, and I'm so happy for her," Brar said. 

Niu said she plans to enjoy the holidays and soak up her success before entering more tournaments in the new year. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Katarina Szulc is a freelance reporter based in Mexico covering Latin America.

• Katarina Szulc

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Daniel Negreanu Delighted That the WSOP Circuit is Heading to Toronto

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Ggpoker to run a plethora of wsop circuit toronto satellites, daniel negreanu can't wait to play a wsop event in toronto, about the great canadian casino resort toronto.

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit has visited dozens of fantastic cities during its time, but Toronto is not one of them. That is set to change on March 22 when the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto hosts the WSOP Circuit Toronto festival.

The Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto has joined forces with online poker giant GGPoker to make the WSOP Circuit dream a reality for Torontonians. The schedule features eight WSOPC ring-awarding events, $3.9 million in estimated prize pools, including a $2,000 Main Event and a $3,500 High Roller .

All monetary amounts are Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated

Robert Katsavelos , the General Manager of Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, is delighted to bring the WSOP Circuit to Toronto.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with GGPoker to bring the World Series of Poker to Toronto for the first time. This is a fitting milestone that will create further momentum for our recently opened 30-table poker room at Great Canadian Toronto, Canada's newest and largest casino resort."

"We are excited to welcome tournament participants from across the North American poker community and from right here in the City of Toronto and are certain that this event is going to be a huge success."

Eligible iGames conducted and managed by iGO are only available to those physically present in the Province of Ontario. GGPoker Ontario operates pursuant to an agreement with iGaming Ontario.

For more information, visit the Ontario Players Homepage

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Katsavelos is right in saying WSOP Circuit Toronto will be a huge success, not least because of the record-breaking 2024 WSOP in Las Vegas. Attendance records were smashed through the series, including the $10,000 Main Event that saw 10,043 entries.

GGPoker made a substantial contribution to the 2023 WSOP Main Event's figures thanks to sending 774 players to Las Vegas via its online satellites. As you would expect, GGPoker is running WSOP Toronto satellites, giving players of all bankroll and skill levels the opportunity to play for a coveted WSOP Circuit ring.

Canadian players on GGPoker's global platform will be able to enter WSOPC Toronto satellites, while Torontonians and other Ontarians can get in on the satellite action at GGPoker Ontario .

Players heading to the inaugural WSOP Circuit Toronto will rub shoulders with some of GGPoker's ambassadors, including Daniel Negreanu , who grew up in Toronto.

"There is something special about being able to finally compete in one in my hometown."

"I have been playing WSOP events around the world for over 25 years," said Negreanu. "There is something special about being able to finally compete in one in my hometown."

Negreanu will be hoping to keep up his 100% record when he returns to Canadian soil. The six-time WSOP bracelet and one-time WSOPC ring winner is closing in on 500 live tournament cashes. However, only one of those in-the-money finishes was in Canada. Negreanu was one of 690 entrants in the $2,700 British Colombia Poker Championships in November 2008, and he was the last player standing. One cash, one victory; "Kid Poker" will be going all out to make it two from two.

A poker festival of the WSOP Circuit's magnitude requires much space, and the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto has space in abundance. Canada's newest and largest casino resort sprawls across 33 acres , has 328,000 square feet of gaming space, and a recently opened 30-table poker room.

Most players attending WSOP Circuit Toronto will be able to stay on-site, as the resort boasts 400 luxurious rooms and suites across 11 floors. Should the poker not go to plan, players can kick back and relax at the fully equipped wellness center or take in a show at the 5,000-person capacity entertainment venue.

The World Series of Poker heads to Toronto for the first time in its long and illustrious history.

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A Sneak Peek into Canada’s 2024 Premier Poker Tournaments

It’s a card game of luck, skill, and the ability to bluff, and Canada has a long, rich history of tournaments and players. 2024 will be no different. From coast to coast, poker enthusiasts will have a fun-filled, edge-of-their-seat year. Do you know which tournament you’ll be visiting? Let’s take a look at what the 2024 poker season has in store for players in Canada.

WSOP Circuit Returns to Calgary in 2024

The chips are stacked, the cards are ready to be dealt, and the anticipation is palpable as Canada prepares for the 2024 poker season. As a lover of the cards, the lineup of events will bring you plenty of thrilling moments as the drama unfolds — you can reminisce and re-live the memories of a momentous poker season for years afterward. Get ready for the ultimate poker spectacle as the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit returns triumphantly to Calgary, Alberta. Poker fever takes hold at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino. From January 10 to 22, this Inn and Casino, nestled in the southeast of Calgary, transforms into the epicentre of poker action where countless players come to try their luck.

The WSOP Circuit has been celebrated for its regional tour, synonymous with staggering prize pools and record-breaking attendance. This tournament has experienced unprecedented growth since its inaugural event in January 2022, and this meteoric rise solidifies Deerfoot Inn & Casino as a must-visit destination for poker enthusiasts, establishing itself as a cornerstone in the Canadian poker landscape. Even those who prefer to play poker online will want to visit this landmark casino.

This January, the poker series promises to be a highlight on your poker calendar, featuring a diverse schedule that includes fan-favourite events like the Big 30 Stack, thrilling multi-day competitions, and the prestigious Main Event boasting a $1,700 buy-in. 2024’s WSOP tournament in Calgary is an exciting experience for all involved.

Station Poker Classic — March 19 to 23, 2024

The Station Power Classic descends upon the Delta Hotels Regina as the flowers bloom and birds chirp. The winter frost melts away, our bones thaw, and spring’s in the air — and with the crisp spring weather comes a whole horde of poker enthusiasts.

Regina, Saskatchewan, brings exciting gameplay and offers visitors an immersive experience. This is one poker competition you want to attend; whether you’re playing or watching, you won’t be left wanting for anything.

We know poker tournaments can be an intensive challenge and the competition fierce, but the Delta Hotels Regina brings a touch of elegance and comfort to the occasion. This is solidified by the hotel’s ideal location and superb management that has committed to all visitors that their stay will be memorable.

If you’re a poker lover looking for relaxation with your card game, this event is for you. The management creates the perfect environment for serious poker players to put everything aside and focus on the game without compromising on the overall experience at the luxury hotel.

If you join this tournament , you’re not only in it for the titles and cash prizes; you’re also embracing the opportunity to experience premium amenities and a commitment to guest satisfaction. The tournament’s schedule is designed to accommodate various playing styles and preferences, so all players will find a game to enjoy.

Diamond Poker Classic — June 2024

The excitement builds on the Canadian poker front as the middle of the year draws closer, bringing the arrival of the Diamond Poker Classic in June, a much-loved tournament that has professionals and amateurs chomping at the bit with excitement.

The organizers have created an event that caters to not only the professionals who have their eye on the podium but also attracts recreational poker players who are simply looking to test their skills against the professionals, giving this tournament a unique format that’s as exciting to watch as it is to participate.

The organizers’ decision to keep specific dates undisclosed adds an element of surprise, increasing the thrill for players and fans alike. It brings an air of mystery to the event that die-hard fans simply can’t help but love.

Canada’s 2024 Poker Season

The 2024 poker season in Canada promises unprecedented excitement and exhilarating stakes. These tournaments are filled with skill, strategy, and a touch of luck, and if you know anything about poker, you’ll know that this is in keeping with the spirit of the game. You can expect memorable moments of drama, triumph, and excitement. The Great White North will attract eager fans, amateurs who love the game, and professionals who make their living off it. With the 2024 poker season just around the corner, it’s time to get your chips ready, your cards shuffled, and your poker face on. Good luck!

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