The World Poker Tour (WPT) has unveiled the schedule for the 2024 WPT World Championship, bringing some key changes and new events that are sure to catch the attention of poker fans.
The $10,400 WPT World Championship Event: No Guarantee This Year
One major update is the absence of a guaranteed prize pool for the $10,400 buy-in no-limit hold’em World Championship event. This is a noticeable shift from last year’s $40 million guarantee, which wasn’t met despite a record-breaking 3,835 players entering. That event ended with a $2.4 million overlay, even though it set a record for the largest field in WPT main tour history.
For 2024, the event will run from December 14 to 21. Players can enter one of three starting flights, with a single entry allowed per flight. After the flights, the field will merge, leading to five more days of competition, where a new champion will be crowned.
Ryan Beauregard’s Take on This Year’s Schedule
Ryan Beauregard, the Executive Director of Poker Operations at Wynn Las Vegas, shared his thoughts on the upcoming event. “We have crafted an incredible schedule for this year’s World Championship, featuring more than 60 tournaments and satellites,” he said. “I’m confident that the loyal fanbase of Wynn Las Vegas and WPT, as well as more than 500 qualifiers and satellite winners, will make the 2024 WPT World Championship another rousing success.”
$1,100 WPT Prime Championship and $5 Million Freeroll
The WPT Prime Championship, with a $1,100 buy-in and a $5 million guaranteed prize pool, will return for its third edition. This popular event is scheduled for December 8-14 and is expected to attract a large field.
However, the biggest addition to the 2024 schedule is a historic $5 million freeroll tournament, which will take place from December 13-14. It’s being touted as the largest freeroll ever, with $1 million set aside for the winner. The freeroll will also award 100 seats to the $10,400 WPT World Championship.
To enter this massive freeroll, players must obtain a “Golden Passport.” To win a passport, players need to create a free account on ClubWPTGold.com. From September 24 through December 13, WPT will give away 2,000 entries via contests, promotions, and raffles.
WPT CEO and President Adam Pliska highlighted the tour’s ongoing investment in the poker community. “Our return to Wynn Las Vegas this December is equipped with another monumental investment into the development and growth of not only the WPT World Championship but the poker industry as a whole,” said Pliska. He also emphasized the importance of the launch of ClubWPT Gold, noting that the freeroll event represents a first for the poker world in terms of scale.
This year’s championship promises a packed schedule with over 60 tournaments and satellites, including the WPT Prime Championship and the record-setting freeroll. While the removal of the guaranteed prize pool for the $10,400 main event might raise some eyebrows, the addition of exciting new opportunities like the $5 million freeroll ensures there’s plenty for players and fans to look forward to in December.
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