The World Series of Poker stands as the pinnacle of poker achievement, combining the glamour of Las Vegas with the ultimate test of skill for players worldwide. From the iconic Main Event that creates millionaires to the extensive Circuit series spanning the globe, the WSOP ecosystem offers opportunities for every level of player.

The brand has evolved far beyond its origins at Binion’s Horseshoe, now encompassing multiple tournament series, online bracelet events, and a global network of Circuit stops. The WSOP 2025 promises to be another record-breaking year, featuring 100 live bracelet events alongside a comprehensive online series.

Whether you’re dreaming of winning your first bracelet, qualifying through online satellites, or competing in Circuit events closer to home, the WSOP provides pathways for players of all backgrounds. The brand’s recent acquisition by GGPoker has only expanded these opportunities, creating new synergies between live and online poker that benefit players across all markets.

The World Series of Poker Main Event and Live Series

The summer series in Las Vegas remains the crown jewel of the poker calendar. The WSOP 2025 takes place from May 27 to July 16 at the Horseshoe and Paris Casino, featuring an unprecedented 100 bracelet events.

The $10,000 Main Event continues to capture the world’s attention as the most prestigious poker tournament. With four starting flights scheduled from July 2-5, thousands of players from around the globe compete for poker immortality. The 2024 Main Event set attendance records with 10,112 entries, generating a prize pool exceeding $94 million.

Beyond the Main Event, the live series offers something for every player. Buy-ins range from $300 for the Gladiators of Poker event up to $250,000 for super high roller tournaments. Popular events like the Millionaire Maker, Mystery Millions, and Colossus consistently attract massive fields and create life-changing payouts.

Six new events have been added to the 2025 schedule, including TORSE (a twist on HORSE), a $100,000 Pot-Limit Omaha event, and the innovative Battle of the Ages tournament split between over-50 and under-50 players.

The series benefits from the mandatory WSOP+ App which streamlines registration and provides real-time tournament information. This technological advancement, combined with new tournament rules including electronic device restrictions at final tables, ensures the integrity and smooth operation of events.

WSOP Online Bracelet Events

WSOP Online represents one of the most significant developments in online poker, allowing players to compete for authentic WSOP bracelets from home. The platform combines player pools from Nevada, New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, creating the largest legal online poker network in the United States.

The WSOP Online Bracelet Series runs alongside the live summer series, featuring 30 events from May 31 to July 15. Buy-ins range from $250 to $5,300, with combined guarantees exceeding $5.5 million for mystery bounty events alone. Five hybrid events feature online play leading to live final tables in Las Vegas.

This format democratizes bracelet competition, enabling players who cannot travel to Las Vegas to compete for poker’s ultimate prize. The shared liquidity across four states creates substantial prize pools and competitive fields that rival many live events.

International players aren’t left out, with GGPoker hosting online bracelet events for the global player pool. These typically run after the completion of the US summer series, extending bracelet opportunities worldwide.

The online format has proven its legitimacy, with winners receiving identical bracelets to those awarded in live events. Many established professionals have embraced online bracelet events, recognizing them as equally prestigious achievements in their poker careers.

WSOP Circuit: Bringing Prestige Nationwide

The WSOP Circuit extends the World Series of Poker experience beyond Las Vegas, featuring stops throughout the United States and internationally. Each stop awards WSOP Circuit rings to event winners, providing a pathway to poker recognition for players unable to compete in the summer series.

Circuit events typically feature buy-ins of $400-$1,650, making them accessible to mid-stakes players while maintaining the prestige of WSOP competition. Main Events at most stops carry a $1,650 buy-in, with side events ranging from $300-$600. Winners receive physical gold rings and qualify for the annual Global Casino Championship.

The international circuit has expanded the WSOP brand globally, with stops in Europe, Asia, and other regions. WSOP Toronto exemplifies this expansion, featuring Canadian stops that attract players from across North America.

WSOP Europe represents the pinnacle of international WSOP events, typically held at King’s Casino in Rozvadov, Czech Republic. The 2025 edition features 15 bracelet events with €20 million in combined guarantees, including a €10,000 Main Event.

Circuit events also extend online, with WSOP Online hosting Circuit series multiple times per year. These online rings carry the same prestige as live Circuit rings and qualify winners for exclusive championships.

Qualifying for WSOP Events

There are various ways to qualify for the WSOP Main Event. US players can qualify through WSOP Online, which offers daily satellites and monthly promotions. Depositor freerolls provide the simplest entry method, requiring only a minimum deposit for entry into exclusive tournaments awarding Main Event seats.

International players access qualification through GGPoker’s Road to Vegas promotion. Step satellites begin at just $1, with successful players advancing through multiple stages to win complete packages including buy-in, accommodation, and travel allowances.

GGPoker Ontario provides Canadian players with their own qualification pathway. Ontario-specific satellites ensure local players can compete for WSOP seats within their regulated market.

