- WSOP 2025 has already generated nearly $50 million in prize money from just the first 15 live events.
- Several mid-tier events saw double-digit growth: Mixed PLO up 45% and Deepstack up 16%.
- Turnout at first online bracelet weekend up 29% on last year thanks to four-state network.
The WSOP 2025 series is off to a flying start, with both live and online bracelet events exceeding expectations and beating last year’s attendance in their opening weeks. Despite widespread concerns that political tensions between the US and Canada might dampen international participation, early numbers tell a very different story.
The 56th annual World Series of Poker has already generated nearly $50 million in prize money across its first 15 live events. Meanwhile, the WSOP 2025 online bracelets series has seen a remarkable 29% increase in participation compared to last year’s opening weekend.
More than 35,000 entries have been recorded across the first week of live events, with overall turnout up nearly 5% compared to 2024. The online component has been even more impressive, with the first three WSOP Online bracelet events attracting 5,677 entries combined.
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Live Events Defy Political Headwinds
There were pre-series concerns about reduced Canadian participation. President Trump’s aggressive tariffs and border policies had led many to predict a significant drop in international players.
But so far, the numbers tell a very different story.
According to data compiled exclusively by Poker Industry PRO, The $1,000 Mystery Millions, which kicked off this year’s schedule, drew 19,654 entries and generated a prize pool of $17,295,520. This represents a 7% increase from last year’s 18,409 entries, setting a positive tone for the entire series.
Several other events posted impressive growth figures. The $600 NLH Deepstack climbed 16% from 5,263 to 6,090 entries. The $1,500 Mixed PLO saw the biggest jump, surging 45% from 853 to 1,239 entries.
Other notable increases included the $1,500 NL 2-7 Lowball Draw (up 17%) and the $1,500 Dealers Choice event (up 13%). Even high-stakes events like the $10,000 Omaha Hi-Lo Championship showed growth, rising from 197 to 217 entries.
Not every event outperformed last year’s numbers. The rebranded Industry Employees NLH (formerly Casino Employees) dropped from 1,189 to 914 entries. The $10,000 NLH Mystery Bounty saw the sharpest decline, falling from 965 to 616 entries.
WSOP 2024 vs 2025: Comparable Events
| Tournament | 2024 | 2025 | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1K Mystery Millions | 18,409 | 19,654 | 7% |
| $500 Industry Employees | 1,189 | 914 | -23% |
| $5K NLHE | 823 | 693 | -16% |
| $1.5K Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better | 928 | 910 | -2% |
| $5K PLO | 733 | 757 | 3% |
| $1.5K Seven Card Stud | 406 | 377 | -7% |
| $25K Heads-Up NLH Championship | 64 | 64 | 0% |
| $1.5K Dealers Choice | 530 | 597 | 13% |
| $10K Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship | 197 | 217 | 10% |
| $600 NLH Deepstack | 5,263 | 6,090 | 16% |
| $1.5K NL 2-7 Lowball Draw | 453 | 532 | 17% |
| $10K Mystery Bounty | 965 | 616 | -36% |
| $1.5K NLH 6-Handed | 2,526 | 2,354 | -7% |
| $1.5K Mixed PLO | 853 | 1,239 | 45% |
| Total | 33,339 | 35,014 | 5% |
Online Bracelets Benefit From Four-State Network
The first weekend of the WSOP Online bracelet series has far exceeded expectations, also as per numbers from PRO. For the first time, players from Pennsylvania, Michigan, New Jersey, and Nevada are competing together in a single player pool, dramatically boosting participation.The first three online bracelet events attracted 5,677 entries total, representing a 29% increase over three comparable events from 2024’s opening weekend. The combined prize money reached $2.8 million, up 23% from last year.
Event 1, a $400 NL Hold’em Kick-off, attracted 2,206 entries compared to 1,962 for a similar event last year. The $555 Mystery Bounty tournament drew 2,551 players, while the $888 “Crazy 8s” event attracted 920 entries.
Pennsylvania’s addition to the multi-state network has been the key driver of this growth. Traffic on the WSOP network immediately jumped to around 350 concurrent cash game seats when PA joined, and has maintained these elevated levels throughout May.
Over 100 Bracelet Events Live and Online to Come
Several factors appear to be contributing to the stronger-than-expected turnout. The debut of the WSOP+ app has streamlined the registration and playing experience for live events. .
Structural changes to the schedule have also played a role. Many popular events now feature additional Day 1 flights, giving players more opportunities to enter. Re-entry rules have been relaxed for several tournaments, with some events that previously allowed one or two re-entries now permitting up to three.
Buy-in fees have increased slightly for some events, but this hasn’t deterred participation.
With 85 live bracelet events still to come, the early momentum bodes well for the rest of the series. WSOP online bracelets also continues through July 15, featuring a total of 30 bracelet events with buy-ins ranging from $250 to $5,300.
But the WSOP Main Event will be the ultimate test of international participation when it begins on July 2.
Organizers will be watching Main Event numbers closely, as the tournament has set back-to-back attendance records in recent years. To top last year’s record, this year’s field would need to exceed 10,113 entries.
The success of international satellite programs should help ensure a good turnout. GGPoker continues to run Road to Vegas qualifiers for international players, while US players can qualify through WSOP Online in the four-state network.
