The World Poker Tour (WPT) is an internationally televised gaming and entertainment brand similar to its larger rival the European Poker Tour (EPT) Since 2002, the World Poker Tour has operated a series of international poker tournaments and associated television series broadcasting playdown and the final table of each tournament.
Current season, competition or edition: World Poker Tour 2023 results | |
 | |
| Sport | Poker |
|---|---|
| Founded | May 27, 2002 |
| CEO | Adam Pliska |
| Country |  United States (Founded) |
| Most titles |  Darren Elias (4) |
| TV partner(s) | Bally Sports, BT Sport (UK) |
| Official website | www.worldpokertour.com |
The most prominent of World Poker Tour events belong to the WPT Main Tour. The WPT Main Tour focuses on the buy-in range of $3,500–$25,000, and winners of official WPT Main Tour events are awarded a membership to the WPT Champions Club. The WPT Champions Cup is the trophy awarded to all winners of WPT Main Tour events, and champions have their names engraved on the Cup.
Business
editThe World Poker Tour was started in 2002 in the United States by attorney/television producer Steven Lipscomb, who served as CEO of WPT Enterprises, Inc. (WPTE).
In November 2009, PartyGaming announced its acquisition of the World Poker Tour for $12.3 million.[1] In 2011, PartyGaming merged with bwin to form bwin.Party Digital Entertainment.
In December 2014, World Poker Tour announced an alliance with Ourgame, agreeing to license products and services on an exclusive basis in more than a dozen countries across Asia. In addition, Ourgame received the rights to use the WPT logo and trademark exclusively in Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Laos, Korea, Nepal, Macau, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, Philippines, and Vietnam and operate on pokermonster.com.[2]
In June 2015, The World Poker Tour (WPT) announced that bwin.party sold the company to Ourgame International Holdings Ltd. for a price of $35 million in cash.[3]
In 2021 the World Poker Tour was sold to Element Partners for $105 million.[4]
Television
editThe year-round WPT television show has broadcast globally in more than 150 countries and territories, and is currently producing its 21st season, which airs on Bally’s Sports Regional Networks in the United States. In August 2016, the World Poker Tour and Fox Sports (now Bally’s Sports) announced a five-year deal to see Fox Sports broadcast the WPT through Season 19.[5]
The WPT television show currently features commentary and analysis by Tony Dunst and Vince Van Patten. Dunst joined the World Poker Tour as host of the WPT Raw Deal during Season 9 after winning the role through an open casting competition. Following the retirement of Mike Sexton[6] from the WPT commentary booth after 15 years, Dunst was elevated into the role alongside Van Patten.
Joining Dunst and Van Patten for all WPT televised broadcasts is anchor Lynn Gilmartin. Gilmartin's role focuses on hosting and presenting the show, as well as offering intimate interviews and sideline reporting. Gilmartin assumed the anchor role for Season 12[7] and remains the current anchor.
Prior to Gilmartin, Shana Hiatt served as the show host and sideline reporter in its first three seasons. Courtney Friel took over the host role for the fourth season, and Sabina Gadecki for the fifth. Layla Kayleigh and Kimberly Lansing began serving as hostesses in Season VI. Poker player and reporter Amanda Leatherman was the host for Season VII while Lansing was on maternity leave. Lansing returned as the anchor for Season 9 through 11.
The first season aired on the Travel Channel on American cable television in the spring of 2003. The show made its network debut on February 1, 2004, on NBC with a special "Battle of Champions" tournament, which aired against CBS coverage of the Super Bowl XXXVIII pre-game show. The Travel Channel aired the first five seasons of the Tour. In April 2007, WPTE announced that the series would move to GSN for its sixth season in the spring of 2008.[8] 'The first WPT tournament to air on GSN, the Mirage Poker Showdown, debuted on March 24, 2008. In July 2008, WPTE announced that the series would move to Fox Sports Regional Networks for its seventh season.
Following the November 2009 acquisition of the World Poker Tour by PartyGaming plc, the new owners added a second series of televised WPT events under their PartyPoker brand name. This series has, to date, focused on televising the European stops of the WPT. Mike Sexton continues to provide commentary, though he is partnered with Denmark-based American commentator Jesse May rather than Vince Van Patten. The role of female show host and sideline reporter has been served by a number of personalities, often from the country where the event is held. One exception is Canadian born poker player Kara Scott, who has served as host for a number of the PartyPoker branded telecasts of these European WPT events.[9]
The show's hosts, Tony Dunst and Vince Van Patten, sit at a booth near the final table, providing commentary and occasionally interacting with the players during the game. However, their specific comments about hole cards are recorded after the tournament takes place because gaming regulations prohibit them from observing a live feed of the "hole card cameras" while on the set. These cameras, built into the table, allow viewers to see the face-down hole cards dealt to each player.
In 2014, the World Poker Tour launched a high roller tournament series, WPT Alpha8, broadcasting on Fox Sports 1. The series originally featured commentary and analysis by Ali Nejad and Olivier Busquet, with Gilmartin serving as anchor. In later seasons, Vince Van Patten and Tony Dunst replaced Nejad and Busquet, while Lynn Gilmartin continued to serve as anchor.
The first three seasons of WPT are available on NTSC DVD.
In February 2019, WPT announced a deal with BT Sport to broadcast season XV of WPT. The deal expands WPT coverage to the UK and Ireland. During season XV, former WPT television commentator Mike Sexton won his first WPT event.[10]
In March 2019, WPT announced a deal with TV Azteca to bring WPT assets to Latin America.[11]
WPT now airs on streaming platforms such as Pluto TV, Samsung TV Plus, Vizo WatchFree+, Fubo, Tubi and is in syndication all around the world.
