The World Series of Poker (WSOP) have been doing a fine job of maintaining the game’s popularity. Last week’s WSOP Circuit Horseshoe Hammond Opening Event can only serve as a stellar example of how events ought to be organized.
The WSOP Circuit Horseshoe Hammond Opening Event
The World Series of Poker has managed to throw down yet another perfect and well-thought-out event. The WSOP Circuit Horseshoe Hammond Opening Event managed to draw over 1,000 players, offering them an excellent opportunity to win big. The final number, though, quickly soared above the 2,500-mark drawing unprecedented crowds.
Though the tournament only expected to dish out $777,777 in cash money to winners of all levels and competitive backgrounds, the final prize pot swelled all the way up to $845,790. And not only that, but 220 players managed to bring home some amount with them, taking $850 in the very least.
While the buy-in stood at $400, many were dubious whether it would be worth paying it off if they were coming in as budget players. However, the steady turn-up quickly proved that everyone had done the right choice by investing. The winner himself took $124,000 out of the entire prize pool.
The final pair, featuring Chris Fuchs and James Gregg fought long and hard on Monday, but it was finally Fuchs who managed to displace the hopeful Gregg. Gregg took some solace in the fact that he took home $77,000 along with him, adding to his overall earnings in a significant way.
WSOP and the Online Options
The WSOP managed to produce a quality event with unprecedented interest for the nth time, proving their commitment to the game and sector overall. The tournament host has not only demonstrated an ability to throw surprise tournaments at land-based facilities though.
One of the most successful events in the recent history of the company was the WSOP.com Online Circuit Series, which saw a number of top-crop players take on the challenge readily, including Shawn Daniels and Ryan Leng.
Similarly, the WSOP Europe Colossus event managed to draw 3,000 people in eight starting events, which was one of the largest numbers on the continent. Even the US counterparts have been challenged to match the number.
Even though the Colossus was introduced back in 2015 in Las Vegas, it has quickly spilled over to probe new lands. Europe has proven a particularly fertile ground with poker rooms continuing to operate in relatively mild climate and legislators not looking to snuff the activity out.
Still, there have been reports that card rooms are being closed. Recently, French daily Le Figaro reported that the last poker card room in Paris had been shut down, leaving poker aficionado with no place to gather and play in person.
However, despite the hard-line stance of some authorities, Europe has been predominantly pro-poker. The arrival of big tournament hosts and the interest that they manage to achieve is in itself quite spectacular.
Some countries, such as Spain, Portugal, and even France have moved towards a more accommodating stance towards poker, too. The future of the game in Europe is looking up.
