WSOP's 'Gladiators of Poker' Sets Record with Massive Turnout

In a spectacular display of poker enthusiasm, the "Gladiators of Poker" No-limit Hold'em tournament organized by the World Series of Poker (WSOP) has achieved an extraordinary milestone. With a modest $300 buy-in, the event garnered an astonishing 23,102 registrations when the registration period ended on June 10. This remarkable turnout not only surpassed all expectations but also shattered the tournament's guaranteed prize pool of $3 million.

The "Gladiators of Poker" now stands as the second-largest live event in WSOP history, trailing only behind the monumental "Big 50" No-limit Hold'em tournament of 2019, which boasted a staggering 28,371 participants. The sheer scale of this year's turnout underscores the enduring appeal and growing popularity of WSOP tournaments.

Surviving players from all four flights will resume play at the prestigious Horseshoe Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas venues on Sunday. The competition is building to an eagerly anticipated final table showdown scheduled for Monday.

Poker legend Daniel Negreanu emerged as one of the chip leaders during Day 1A, solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with in the poker world. With six WSOP bracelets to his name, Negreanu's presence adds excitement to the already electric atmosphere of the tournament.

Another record was broken during the series, as the $1,500 buy-in Razz tournament witnessed the largest field in WSOP history, with an impressive 556 entries. WSOP continues to captivate and inspire poker enthusiasts worldwide with its unparalleled scale and competitive spirit.

In May, WSOP executive director Ty Stewart set ambitious goals for the series, aiming to surpass the 2006 record when 8,773 players participated, partly due to the legendary Chris Moneymaker's inspiring journey. While replicating the 2006 feat is uncertain, Stewart remains confident and determined to make it happen.

Stewart is determined to set a new milestone with the upcoming WSOP Main Event on July 3, despite aiming for a modest 1% growth this year. The 2006 event was a watershed moment for poker, thanks to Moneymaker's Cinderella story of qualifying through an $86 online tournament, which inspired a generation of players and resulted in the highest Main Event attendance in WSOP history.