Professional Poker Tour
editA series of spin-off tournaments, titled the Professional Poker Tour, began filming in 2004. Broadcast of the series was delayed, which was partly due to a dispute with the Travel Channel over rights. In the fall of 2005, WPTE announced that "a cable channel" (believed to be ESPN) had withdrawn from bidding for the PPT series, and that WPTE was negotiating with the Travel Channel to air the series. On January 30, 2006, WPTE and the Travel Channel announced that they had dismissed all open lawsuits. The series began regular broadcast July 5, 2006, but was suspended after one season as WPTE couldn't find a television home for a second season.
ClubWPT
editIn 2008, the WPT launched a new product called ClubWPT. It is a subscription-based club where members can pay a monthly fee to play in tournaments that award over $100,000 in cash and prizes each month.[12]
PlayWPT
editIn 2016, WPT launched a new social casino platform called PlayWPT, offering poker and slots.[13]
With PlayWPT Poker, players can participate in ring games, tournaments, and sit-n-gos, and players can represent themselves at the table with avatars animated emojis. PlayWPT is available on desktop and mobile.[14]
Sherman Act lawsuit
editIn July 2006, seven poker professionals sued WPTE, alleging violations of the Sherman Antitrust Act, the California Cartwright Act, and intentional interference with contract. The professionals (Chris Ferguson, Andy Bloch, Annie Duke, Joe Hachem, Phil Gordon, Howard Lederer, and Greg Raymer) alleged that WPTE's standard release forms, required for participation in WPTE events, were anti-competitive and designed to interfere with their contractual obligations to other companies. The anti-competition claim was based on the fact that WPTE's contracts with the casinos that host its tournaments barred those casinos (and other casinos owned by the same parent companies) from hosting non-WPTE poker events. The claim of interference with contract was based on the releases' claim to perpetual rights to the players' likenesses for any use WPTE wished. The players claimed that this would put them in violation of other contracts (such as Ferguson's Activision Games contract or several players' contracts with online poker sites).[15]
Hachem and Raymer dropped out of the lawsuit before its eventual settlement.
In April 2008, WPT Enterprises, Inc. settled with the five players remaining in the lawsuit. Chris Ferguson said about the settlement, "We are happy to have come to an agreement that is fair to all players, and to have put in place a new release that clears up ambiguities in how players' images may be used. We are especially happy that this new release will apply to all poker players who wish to participate in WPT tournaments and events."[16]
WPT Player of the Year
editWhile the winner of the season-ending WPT World Championship (simply the WPT Championship before season 9) is deemed that season's WPT Champion, the WPT also determines a Player of the Year to recognize the player who achieves consistent high finishes in WPT events throughout the entire season.
The Player of the Year is determined by a points system, with the player who earns the most points each season being named the WPT Player of the Year. The season-ending WPT World Championship is a points-earning event for the Player of the Year calculation.
Through the end of Season 9, no player has been named WPT Player of the Year and also captured the WPT Championship. The closest to date is Season 7 WPT Player of the Year Bertrand Grospellier, who finished 3rd in that season's WPT Championship.
In the first eight seasons of the World Poker Tour, only four players have finished in the money at least once. These players are Phil Hellmuth, Erik Seidel, Mark Seif, and Surinder Sunar.
| Season | Years | WPT Player of the Year | Wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2002–2003 | 2 | |
| 2 | 2003–2004 | 2 | |
| 3 | 2004–2005 | 2 | |
| 4 | 2005–2006 | 1 | |
| 5 | 2006–2007 | 1 | |
| 6 | 2007–2008 | 1 | |
| 7 | 2008–2009 | 1 | |
| 8 | 2009–2010 | 0 | |
| 9 | 2010–2011 | 1 | |
| 10 | 2011–2012 | 0 | |
| 11 | 2012–2013 | 1 | |
| 12 | 2013–2014 | 0 | |
| 13 | 2014–2015 | 2 | |
| 14 | 2015–2016 | 1 | |
| 15 | 2016–2017 | 0 | |
| 16 | 2017–2018 | 2 | |
| 17 | 2018–2019 | 2 | |
| 18 | 2019–2021 | 1 | |
| 19 | 2021 | 1 | |
| 20 | 2022 | 1 | |
| 21 | 2023 | 2 |
Points system
editDuring the first 8 seasons, only the 6 players at the final table in each Open event, plus the last (7th) player eliminated before the final table, earned points as follows:
- Winner: 1,000 points
- Runner-up: 700 points
- 3rd place: 600 points
- 4th place: 500 points
- 5th place: 400 points
- 6th place: 300 points
- 7th place: 200 points (television final table bubble)
Starting with season 9, the points system was adjusted to recognize the number of entries and the size of the prize pool for each event:[17]
- Generally, 10% of the participants in each event will finish in the money (ITM), so the system now gives Player of the Year points to all ITM players.
- The maximum number of points awarded to the event winner are now scaled to the size of the prize pool, with 600 points to the winner of an event with a prize pool smaller than $500,000 and 1400 points to the winner of an event with a prize pool larger than $4,000,000. The season-ending WPT World Championship, no matter the prize pool, also starts at 1400 points to the winner.
- The system still operates on a descending scale, though the scale provides a minimum of 50 points to all the 'bottom' ITM players in any event.
