MGM Grand to host Moneymaker Tour guaranteeing over $1.3 million in prize pools

Twenty one years after Chris Moneymaker sparked the poker boom, The Moneymaker Tour is heading to Las Vegas, the tour announced today.

An agreement with MGM Grand Hotel & Casino will see the Tour’s first edition in the city that witnessed the original arrival of its founder to the poker scene. The Moneymaker Tour will join the summer poker action in Las Vegas from June 28 to July 6 at MGM Grand with a series guarantee of $1.3 million across six trophy events.

The feature event of the stop will be the $1,700 Main Event which boasts a $1 million guarantee and will run from July 3 – July 6. MGM Grand will host its third Summer Poker festival starting May 29 and feature 39 trophy events and over $3.7 million in total guarantees (including the Moneymaker Tour week).

“Las Vegas is the beating heart of the poker world. It’s where the game’s legends and stories, including Chris’, have been made,” said Tony Burns, Executive Manager. “To host an event in the same city that Chris won the 2003 Main Event in is a full circle moment. We are excited to partner with MGM Grand this Summer and look forward to being a part of their festival on June 28th thru July 6th. The Moneymaker Tour was created in 2023 by 2003 WSOP Champion and ACR Team Pro, Chris Moneymaker and Moneymaker Tour Executive Manager, Tony Burns.”

The Tour was conceived as a way for Moneymaker to give poker players opportunities to have their own ordinary to extraordinary moments as he did. Since its inception, there have been seven events in locations such as Florida, Cincinnati, Houston and Ohio.

Steven Pique, MGM Grand’s Director of Poker, said, “Our 2024 Summer Poker Festival kicks off later this month and we look forward to hosting the Moneymaker Tour in our MGM Grand Poker room. The main event will culminate with a No Limit Hold ‘em $1 million guarantee, one of the highest we’ve offered our tournament players. Chris Moneymaker embodies the spirit of poker through his tireless efforts and positive contributions to this great game.”

The upcoming Moneymaker Main Event will take place at The Casino Aruba, and feature a guaranteed prize pool of $200,000

The Moneymaker Tour has announced a new partnership with The Caribbean Poker Series to host the first international Moneymaker Main Event in Aruba in October 4 – 6, 2024.

Set against the backdrop of Aruba’s stunning beaches and lively culture, The Moneymaker Tour will coincide with the $300,000 guaranteed Caribbean Poker Series, which will take place at The Casino Aruba at Hilton from September 26 to October 6, and offer players of all levels the chance to compete for prestigious prizes.

“A collaboration between Moneymaker Poker Tour and The Caribbean Poker Series will create a synergy that benefits both organizations, as well as poker players and fans around the world,” said Craig Evans, Managing Director of the Caribbean Poker Series.

The Moneymaker Tour Main Event will bring players three days of fun poker action from Friday, October 4 to Sunday, October 6, 2024. The $1,500 buy-in Main Event, will bolster a guaranteed prize pool of $200,000.

Established by 2003 WSOP Champion and ACR Team Pro, Chris Moneymaker and Moneymaker Tour Executive Manager, Tony Burns in 2023, the Moneymaker Tour was conceived as a way to provide poker players with the opportunity to experience their own ordinary to extraordinary moments, mirroring Moneymaker’s journey.

“Chris Moneymaker’s Main Event win in 2003 not only had an impact on poker in the United States, but around the globe. We are excited to partner with the Caribbean Poker Series to host our first international Moneymaker Tour Main Event”, said Tony Burns, Executive Manager.

The Moneymaker Tour, which saw its inaugural stop in May 2023, has been steadily increasing in popularity. Its second series of 2024 at Palm Beach Kennel Club in Florida, drew players from around the globe, where Pavlos Kasselouris seized victory in the $500,000 guaranteed Main Event, claiming $121,485 in prize money and the coveted Moneymaker crystal trophy.

The Tour’s current stop at Daytona Beach, Florida wraps up today, and after paying out over $600,000 in guaranteed prize pools.

Following the event at Daytona Beach, the Moneymaker Tour will return to Palm Beach Kennel Club in Florida from May 2-14, 2024.

Above the Felt, the leading poker and gaming marketing and talent agency, has announced a partnership with Potawatomi Casino Hotel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the grand opening of their state-of-the-art poker room this May.

This collaboration marks a significant experiential poker event in the Mid-West US, bringing together top players, personalities, and content creators with regional players for an unforgettable poker room grand opening.

The main poker room grand opening event, scheduled for Thursday, May 2, promises an electrifying atmosphere with the presence of three powerful figures in the poker industry: Matt Berkey, Jamie Kerstetter, and Jaman Burton. Each bringing their unique personalities and expertise to the tables, the group is set to host a special meet-up cash game, offering poker players an exclusive opportunity to engage and play with their poker favorites.

“We are proud to join forces with Potawatomi Casino Hotel to celebrate this occasion. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to enhancing the poker experience for poker players in the region by bringing together top poker talent to interact with players, fans, and followers alike,” Tom Wheaton, Founder & CEO at Above the Felt, said.

Michael Hall, Director of Table Games at Potawatomi Casino, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Above the Felt for the grand opening of our new poker room. This event marks a significant milestone for Potawatomi Casino Hotel, and we look forward to providing an unparalleled experience for poker enthusiasts with Matt, Jamie, Jaman and Tom on-site.”

Matt Berkey, known for his high-stakes poker skill and award-winning Only Friends podcast, said: “I’m honored to be part of the poker room grand opening festivities at Potawatomi Casino Hotel. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow poker enthusiasts at their typical stakes and share in the competition of the game together.”

Jamie Kerstetter, a prominent broadcaster and player in the poker industry, added: “Events like these are essential for fostering camaraderie and excitement within the poker community. I can’t wait to engage with fans and create memorable experiences together.”

Jaman Burton, an award-winning poker content creator and YouTube vlogger, said: “I’m excited to be partnering with Potawatomi Casino Hotel, one of the leading casinos and newest poker rooms in the state of Wisconsin. It will be a lot of fun to share my passion for poker and connect with fellow players in such an immersive setting.”

Thursday, May 2, attendees can anticipate a fun day filled with poker action, engaging conversations, and unforgettable moments as players experience the fusion of skill, strategy, and entertainment unfold on the felt during the Potawatomi poker room grand opening meet-up game beginning at 12 pm.