Poker
World Series of Poker Paradise Brings Buzz, Huge Prize Pools and Big Stars to the Bahamas

First WSOP Paradise eclipses $70 million in total prize pool
Main Event Champion to win biggest $5k tournament of 2023
Historic bracelets, strong fields and memorable appearances by poker’s biggest names and sports legends highlight the first winter series for the World Series of Poker (WSOP). Starting on December 3 at Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas, WSOP Paradise hosted some of the biggest poker tournaments of 2023 at various buy-in levels and surpassed its promised $50 million guarantee to achieve a total prize pool of more than $70 million.
“From hall of famers winning bracelets to celebrity sightings and a classic Phil Hellmuth entrance to the Main Event, WSOP Paradise exceeded even our own lofty expectations and became the final highlight of an incredible year,” the Senior Vice-President and Executive Director for the WSOP, Ty Stewart, said. “We thank every player who made the trip to the Bahamas to be part of the action and launch our newest tradition, Winter in Paradise.”
Event #1, Mystery Millions, kicked off the poker in paradise action by breaking the record for the largest poker event ever hosted in the Bahamas and things only heated up from there. The winter series saw exceptional turnouts for its high roller events, with many of the tournaments becoming the strongest of the year at their buy-in level. This included Event #3: GGMillion$ High Roller Championship, which was larger than its $25k counterpart at the WSOP in Las Vegas this summer.
All high-roller event entrants and prize pools can be seen below:
Event #3: GGMillion$ High Roller Championship ($25k buy-in)
- 533 entrants
- $13,325,000 prize pool
Event #7: Super High Roller No-Limit Hold’em ($50k buy-in)
- 137 entrants
- $6,850,000 prize pool
Event #9: Ultra High Roller No-Limit Hold’em ($100k buy-in)
- 111 entrants
- $11,100,000 prize pool
The inaugural WSOP Paradise No-Limit Hold’em World Championship, better known as the ‘Main Event’, has solidified itself as the largest $5k buy-in poker tournament of 2023, with 3,010 entrants battling for the top prize. The first WSOP Paradise Main Event champion will soon take home a $2 million first-place prize in addition to the highly-coveted Main Event bracelet hand-crafted by Jostens from yellow gold, weighing nearly 95 grams and 494 genuine blue topaz round stones.
The full payout breakdown for the WSOP Paradise Main Event Final Table is as follows:
- 1st: $2,000,000
- 2nd: $1,200,000
- 3rd: $900,000
- 4th: $685,000
- 5th: $510,000
- 6th: $400,000
- 7th: $300,000
- 8th: $250,000
- 9th: $200,000
Although this is just the first edition of WSOP Paradise, players and fans at Atlantis witnessed a familiar scene for a WSOP Main Event on December 9 as Phil Hellmuth made his grand entrance into the Atlantis Ballroom dressed as Poseidon, joined by choreographed dancers, mermaids and a marching band. Other highlights from the series action include Hall of Famer Erik Seidel taking home his tenth career WSOP bracelet after winning Event #7: Super High-Roller No-Limit Hold’em and Japan’s Masashi Oya breaking through to claim his first-ever WSOP bracelet to go along with a massive $2.9 million first-place prize in Event #9: Ultra High-Roller No-Limit Hold’em.
Familiar faces from the sports world also attended WSOP Paradise including 2023 Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Tony Parker, two-time WNBA Champion and Las Vegas Aces’ Head Coach Becky Hammon, Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero, FS1’s Nick Wright and more. Parker finished in the money for the first time in a live poker tournament in Event #4: Mini Main Event No-Limit Hold’em and Aguero competed at the feature table for the Main Event with a seat next to Daniel Negreanu.
The excitement surrounding WSOP Paradise builds on a banner year for the WSOP after the series shattered its all-time attendance record for its Main Event in Las Vegas this summer, 17 years after Jamie Gold defeated a crowd of 8,773 entrants in 2006 to take home the prestigious WSOP Main Event bracelet.
Livestreamed coverage for the Main Event continues on GGPoker’s YouTube channel and three post-produced television episodes will air on CBS Sports Network with commentary from legendary poker analysts Lon McEachern and Norman Chad.
Players should follow @WSOP on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram or check WSOP .com for event news and updates.
Latest News
WSOP® PARADISE 2025 REVEALS FULL TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE WITH NEW EARLY-BIRD PACKAGES

The record-breaking poker festival in the Bahamas adds fresh events and exclusive perks for players booking early
The World Series of Poker (WSOP®) today unveiled the complete schedule for the highly anticipated WSOP Paradise 2025, which will take place at Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas from Dec. 4 through Dec. 18. This announcement also introduces two new, limited-availability early-bird packages, designed to provide players with unmatched value and exclusive benefits.