WPT Main Event winners
edit| PokerStars Caribbean Adventure Main Event winner. | |
| Winner of poker's Triple Crown. |
| Season | Years | Date | Event | Location | Main Event winner | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2002–2003 | 27 May–1 June 2002 | Five Diamond World Poker Classic | $556,460 | ||
| 30–31 August 2002 | Legends of Poker | $258,000 | ||||
| 9 October 2002 | Ultimate Poker Classic | $50.000 | ||||
| 19 October 2002 | Costa Rica Classic | $108,730 | ||||
| 10–11 November 2002 | Gold Rush | $146,000 | ||||
| 14–17 November 2002 | World Poker Finals | $320,400 | ||||
| 28–31 January 2003 | World Poker Open | $589,175 | ||||
| 12–15 February 2003 | Euro Finals of Poker | $538,213 (€500,000) | ||||
| 21–24 February 2003 | L.A. Poker Classic | $532,490 | ||||
| 6 March 2003 | PartyPoker Million II | $289,150 | ||||
| 31 March–2 April 2003 | World Poker Challenge | $168,298 | ||||
| 14–18 April 2003 | WPT Championship | $1,011,886 | ||||
| 2 | 2003–2004 | 10–13 July 2003 | Grand Prix de Paris | $410,886 (€357,200) | ||
| 1–3 September 2003 | Legends of Poker | $579,375 | ||||
| 20–22 September 2003 | Borgata Poker Open | $470,000 | ||||
| 18 October 2003 | Ultimate Poker Classic | $500,000 | ||||
| 14–17 November 2003 | World Poker Finals | $1,089,200 | ||||
| 15–18 December 2003 | Five Diamond World Poker Classic | $1,101,908 | ||||
| 25 January 2004 | PokerStars Caribbean Adventure | $455,780 | ||||
| 26–29 January 2004 | World Poker Open | $1,278,370 | ||||
| 21–24 February 2004 | L.A. Poker Classic | $1,399,135 | ||||
| 3–5 March 2004 | Bay 101 Shooting Star | $360,000 | ||||
| 18 March 2004 | PartyPoker Million III | $1,000,000 | ||||
| 30 March–1 April 2004 | World Poker Challenge | $629,469 | ||||
| 19–23 April 2004 | WPT Championship | $2,728,356 | ||||
| 3 | 2004–2005 | 17-20 July 2004 | Grand Prix De Paris | $828,956 (€679,860) | ||
| 29 July-1 August 2004 | Mirage Poker Showdown | $1,024,574 | ||||
| 28-31 August 2004 | Legends of Poker | $1,198,260 | ||||
| 19-22 September 2004 | Borgata Poker Open | $1,117,400 | ||||
| 26 September-1 October 2004 | Aruba Poker Classic | $1,000,000 | ||||
| 19-22 October 2004 | Doyle Brunson North American Poker Championship | $1,000,000 | ||||
| 13-17 November 2004 | Foxwood World Poker Finals | $1,549,588 | ||||
| 14-18 December 2004 | Five Diamond Poker Classic | $1,770,218 | ||||
| 5-12 January 2005 | PokerStars Caribbean Adventure | $890,000 | ||||
| 24-27 January 2005 | World Poker Open | $1,491,444 | ||||
| 18-22 February 2005 | L.A. Poker Classic | $1,859,909 | ||||
| 23-24 February 2005 | WPT Celebrity Invitational | $100,000 | ||||
| 7-11 March 2005 | Bay 101 Shooting Star | $1,025,000 | ||||
| 19-24 March 2005 | Cruisin' Mexico with PartyPoker Million IV | $1,525,500 | ||||
| 29 March-1 April 2005 | World Poker Challenge | $633,880 | ||||
| 18-24 April 2005 | World Championship | $2,856,150 | ||||
| 4 | 2005–2006 | 23-26 May 2005 | Mirage Poker Showdown | $1,153,778 | ||
| 25-29 July 2005 | Grand Prix De Paris | $574,419 (€479,680) | ||||
| 27-31 August 2005 | The Bicycle Casino Legends of Poker | $1,150,900 | ||||
| 19-22 September 2005 | Borgata Poker Open | $1,498,650 | ||||
| 26 September-3 October 2005 | Aruba Poker Classic | $1,000,000 | ||||
| 18-21 October 2005 | Doyle Brunson North American Poker Championship | $1,060,050 | ||||
| 13-18 November 2005 | World Poker Finals | $2,167,500 | ||||
| 12-16 December 2005 | Five Diamond Poker Classic | $2,078,185 | ||||
| 5-10 January 2006 | PokerStars Caribbean Adventure | $1,388,600 | ||||
| 19-23 January 2006 | World Poker Open | $969,421 | ||||
| 29 January-1 February 2006 | Borgata Poker Classic | $1,173,373 | ||||
| 16-21 February 2006 | L.A. Poker Classic | $2,391,550 | ||||
| 22-24 February 2006 | WPT Celebrity Invitational | $100,000 | ||||
| 10-14 March 2006 | Bay 101 Shooting Star | $1,198,300 | ||||
| 27-30 March 2006 | World Poker Challenge | $1,052,890 | ||||
| 6-9 April 2006 | Foxwoods Poker Classic | $1,331,889 | ||||
| 18-24 April 2006 | World Championship | $3,760,165 | ||||
| 5 | 2006–2007 | 14-17 May 2006 | Mirage Poker Showdown | $1,320,255 | ||
| 4-8 June 2006 | Mandalay Bay Poker Championship | $1,033,440 | ||||
| 12-16 June 2006 | Grand Prix De Paris | $907,066 (€712,500) | ||||
| 26-30 August 2006 | Bicycle Casino Legends of Poker | $1,602,670 | ||||