The qualification ecosystem creates opportunities for players at every level. Freerolls, micro-stakes satellites, and direct qualifiers ensure that poker skill, rather than financial resources, determines WSOP participation.

Qualified players receive more than just tournament entry. Packages typically include accommodation allowances, travel expenses, and exclusive access to player lounges, creating a complete WSOP experience for satellite winners.

High-Roller and Elite WSOP Events

WSOP Paradise represents the intersection of luxury and high-stakes poker competition. Held in the Bahamas at the Atlantis Resort, this series caters to high-roller players with events featuring substantial buy-ins and guaranteed prize pools.

The Paradise series showcases the evolution of the WSOP brand under new ownership. Partnership with Triton Poker brings additional prestige, while the tropical setting creates a unique atmosphere distinct from the Las Vegas series.

Super high roller events throughout the WSOP calendar attract the world’s elite players. These tournaments, with buy-ins reaching $250,000, create some of poker’s largest prize pools and most competitive fields.

The High Roller Championship series within the main summer schedule provides stepping stones for aspiring high-stakes players. Events at $10,000, $25,000, and $50,000 buy-ins bridge the gap between mid-stakes and super high roller competition.

These elite events often feature unique formats and structures designed to maximize skill edge and create compelling television content. The combination of massive prize pools and world-class competition ensures these tournaments attract extensive media coverage.

WSOP Through the Years: 2023-2025

WSOP 2025

The WSOP 2025 marks a new era under GGPoker ownership, featuring the largest series in history with 100 live bracelet events. Running from May 27 to July 16, the series introduces six new tournaments while maintaining beloved classics like the Millionaire Maker and Mystery Millions.

The mandatory WSOP Plus App debuts for the Las Vegas series, streamlining registration and tournament management. New rules ban electronic devices at final tables, addressing integrity concerns from previous years. The four-starting-flight Main Event continues the tradition of creating poker millionaires while breaking attendance records.

WSOP 2024

The WSOP 2024 shattered expectations with record-breaking attendance and prize pools. The Main Event attracted 10,112 players, surpassing 2023’s record, while generating a prize pool exceeding $94 million. Jonathan Tamayo emerged victorious, claiming $10 million and poker immortality.

Notable achievements included Daniel Negreanu winning his seventh bracelet in the Players Championship, ending an 11-year drought. Phil Ivey captured his 11th bracelet, while Kristen Foxen made a historic deep run in the Main Event, finishing 13th as the last woman standing.

WSOP 2023

The WSOP 2023 established new benchmarks for tournament poker, becoming the largest series in WSOP history at the time. Over 250,000 players participated across live and online events, generating more than $425 million in total prize money.

Daniel Weinman defeated a field of 10,043 players to win the Main Event for $12.1 million, setting attendance and prize pool records that would stand until 2024. The series featured 95 live bracelet events plus 34 online bracelets, showcasing the expanding reach of the WSOP brand.

FAQ

When does the World Series of Poker take place?

The main WSOP series runs from late May through mid-July each year in Las Vegas. The 2025 series takes place May 27 – July 16 at the Horseshoe and Paris Casino.

How can I qualify for the WSOP Main Event?

You can qualify online through WSOP Online (for US players) or GGPoker (for international players). Satellites start as low as $1, with daily qualifiers and depositor freerolls providing multiple pathways.

What is the difference between WSOP bracelets and Circuit rings?

WSOP bracelets are awarded at the main Las Vegas series and online bracelet events. Circuit rings are awarded at WSOP Circuit stops throughout the year. Both represent significant poker achievements.

Can international players compete in WSOP events?

Yes, international players can compete in live events in Las Vegas and qualify through GGPoker satellites. Online bracelet events are available through GGPoker for international players.

What is the buy-in for the WSOP Main Event?

The WSOP Main Event has a $10,000 buy-in, but players can qualify for much less through online satellites starting at $1 or even freerolls.

Where can I watch WSOP coverage?

Where to Watch the WSOP provides comprehensive coverage options including PokerGO streaming, free coverage on PokerStars channels, and daily vlogs from top professionals.

What is the WSOP+ app and do I need it?

The WSOP+ App is mandatory for all 2025 WSOP participants. It streamlines registration, provides real-time tournament information, and allows online buy-ins for events.

How old do I have to be to play WSOP events?

Players must be at least 21 years old to participate in WSOP events in Las Vegas, as per Nevada gaming regulations.

Are there WSOP events outside of Las Vegas?

Yes, the WSOP Circuit features stops throughout the US and internationally. WSOP Europe takes place annually in Europe, typically at King’s Casino in the Czech Republic.

Can I win WSOP bracelets online?

Yes, WSOP Online offers authentic bracelet events for US players in Nevada, New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. International players can compete for bracelets through GGPoker’s online series.