This year’s festival expands on its commitment to high-stakes action with a full slate of 15 WSOP gold bracelet events:
Event |
Date |
Buy-In |
#1 Circuit Championship Mystery Bounty NLH – $5M GTD |
Dec. 4 |
$2.5K |
#2 Triton PLO 6-Handed |
Dec. 4 |
$75K |
#3 Triton PLO Main Event |
Dec. 5 |
$100K |
#4 High Roller Turbo NLH |
Dec. 6 |
$50K |
#5 Triton Invitational – NLH |
Dec. 7 |
$250K |
#6 Super COLOSSUS NLH |
Dec. 7 |
$5K |
#7 Super PLOSSUS PLO |
Dec. 8 |
$10K |
#8 Triton NLH 7-Handed |
Dec. 8 |
$125K |
#9 Triton NLH Main Event |
Dec. 9 |
$100K |
#10 Triton NLH 8-Handed |
Dec. 10 |
$150K |
#11 Super Main Event NLH – $60M GTD |
Dec. 10 |
$25K |
#12 8-Game Mix 6-Handed |
Dec. 11 |
$10K |
#13 High Roller PLO |
Dec. 13 |
$50K |
#14 GGMillion$ NLH – $10M GTD |
Dec. 15 |
$25K |
#15 The Closer NLH Turbo Bounty |
Dec. 16 |
$10K |
This year’s WSOP Paradise features an expanded partnership with Triton Poker, the leading high-stakes tournament operator. In 2024, two gold bracelet events were curated by Triton; the number increases to six in 2025, with WSOP bracelets going to the winners of Event #2 Triton PLO, Event #3 Triton PLO Main Event, Event #5 Triton NLH Invitational, Event #8 Triton NLH 7-Handed, Event #9 Triton NLH Main Event and Event #10 Triton NLH 8-Handed.
To reward early registrants, WSOP is introducing two new early-bird packages for players looking to secure their seats, with both offering massive added value:
-
The $100K Paradise Package – limited to just 500 packages, includes a 13-night stay (Dec. 5 to Dec. 18), complimentary access to the WSOP buffet and a $500 food & beverage room credit. The deposit to secure is $10,000.
-
The $300K VIP Package – includes a 15 night stay (Dec. 3 to Dec. 18), complimentary access to the WSOP buffet, a $1,000 food & beverage room credit plus one á la carte meal from the Triton menu per day. The deposit to secure is $15,000.
For the first time at WSOP Paradise, resort fees are included in the package price, and the room credit is also provided for use throughout the resort. The full package amount must be played in WSOP Paradise events.
GGPoker will once again serve as the exclusive international satellite partner, aiming to send more than 1,000 players to the Super Main Event. WSOP Express and Road to Paradise qualifier tournaments are already underway in the GGPoker tournament lobby. Additionally, over 500 players are expected to qualify for the Circuit Championship through WSOP Circuit gold ring events (running from Jul. 1 through Dec. 2, 2025, both live and online), and ClubGG plans to send more than 400 players to the same event.
In an exciting new partnership, PokerStake will cover up to 50% of the unsold action for Circuit Package winners who choose to list their Super Main Event action on the platform.
“I said last year that a $50M guarantee was crazy, but adding another $10,000,000 on top is absolutely insane! The WSOP is bringing the biggest high rollers and the best poker experience possible back to paradise,” said Daniel Negreanu, GGPoker Global Ambassador. “With the new Super Mystery Bounty event and the expanded partnership with Triton, this is a can’t-miss festival for players of all levels. I can’t wait to be a part of it.”
“With the WSOP Paradise at Atlantis Paradise Island tournament schedule now set, the countdown to The Bahamas IS ON! This year’s lineup delivers an unbeatable mix of world-class events, record-breaking guarantees, and unforgettable poker moments in one of the most iconic destinations on the planet. From seasoned pros to newcomers, players from around the globe will find their place in paradise, and their shot at history,” added Joe Brunini, Chief Gaming & Customer Development Officer, Atlantis Paradise Island.
WSOP Paradise 2025 will feature a daily live stream from Dec. 12 through Dec. 18 on the WSOP YouTube channel, with CBS Sports Network television coverage planned for distribution in early 2026.
Further details on event structures and schedules will be available on the WSOP+ app. The WSOP reserves the right to cancel, change, or modify the tournament or any tournament event, in part or in whole, without notice. Entry fees will be added to all events, and up to 3% of tournament buy-ins will be withheld for staff and operational costs. Guaranteed events are paid out after deducting the percentage for costs from the total prize pool.