| 15-19 September 2006 | Borgata Poker Open | $1,519,020 | ||||
| 16-20 October 2006 | Festa Al Lago | $1,090,025 | ||||
| 22-30 October 2006 | Canadian Poker Open | $222,524 (C$250,027) | ||||
| 25-29 October 2006 | North American Poker Championship | $1,225,920 (C$1,380,378) | ||||
| 12-16 November 2006 | World Poker Finals | $1,717,194 | ||||
| 14-19 December 2006 | Bellagio Five Diamond World Poker Classic | $2,207,575 | ||||
| 5-10 January 2007 | PokerStars Caribbean Adventure | $1,535,255 | ||||
| 21-25 January 2007 | World Poker Open | $913,986 | ||||
| 26-30 January 2007 | Borgata Poker Classic | $1,606,223 | ||||
| 24 February-1 March 2007 | L.A. Poker Classic | $2,429,970 | ||||
| 3-5 March 2007 | WPT Celebrity Invitational | $125,000 | ||||
| 12-16 March 2007 | Bay 101 Shooting Star | $1,100,000 | ||||
| 25-28 March 2007 | World Poker Challenge | $683,473 | ||||
| 30 March-4 April 2007 | Foxwoods Poker Classic | $1,298,405 | ||||
| 21-27 April 2007 | WPT World Championship | $3,970,415 | ||||
| 6 | 2007–2008 | 19-23 May 2007 | WPT Mirage Poker Showdown | $1,091,295 | ||
| 29 May-2 June 2007 | Mandalay Bay Poker Championship | $768,775 | ||||
| 10-15 July 2007 | Bellagio Cup III | $1,342,320 | ||||
| 25-30 August 2007 | WPT Legends of Poker | $1,599,865 | ||||
| 6-9 September 2007 | Gulf Coast Poker Championship | $747,615 | ||||
| 16-20 September 2007 | WPT Borgata Poker Open | $1,575,280 | ||||
| 25-30 September 2007 | WPT Turks & Caicos Poker Classic | $436,675 | ||||
| 11-16 October 2007 | WPT Spanish Championship | $789,592 (€537,000) | ||||
| 26 October-2 November 2007 | North American Poker Championships | $1,505,312 (C$1,456,585) | ||||
| 7-13 November 2007 | WPT Foxwoods World Poker Finals | $1,704,986 | ||||
| 12-18 December 2007 | Doyle Brunson Five Diamond World Poker Classic | $2,482,605 | ||||
| 20-24 January 2008 | World Poker Open | $892,413 | ||||
| 27-31 January 2008 | WPT Borgata Poker Classic | $1,401,109 | ||||
| 23-28 February 2008 | WPT L.A. Poker Classic | $1,596,100 | ||||
| 1-3 March 2008 | WPT Celebrity Invitational | $125,500 | ||||
| 10-14 March 2008 | Bay 101 Shooting Star | $1,000,000 | ||||
| 25-28 March 2008 | World Poker Challenge | $493,815 | ||||
| 4-9 April 2008 | Foxwoods Poker Classic | $992,890 | ||||
| 19-26 April 2008 | WPT World Championship | $3,389,140 | ||||
| 7 | 2008–2009 | 23-27 May 2008 | WPT Spanish Championship 2008 | $662,592 (€425,000) | ||
| 11-17 July 2008 | WPT Bellagio Cup IV | $1,673,770 | ||||
| 23-28 August 2008 | WPT Legends of Poker | $1,116,428 | ||||
| 14-18 September 2008 | WPT Borgata Poker Open | $1,424,500 | ||||
| 10-16 October 2008 | North American Poker Championships | $1,084,256 (C$1,224,852) | ||||
| 20-25 October 2008 | WPT Festa al Lago | $1,411,015 | ||||
| 5-11 November 2008 | WPT Foxwoods World Poker Finals | $1,120,310 | ||||
| 13-19 December 2008 | Doyle Brunson Five Diamond World Poker Classic | $1,538,730 | ||||
| 14-17 January 2009 | WPT Southern Poker Championship | $1,025,500 | ||||
| 21-26 February 2009 | WPT L.A. Poker Classic | $1,686,760 | ||||
| 28 February-2 March 2009 | WPT Celebrity Invitational | $100,000 | ||||
| 16-20 March 2009 | WPT Bay 101 Shooting Star | $1,025,500 | ||||
| 3-8 April 2009 | WPT Foxwoods Poker Classic | $731,079 | ||||
| 18-25 April 2009 | WPT World Championship | $2,143,655 | ||||
| 8 | 2009–2010 | 6-10 May 2009 | WPT Venice | $532,388 | ||
| 26-30 June 2009 | WPT Spanish Championship 2008 | $386,170 (€277,0000 | ||||
| 13-19 July 2009 | WPT Bellagio Cup V | $1,187,670 | ||||
| 22-26 August 2009 | WPT Legends of Poker | $1,009,000 | ||||
| 31 August-4 September 2009 | WPT Slovakia | $148,756 (€104,000) | ||||
| 6-12 September 2009 | WPT Merit Cyprus Classic | $579,165 | ||||
| 19-24 September 2009 | WPT Borgata Poker Open | $925,514 | ||||
| 16-18 October 2009 | WPT Marrakech | $558,515 (€379,014) | ||||
| 21-26 October 2009 | WPT Festa al Lago | $1,218,225 | ||||
| 5-10 November 2009 | WPT Foxwoods World Poker Finals | $910,058 | ||||
| 14-19 December 2009 | Doyle Brunson Five Diamond World Poker Classic | $1,428,430 | ||||
| 24-27 January 2010 | WPT Southern Poker Championship | $739,486 | ||||
| 20 February 2010 | WPT Celebrity Invitational | $100,000 | ||||
| 26 February-4 March 2010 | WPT L.A. Poker Classic | $1,788,001 | ||||
| 8-12 March 2010 | WPT Bay 101 Shooting Star | $878,500 | ||||
| 20-24 March 2010 | WPT Hollywood Poker Open | $391,212 | ||||
