As the World Series of Poker (WSOP) 2025 looms on the horizon with the iconic series kicking off exactly two months from now, all eyes are now on how this year’s series will perform.
The WSOP has been on a historic tear, with last year’s series setting a new high-water mark of 10,112 Main Event players, edging out 2023’s 10,043—the first time the field cracked five digits. Both years smashed records for overall attendance and prize pools across their live bracelet events with last year’s edition awarding record of more than $435 million in prize money across 99 live bracelet events.
As always, the US dominated the player turnout, accounting for roughly three-fourths of the total WSOP field. Canada, its northern neighbor, was the second-largest represented country. To put it in perspective, in 2024, American players made 29,393 cashes, collectively winning nearly $280 million, while Canadian players secured 1,765 cashes for a total of $20 million in prize money, as per WSOP’s stats.
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However, political tensions between the US and Canada have been rising, particularly following Donald Trump’s return to office. His administration has introduced a 25% tariff on Canadian imports, while his rhetoric—at times suggesting Canada could become the “51st state”—has only fueled concerns.
The effects of these tensions are already apparent. A recent report indicates that flight bookings between the two countries have plummeted by over 70%.
In another report, nearly 500,000 fewer travelers crossed the land border from Canada into the US in February compared to the same month last year.
Based on this political climate, poker players have taken to the “News, Views, and Gossip” section of the Two Plus Two forum to discuss whether they’ll attend WSOP 2025. A thread titled Are you traveling to WSOP 25? has sparked debate about how the current situation might impact participation.
Here’s what the players have been saying.
Canadians Have Mixed Feelings
The thread shows mixed feelings for attending this year’s WSOP. Some players are all-in, with a Las Vegas local boasting a quick 20-30 minute drive to the Strip and another, a first-timer in their mid-forties, thrilled to play low-stakes events like the $300 or $1K Mini Main after 20+ years playing the game recreationally. A US player from LA, back for their second year, calls it a “great time” despite slim odds of a deep run, hooked by the novelty and life-changing potential.
But others are pulling back. One cash game regular since post-Covid says, “I’m leaning towards no,” citing subpar cash games and miserable Vegas summers, while a Canadian admits, “Not travelling to the USA any time in the near future” unless it’s essential, pointing to the political distaste.
For some, skipping the WSOP is a deliberate stance against Trump’s economic policies. One Canadian player explains:
“Does my week of hotel and meals damage the US economy? Of course not. But that’s why I’m doing it—with the hopes that if enough other Canadians do so, places like Las Vegas may start to feel a drop in tourism dollars and pressure the President to resolve the tariff battle.”
Another predicts “a LOT fewer Canadians this year” while another Canadian says that out of their group of 20 only two are planning to make the trip, stung by Trump and Elon Musk’s comments. A US player even chimes in showing solidarity, “As an American, I’m offended on your behalf.”
Politics Won’t Stop Some Players from WSOP
Yet not everyone buys the boycott logic—one argues, “Depriving yourself fun because you don’t like the President [Trump] is silly,” suggesting it punishes the player, not Trump, while another calls it “virtue signaling” given global supply chain ethics.
The WSOP tourney is by far the best and most popular… that’s why it’s so well attended.
Some push back, questioning the actual impact: “You’re not punishing Trump by not going to WSOP.” A pro-minded player flips it entirely, saying, “If I had a problem with US citizens, I would definitely go and help relieve them of their money.”
One US player downplays any potential Canadian absence:
“The WSOP tourney is by far the best and most popular… that’s why it’s so well attended.”
Tournament grinders seem undeterred—one notes they’d “absolutely be going” if that were their focus. The first-timer remains hyped for the late-series events, hinting that the WSOP’s pull may still be strongest for tournament players over cash game regulars this year.
Politics aside, some players refuse to let it affect their decisions. “I just don’t base my life on dumb US and Canadian policies,” one shrugs.
Others defend skipping WSOP as an ethical stance.
“Some people place their personal values & ethics above maximizing fun.”
The thread paints this year’s WSOP participation as a crossroads. US players and some international travelers remain locked in, unfazed by the political climate, while Canadian participation could take a noticeable dip, further reflected in the recent drop in flight bookings between the two countries.
The original poster wonders, “Would it even matter a lot to the WSOP if there’s lesser participation from the rest of the world?” While the question remains open, most signs point to a strong, US-dominated turnout, with fewer Canadians, unlikely to dent WSOP 2025’s record-breaking momentum.
WSOP 2025 returns for its 56th edition from May 27 to July 16 at Paris Las Vegas and Horseshoe Las Vegas, with the Main Event starting on July 2. While the schedule largely remains similar to last year’s edition, this year features 100 live bracelet events—one more than 2024—including six new additions. Online qualifiers are already underway on WSOP Online and GGPoker.
