2025 World Series of Poker Unveils Record-Breaking Schedule: What Players Have in Store This Summer

Daniel Negreanu wins Event 58 at WSOP 2024. Image Credit: PokerGo

Las Vegas Prepares for the Largest WSOP Festival Yet

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is set to return to the iconic Las Vegas Strip, with the Horseshoe and Paris casinos hosting the 56th edition from May 27 through July 16, 2025. With an unprecedented 100 gold bracelet events on offer, this year’s lineup is the most extensive in the history of the tournament. Marking a new chapter, the 2025 series is the first WSOP managed by the NSUS Group—the company behind the popular GGPoker online platform.

The $10,000 Main Event remains the centerpiece, running July 2 to 16. Organizers are aiming to surpass last year’s record, when Jonathan Tamayo outlasted 10,112 entrants to win his first WSOP bracelet and a $10 million top prize.

In anticipation of another monumental year, WSOP CEO Ty Stewart commented, “The schedule this summer truly has something for every poker fan. We look forward to welcoming players from across the globe to the biggest and best WSOP ever.”

Key Events and New Additions to the 2025 WSOP Schedule

WSOP Final Table 2024. Image Credit: PokerGo

This year’s festival offers something for every level of poker player. Buy-ins range from a modest $300 to a staggering $250,000, ensuring a broad spectrum of competition. The opening act is the $1,000 Mystery Millions event on May 27, which promises a $1 million bounty along with at least a $1 million prize for the ultimate victor.

Several exciting additions are making their debut, including:

– Battle of the Ages – $1,000 (Event 59, June 22-23): This innovative format splits the field into two—players aged 50+ and those under 50—before joining together on Day 2 to decide the winner.
– $100,000 High Roller Pot-Limit Omaha (Event 79, July 1-3): Setting a new bar for PLO stakes at the WSOP, this high roller is expected to challenge even the most seasoned professionals.
– $3,000 TORSE (Event 93, July 11-13): Replacing the traditional “HORSE” mixed game with “TORSE,” where Limit 2-7 Triple Draw substitutes for Hold’em, this format is sure to attract enthusiasts of varied poker disciplines.

Other notable tournaments throughout the summer include:

• Event 14: $25,000 High Roller Pot-Limit Omaha/No-Limit Hold’em – June 2
• Event 24: $1,500 Pot-Limit Omaha Double Board Bomb Pot – June 6
• Event 46: $250,000 Super High Roller No-Limit Hold’em – June 15
• Event 53: $1,500 Millionaire Maker – June 18
• Event 66: $50,000 Poker Players Championship – June 24
• Event 74: $10,000 Pot-Limit Omaha Championship – June 28
• Event 80: $800 Summer Celebration No-Limit Hold’em – July 2
• Event 87: $5,000 Super Turbo Bounty No-Limit Hold’em (one-day event) – July 8

For fans unable to make it in person, PokerGO will broadcast select tournaments live, with details on programming expected soon.

Expanded Qualifying Routes: How to Secure Your WSOP Seat

A significant contributor to the growth in Main Event entries over the past two years has been the proliferation of accessible satellites, both online and live. This year continues the trend, with multiple pathways for players around the globe to claim their seats.

International hopefuls can attempt to qualify through exclusive GGPoker online satellites, which last year sent more than 1,000 qualifiers to Las Vegas. In the U.S., WSOP Online is running a host of satellite tournaments, offering players the chance to win a dream trip to the tables.

“GGPoker’s Road to Vegas gives players everywhere a shot at poker’s greatest stage,” explained GGPoker ambassador and seven-time WSOP champion Daniel Negreanu.

Live satellites at the Horseshoe and Paris will also be available in the months leading up to the Series and throughout the festival, alongside daily side events and deep stack tournaments. Full schedules and registration options will appear on WSOP’s official website once finalized and approved.

Poker action at the WSOP. Image Credit: PokerGo

Poker Pros Share Their Anticipation and Tournament Picks

The unveiling of this year’s WSOP schedule has already generated excitement within the poker community, with veteran professionals and emerging stars outlining the events at the top of their summer wish lists.

World Poker Tour and WSOP champion Dylan Linde is looking forward to the newly introduced $25,000 mixed NLHE/PLO event, calling it “one of the most exciting additions this year.” Chance Kornuth, also a four-time bracelet winner, is similarly enthusiastic, highlighting the appeal of competing at the highest level in both of his strongest games.

Darren Elias, all-time WPT title leader, will focus on a series of $25,000 events early in June, including heads-up, six-max, and eight-max formats. Elias also marks the $10,000 Deuce to Seven No Limit Lowball Championship as a perennial favorite.

Daniel Negreanu Takes Aim at Another Bracelet

For Daniel Negreanu, few times of year are as electric as WSOP season. After capturing his seventh bracelet in the $50,000 Poker Players Championship in 2024, Negreanu is eager to defend his title and add further hardware to his storied resume.

“I’m thrilled about the Poker Players Championship and the new $25,000 half NLHE/PLO event. The Battle of the Ages also adds a fun dynamic,” said Negreanu. His enthusiasm extends to potential technological upgrades for the WSOP this year, expressing hope for the introduction of the WSOP+ app—an innovation that could streamline the player experience and reduce time spent standing in line.

Daniel Negreanu discusses his WSOP excitement. Image Credit: Shutterstock

Phil Hellmuth’s Main Event Absence Sparks Debate

Phil Hellmuth, the legendary “Poker Brat” and record 17-time WSOP bracelet winner, made headlines by announcing his decision to skip the 2025 Main Event. Hellmuth cited the Main Event’s demanding schedule—requiring players to compete long hours for seven consecutive days—as an endurance challenge favoring younger competitors.

Since winning the Main Event in 1989, Hellmuth has played every year. This year, however, he voiced concerns about fatigue and its impact on performance, particularly for older players, sparking conversation across the poker world.

While some observers doubt he’ll stick to his decision, Daniel Negreanu weighed in on the debate: “I do not [believe Hellmuth will skip]. He’ll complain, but in the end, he’ll show up on Day Two.”

Looking Ahead to an Unforgettable Summer of Poker

With the announcement of the largest-ever WSOP schedule, players and fans alike have plenty to look forward to in Las Vegas this summer. From innovative event formats and record-setting prize pools to expanded qualification options and colorful personalities, the 2025 festival is poised to deliver more action and drama than ever before.

For the latest event schedule, registration updates, and details on satellite tournaments, visit the official WSOP website.

Title Image Credit: PokerGo