| 27 March-2 April 2010 | WPT Bucharest | $193,387 (€144,530) | ||||
| 18-24 April 2010 | WPT World Championship | $1,530,537 | ||||
| 9 | 2010–2011 | 8-15 May 2010 | WPT Grand Prix de Paris | $848,736 (€638,377) | ||
| 19-23 May 2010 | WPT Spanish Championship 2010 | $343,307 (€278,000) | ||||
| 11-15 July 2010 | WPT Bellagio Cup VI | $875,150 | ||||
| 20-25 August 2010 | WPT Legends of Poker | $750,000 | ||||
| 30 August-4 September 2010 | WPT London | $425,492 (£273,783) | ||||
| 18-23 September 2010 | WPT Borgata Poker Open | $733,802 | ||||
| 15-20 October 2010 | WPT Festa al Lago | $831,500 | ||||
| 28 October-2 November 2010 | WPT Foxwoods World Poker Finals | $548,752 | ||||
| 2-6 November 2010 | WPT Amneville | $594,627 (€426,425) | ||||
| 27-30 November 2010 | WPT Marrakech | $341,798 (€250,196) | ||||
| 3-8 December 2010 | Doyle Brunson Five Diamond World Poker Classic | $870,124 | ||||
| 23-27 January 2011 | WPT Southern Poker Championship | $575,969 | ||||
| 3-8 February 2011 | WPT Venice | $518,382 (€380,000) | ||||
| 19-20 February 2011 | WPT Celebrity Invitational | $100,000 | ||||
| 25 February-3 March 2011 | WPT L.A. Poker Classic | $1,654,120 | ||||
| 14-18 March 2011 | WPT Bay 101 Shooting Star | $1,039,000 | ||||
| 25-29 March 2011 | WPT Vienna | $636,733 (€447,840) | ||||
| 30 March-3 April 2011 | WPT Slovakia | $197,861 (€140,685) | ||||
| 9-13 April 2011 | WPT Hollywood Poker Open | $273,664 | ||||
| 27 April-2 May 2011 | WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown | $1,122,340 | ||||
| 14-20 May 2011 | WPT World Championship | $1,618,344 | ||||
| 10 | 2011–2012 | 25-29 May 2011 | WPT Spanish Championship 2010 | $327,546 (€231,500) | ||
| 17-21 July 2011 | WPT Slovenia | $144,399 (€102,623) | ||||
| 25-30 August 2011 | WPT Legends of Poker | $758,085 | ||||
| 5-10 September 2011 | WPT Grand Prix de Paris | $721,178 (€500,000) | ||||
| 18-23 September 2011 | WPT Borgata Poker Open | $922,441 | ||||
| 20-24 September 2011 | WPT Malta | $276,457 (€200,000) | ||||
| 27 October-1 November 2011 | WPT Foxwoods World Poker Finals | $449,910 | ||||
| 1-6 November 2011 | WPT Amneville | $471,025 (€336,133) | ||||
| 18-22 November 2011 | WPT Jacksonville | $325,928 | ||||
| 24-27 November 2011 | WPT Marrakech | $214,983 (€159,150) | ||||
| 1-5 December 2011 | WPT Prague | $599,720 (€450,000) | ||||
| 6-10 December 2011 | Doyle Brunson Five Diamond World Poker Classic | $821,612 | ||||
| 13-18 December 2011 | WPT Venice | $234,597 (€175,000) | ||||
| 5-8 January 2012 | WPT Dublin | $289,032 (€222,280) | ||||
| 6-10 February 2012 | WPT Venice Grand Prix | $301,939 (€229,800) | ||||
| 10-14 February 2012 | Seminole Hard Rock Lucky Hearts Poker Open | $268,444 | ||||
| 24-29 February 2012 | WPT L.A. Poker Classic | $1,370,240 | ||||
| 5-9 March 2012 | WPT Bay 101 Shooting Star | $960,900 | ||||
| 10-15 April 2012 | WPT Vienna | $417,458 (€313,390) | ||||
| 18-23 April 2012 | WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown | $779,520 | ||||
| 27 April-2 May 2012 | WPT Jacksonville | $426,100 | ||||
| 19-26 May 2012 | WPT World Championship | $1,196,858 | ||||
| 11 | 2012–2013 | 4-9 August 2012 | WPT Merit Cyprus Classic | $287,784 | ||
| 10-15 August 2012 | WPT Parx Open Poker Classic | $416,127 | ||||
| 24-28 August 2012 | WPT Legends of Poker | $500,000 | ||||
| 10-15 September 2012 | WPT Grand Prix de Paris | $478,415 (€380,000) | ||||
| 16-20 September 2012 | WPT Malta | $155,049 (€120,000) | ||||
| 18-21 September 2012 | WPT Borgata Poker Open | $818,847 | ||||
| 22-26 October 2012 | WPT Emperors Palace Poker Classic | $206,153 | ||||
| 9-13 November 2012 | WPT Jacksonville bestbet Fall Poker Scramble | $402,972 | ||||
| 12-17 November 2012 | WPT Copenhagen | $230,036 (DKr1,346,000) | ||||
| 23-26 November 2012 | WPT Montreal | $779,210 | ||||
| 27 November-1 December 2012 | WPT Mazagan | $166,704 (درهم 4,731,700) | ||||
| 3-9 December 2012 | WPT Prague | $413,667 (€318,295) | ||||
| 4-9 December 2012 | Five Diamond World Poker Classic | $1,268,571 | ||||
| 27 January-1 February 2013 | WPT Borgata Winter Poker Open | $730,053 | ||||
| 8-12 February 2013 | Seminole Hard Rock Lucky Hearts Poker Open | $298,304 | ||||
| 19-24 February 2013 | WPT Baden | $247,588 (€185,000) | ||||
| 23-28 February 2013 | WPT L.A. Poker Classic | $1,004,090 | ||||