Please follow @WSOP on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram or check WSOP.com for more event news and updates: wsop.com/news/2025-wsop-paradise.
For more information on WSOP Express, please visit: ggpoker.com/tournaments/wsop-express/.
To book your Atlantis stay at exclusive WSOP rates starting from $199 per night, please visit: atlantisbahamas.com/wsop-in-paradise
Latest News
Lilac Club Casino Hosts $100K “Beat the Champ” Poker Tournament with Legend Phil Hellmuth

Poker legend Phil Hellmuth is heading to Lilac Club Casino in Rochester for an exclusive high-stakes weekend. On Saturday, Aug. 16, the 17-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner will take an afternoon seat at the Lilac Club’s “Beat the Champ” poker tournament, and the challenge is simple: win the tournament, claim your share of the $100,000 cash prize pool, and beat the champ along the way.
A $500 cash bonus is awarded to the player who can bust Phil Hellmuth out of the tournament.
A total of 108 seats plus alternates are available in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to outplay one of poker’s biggest names. Players can qualify for the tournament in several ways:
• Player of the Week Promotion (June 29–Aug. 9): Each week, the top five players who log the most rated hours in the Poker Room will earn seats in the “Beat the Champ” tournament.
• Satellite Tournaments (Aug. 2 and Aug. 9): Held at Lilac Club Casino, each $250 buy-in tournament will award one seat for every six players
• Direct Buy-In: Players may buy-in for $1200 during early registration on Friday, Aug. 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. at the Poker Room cage. Registration continues Saturday, Aug 16 at 9 a.m., with late registration open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“This isn’t just another tournament, it’s a shot at poker history. Phil Hellmuth isn’t just a champion, he’s a legend, and top tournament players will walk away with a share of $100,000 cash,” said Eric Barbaro, chief operating officer of Granite State Gaming & Hospitality.
Latest News
WSOP Circuit Returns to Latin America – Qualify Exclusively at GGPoker

GGPoker, the World’s Biggest Poker Room, is excited to announce the launch of online satellite tournaments for the upcoming WSOP Circuit Panama 2025 live poker event.
This exciting event will put Latin American poker back in the spotlight and is set to bring together the continent’s top players from November 6 to 16 at the prestigious Hilton Panama Hotel and the exclusive StarBay Casino.
Featuring 12 official World Series of Poker gold ring events, a full schedule of side tournaments, VIP activities, international media coverage, and a stunning seaside location, WSOP Circuit Panama promises to be one of the year’s most spectacular stops for both professional and recreational players.
Gregory Chochon, Chief Operating Officer of the World Series of Poker, added:
“We are proud to see the WSOP Circuit continue to grow internationally. Latin America is a passionate and fast-growing poker region, and events like WSOP Circuit Panama bolster our mission to bring the WSOP gold ring experience to players around the globe.”
GGPoker players can qualify via a 12-week online satellite series, with 20 guaranteed packages worth $2,500 USD each. Each package includes a $1,700 Main Event entry and $800 for travel expenses. Satellites start at just $5, giving players across Latin America the chance to live the full WSOP experience in Panama.
Online Satellite Schedule on GGPoker (ET time):
Day |
Time (ET) |
Tournament Name |
Mon–Sat |
3-4-5-6-7 PM |
WSOP-C Panama – $5 Daily Satellite |
Sunday |
12-1-2-3-4 PM |
WSOP-C Panama – $5 Daily Satellite |
Mon-Sun |
8 PM |
WSOP-C Panama – $33 Package Qualifier |
Sunday |
4 PM |
WSOP-C Panama – $22 Last Chance Satellite |
Sunday |
7 PM |
WSOP-C Panama – $215 Weekly Final |
WSOP-C Panama Satellite Stats (over 12 weeks):
-
$5 Satellites: 1,296 tournaments
-
$33 Qualifiers: 312 tournaments
-
$22 Last Chance: 12 tournaments
-
$215 Weekly Finals: 12 tournaments
Guaranteed Packages ($2,500 each):
-
Weeks 1–4: 1 package per week
-
Weeks 5–12: 2 packages per week
-
Total: 20 guaranteed packages
-
Total Prize Value: $50,000 USD
In addition to winning a coveted WSOP Circuit gold ring, each ring event winner in Panama will also receive a $5,000 WSOP Circuit Championship package, which includes:
-
$2,750 entry to the Mystery Bounty WSOP Circuit Championship
-
6-night stay at Atlantis (Coral or Royal Towers)
-
Complimentary buffet access during the stay
“WSOP Circuit Panama is a unique opportunity for players across Latin America to enjoy a world-class poker experience in an extraordinary setting,” said Juan Carreño, GGPoker Representative.
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