| 4-8 March 2013 | WPT Bay 101 Shooting Star | $1,138,350 | ||||
| 25-30 March 2013 | Gioco Digitale WPT Venice Grand Prix | $180,692 (€140,000) | ||||
| 5-10 April 2013 | bwin WPT Barcelona | $232,487 (€181,400) | ||||
| 11-16 April 2013 | WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown | $660,395 | ||||
| 26-30 April 2013 | WPT Jacksonville bestbet Open | $296,521 | ||||
| 3-9 May 2013 | partypoker WPT Canadian Spring Championship | $430,986 (C$442,248) | ||||
| 18-24 May 2013 | WPT World Championship | $1,150,297 | ||||
| 12 | 2013–2014 | 16-21 August 2013 | bwin WPT Merit Cyprus Classic | $258,000 | ||
| 29 August-4 September 2013 | WPT Legends of Poker | $613,355 | ||||
| 15-20 September 2013 | WPT Borgata Winter Poker Open | $825,099 | ||||
| 25-30 October 2013 | bwin WPT Grand Prix de Paris | $449,856 (€328,750) | ||||
| 7-11 November 2013 | WPT Emperors Palace Poker Classic | $132,128 | ||||
| 15-19 November 2013 | WPT Jacksonville bestbet Fall Poker Scramble | $252,749 | ||||
| 19-24 November 2013 | WPT Caribbean | $145,000 | ||||
| 29 November-5 December 2013 | partypoker WPT Montreal | $517,049 | ||||
| 6-11 December 2013 | Five Diamond World Poker Classic | $1,161,135 | ||||
| 15-19 December 2013 | WPT Korea | $100,000 | ||||
| 15-21 December 2013 | bwin WPT Prague | $280,097 (€206,230) | ||||
| 26-31 January 2014 | WPT Borgata Winter Poker Open | $842,379 | ||||
| 7-11 February 2014 | Seminole Hard Rock Lucky Hearts Poker Open | $271,103 | ||||
| 22-24 February 2014 | WPT Fallsview Poker Classic | $326,235 (C$363,197) | ||||
| 1-6 March 2014 | WPT L.A. Poker Classic | $1,015,460 | ||||
| 10-14 March 2014 | WPT Bay 101 Shooting Star | $1,256,550 | ||||
| 10-15 March 2014 | Gioco Digitale WPT Venice Carnival | $145,439 (€104,822) | ||||
| 15-19 March 2014 | WPT Rolling Thunder | $302,750 | ||||
| 21-25 March 2014 | WPT Jacksonville bestbet Open | $206,041 | ||||
| 10-16 April 2014 | WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown | $1,081,184 | ||||
| 21-26 April 2014 | WPT World Championship | $1,350,000 | ||||
| 13 | 2014–2015 | 1-6 July 2014 | partypoker presents WPT500 Aria | $260,000 | ||
| 23-29 August 2014 | WPT Legends of Poker | $560,969 | ||||
| 5-10 September 2014 | partypoker WPT Merit Classic North Cyprus | $325,400 | ||||
| 14-19 September 2014 | WPT Borgata Poker Open | $843,744 | ||||
| 3-7 November 2014 | WPT Caribbean | $127,680 | ||||
| 7-11 November 2014 | WPT Jacksonville bestbet Bounty Scramble | $421,668 | ||||
| 9-16 November 2014 | partypoker presents WPT500 Nottingham | $222,176 (£140,000) | ||||
| 14-16 November 2014 | WPT Emperors Palace Poker Classic | $145,836 | ||||
| 18-23 November 2014 | partypoker WPT Nottingham | $313,327 (£200,000) | ||||
| 20-26 November 2014 | partypoker WPT Montreal | $409,657 (C$464,252) | ||||
| 15-20 December 2014 | Five Diamond World Poker Classic | $1,177,890 | ||||
| 25-30 January 2015 | WPT Borgata Winter Poker Open | $712,305 | ||||
| 5-11 February 2015 | WPT Lucky Hearts Poker Open | $723,008 | ||||
| 13-16 February 2015 | WPT Fallsview Poker Classic | $302,235 (C$380,021) | ||||
| 28 February-5 March 2015 | WPT L.A. Poker Classic | $1,015,860 | ||||
| 9-13 March 2015 | WPT Bay 101 Shooting Star | $1,214,200 | ||||
| 12-17 March 2015 | partypoker WPT Vienna | $159,464 (€150,000) | ||||
| 15-19 March 2015 | WPT Rolling Thunder | $266,857 | ||||
| 16-22 April 2015 | WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown | $1,000,000 | ||||
| 25-29 April 2015 | WPT World Championship | $973,683 | ||||
| 14 | 2015–2016 | 1-6 May 2015 | partypoker WPT Canadian Spring Championship | $197,025 (C$237,390) | ||
| 11-16 May 2015 | WPT Amsterdam | $225,073 (€201,000) | ||||
| 31 May-6 July 2015 | partypoker presents WPT500 Aria | $185,800 | ||||
| 31 July-4 August 2015 | WPT Choctaw | $667,575 | ||||
| 29 August-4 September 2015 | WPT Legends of Poker | $675,942 | ||||
| 20-25 September 2015 | WPT Borgata Poker Open | $723,227 | ||||
| 25-29 September 2015 | WPT Maryland Live | $250,222 | ||||
| 24 October-3 November 2015 | partypoker presents WPT500 Nottingham | $230,641 (£150,000) | ||||
| 30 October-1 November 2015 | WPT Emperors Palace Poker Classic | $100,218 (ZAR1,382,000) | ||||
| 3-8 November 2015 | partypoker WPT Nottingham | $308,766 (£200,000) | ||||
| 6-10 November 2015 | WPT Jacksonville bestbet Bounty Scramble | $375,270 | ||||
| 13-19 November 2015 | partypoker WPT Montreal | $341,332 (C$453,122) | ||||
| 1-6 December 2015 | partypoker WPT Prague | $185,110 (€175,000) | ||||
| 14-19 December 2015 | Five Diamond World Poker Classic | $1,587,382 | ||||
| 31 January-5 February 2016 | WPT Borgata Winter Poker Open | $816,246 | ||||
| 21-24 February 2016 | WPT Fallsview Poker Classic | $278,426 (C$383,407) | ||||
| 27 February-3 March 2016 | WPT L.A. Poker Classic | $1,000,800 | ||||
| 7-11 March 2016 | WPT Bay 101 Shooting Star | $1,298,000 | ||||
| 12-16 March 2016 | WPT Rolling Thunder | $275,112 | ||||
| 15-20 March 2016 | partypoker WPT Vienna | $174,735 (€157,000) | ||||
| 15-20 April 2016 | WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown | $669,161 | ||||
| 17-21 April 2016 | WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Finale | $705,885 | ||||
| 22-24 April 2016 | Monster WPT Tournament of Champions | $381,600 | ||||
| 15 | 2016–2017 | $ | ||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| 16 | 2017–2018 | $ | ||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| 17 | 2018–2019 | $ | ||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| 18 | 2019–2021 | $ | ||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| 19 | 2021–2022 | $ | ||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ | ||||||
| $ |
Records
editInformation correct as of May 24, 2024
| Rank | Name | Titles |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | |
| 2 | 3 | |
| Rank | Name | Final tables |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 13 | |
| 2 | 9 | |
| 3 | 8 | |
| 4 | 7 | |
| Rank | Name | Money finishes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 46 | |
| 2 | 39 | |
| 3 | 34 | |
| 4 | 33 | |
| T5 | 32 | |
Record winnings
editThe largest win in a WPT event is the $5,282,954 paid to Daniel Sepiol for winning the season-ending WPT Championship for season 21.
Progression of largest winnings
editThe progression of the "highest payout" through the history of the WPT, starting with the win by Gus Hansen in Event 1 of WPT Season 1. Entries have declined since the poker boom ended, with no increase in "highest payout" for a number of years – the highest has not increased since an event in 2007.
| Season | Event | Winner | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | #1 – Five Diamond World Poker Classic 2002 | $556,480 | |
| 1 | #6 – World Poker Open 2003 | $589,175 | |
| 2 | #5 – World Poker Finals 2003 | $1,089,200 | |
| 2 | #6 – Five Diamond World Poker Classic 2003 | $1,101,980 | |
| 2 | #8 – World Poker Open 2004 | $1,278,370 | |
| 2 | #9 – LA Poker Classic 2004 | $1,399,135 | |
| 3 | #7 – World Poker Finals 2004 | $1,549,588 | |
| 3 | #8 – Five Diamond World Poker Classic 2004 | $1,759,218 | |
| 3 | #11 – LA Poker Classic 2005 | $1,859,909 | |
| 4 | #7 – World Poker Finals 2005 | $2,142,000 | |
| 4 | #12 – LA Poker Classic 2006 | $2,391,550 | |
| 5 | #14 – LA Poker Classic 2007 | $2,429,970 | |
| 6 | #11 – Doyle Brunson Classic 2007 | $2,482,605 |
WPT World Championship ($25,000 buy-in)
editEach WPT season culminates with the $25,000 buy-in WPT World Championship (simply the WPT Championship before season 9). As with regular events, the prize pool has declined since the poker boom ended: participants dropped from a peak of 639 in 2007, to 146 in 2013. The WPT organizers reacted by dropping the buy-in to $15,000 from 2014 onwards, limiting participation to winners of WPT events since the start of the series, and changing the name again, to WPT Tournament of Champions. There has been no increase in "highest payout" since the $3,970,415 at the 2005 World Championship, and the top prize has consistently been under $500,000 since the 2016 World Championship. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the WPT rebranded its World Championship event with a $10,000 buy-in open tournament in 2022 and 2023, hosted at the Wynn Las Vegas. Both events set WPT records in field size and prize pools guarantees, with the 2023 edition prize pool guarantee of 40 million setting a poker industry record and a top prize of over $5 million.
WPT Ladies
editIn January 2008, the WPT announced a set of tournaments for women, known as WPT Ladies.[18] The first season had five events, with buy-ins ranging from $300 to $1,500. Nancy Todd finished first in the Ladies Championship with Vanessa Selbst finishing second. There are currently no WPT Ladies events scheduled.
WPT Walk of Fame
editThe World Poker Tour Walk of Fame was designed to honor those poker players who have played the game well at the highest levels as well as those who have promoted the spread of it through film, television, and literature.
The first inductees were poker legends Doyle Brunson and Gus Hansen, as well as actor James Garner.[19]
In February 2004, the World Poker Tour Walk of Fame inducted its second members at the Commerce Casino in a ceremony before top pros and celebrities in town for the World Poker Tour Invitational Poker Tournament. The induction ceremony was staged on the doorstep of Commerce Casino.
No new players have been inducted since 2004.[citation needed]
WPT Honors Award
editThe WPT Honors Award launched in early 2017, with Ms. Linda Johnson named as the first recipient.[20] Later that year, 15-year WPT commentator Mike Sexton and gaming industry icon Bruno Fitoussi became the second and third honorees.[21] In 2018, Steve Lipscomb and Lyle Berman each received the fourth and fifth honors.[22]
The WPT Honors Award is the WPT's highest honor, awarded to members of the poker industry in celebration and appreciation of exceptional contributions made to the World Poker Tour and the poker community as a whole. Presented as determined by WPT CEO Adam Pliska and the World Poker Tour, the WPT Honors Award is given in recognition to those who distinguish themselves by excellence and dedication beyond expectations.
WPT Honors Award Recipients
edit- 2017: Bruno Fitoussi, Linda Johnson, Mike Sexton
- 2018: Lyle Berman, Steve Lipscomb
- 2019: Deb Giardina, Matt Savage
- 2022: Isai Scheinberg, Vincent Van Patten
Deal
editA fictional WPT championship match is the setting for the 2007 feature film Deal. Sexton, Van Patten, and Friel play themselves and a number of other poker professionals and poker-playing celebrities are reportedly in the cast. The WPT set was shipped to New Orleans for filming following the season 4 championship.[citation needed]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Osborne, Alistair (November 9, 2009). "PartyGaming buys World Poker Tour". London: Telegraph.co.uk. Archived from the original on 2022-01-12. Retrieved 10 November 2009.
- ^ "World Poker Tour Announces Alliance With Ourgame in asia".
- ^ "Ourgame International Acquires World Poker Tour for $35 Million". 21 June 2015.
- ^ Costelloe, Kevin (30 March 2021). "Allied Esports Revised Deal with Element for World Poker Tour". Orange County Business Journal. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
- ^ World Poker Tour (17 August 2016). "World Poker Tour® and Fox Sports Sign Historic Five-Year Deal". WPT.com. WPT Enterprises, Inc. Retrieved 21 January 2018.
- ^ World Poker Tour (22 May 2017). "Tony Dunst Replaces Mike Sexton as WPT Commentator After Historic 15-Year Career". WPT.com. WPT Enterprises, Inc. Retrieved 21 January 2018.
- ^ Ryan, Rich (2013-09-03). "Lynn Gilmartin to Replace Kimberly Lansing as World Poker Tour Anchor". PokerNews.
- ^ "Media Game WPT World Championship Level 28: 400,000-800,000 - World Poker Tour". www.worldpokertour.com. Retrieved 8 August 2017.
- ^ Holloway, Chad (2013-07-18). "WPT Announces Alpha8 Series Super High-Roller Tournaments; Lynn Gilmartin New Anchor". PokerNews.
- ^ "BT Sports Broadcasts WPT in UK and Ireland". February 13, 2019.
- ^ "WPT®, Grupo Salinas and TV Azteca to Bring WPT Assets to Growing Latin America Audience". www.businesswire.com. 2019-03-06. Retrieved 2019-03-18.
- ^ "About ClubWPT". ClubWPT. World Poker Tour. Retrieved 21 May 2012.
- ^ Nuwwarah, Mo (2016-09-02). "World Poker Tour Launches Social Casino Game PlayWPT". PokerNews.
- ^ World Poker Tour (31 August 2016). "World Poker Tour® Launches PlayWPT™". WPT.com. WPT Enterprises, Inc. Retrieved 21 January 2018.
- ^ "Law.com". Law.com. Retrieved 8 August 2017.
- ^ Hintze, Haley (April 19, 2008). "World Poker Tour Settles Player Release Lawsuit". PokerNews.com. Retrieved 2008-04-20.
- ^ "WPT | StatsAndTools | POY Point System". Worldpokertour.com. Archived from the original on 2014-04-10. Retrieved 2014-03-03.
- ^ "Women's Poker Spotlight: WPT Ladies League, Tour Announced". 10 January 2008. Retrieved 8 August 2017.
- ^ World Poker Tour (17 March 2004). "World Poker Tour Unveils WPT Poker Walk of Fame at Commerce Casino". Cardplayer. Cardplayer Magazine. Retrieved 7 November 2011.
- ^ World Poker Tour (22 February 2017). "World Poker Tour® to Present Linda Johnson with Inaugural WPT® Honors Award". WPT.com. WPT Enterprises, Inc. Retrieved 21 January 2018.
- ^ World Poker Tour (28 June 2017). "World Poker Tour® To Present Mike Sexton and Bruno Fitoussi with WPT® Honors Awards". WPT.com. WPT Enterprises, Inc. Retrieved 21 January 2018.
- ^ "World Poker Tour® To Present Steve Lipscomb and Lyle Berman with WPT® Honors Awards | World Poker Tour". Retrieved 2019-03-18.