The Main Event has seen a drop in attendance every year for the past three years
Participation numbers for the 2025 World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE) have continued to slide, raising questions about whether the event’s long stay in Rozvadov, Czech Republic, may finally come to an end. The €10,350 (US$12,110) Main Event attracted just 659 entries, down from 768 in 2024 and 817 in 2023. That figure marks the tournament’s weakest turnout since 2019 and produced a top prize of €1.14 million (US$1.33 million), making it the smallest Main Event payout in a decade.
The decline comes at a time when live poker is booming in most other regions. Casinos in Las Vegas and other European hubs have seen record traffic, while Rozvadov’s numbers move in the opposite direction. Many players argue the location, though home to King’s Casino’s impressive poker room, lacks the travel convenience and excitement found in bigger cities. The sentiment is growing that a fresh venue — such as Prague or another major European destination — could rejuvenate the series.
Attendance has slipped across much of the WSOPE schedule. Shaun Deeb’s eighth bracelet win came in one of the smallest bracelet fields ever recorded, with just 38 entries, several of which were Deeb’s own re-entries. The popular €350 (US$410) Opener event also saw a drop from 3,509 to 3,229 participants, continuing a trend of gradual decline that has persisted since the pandemic recovery years.
Some events have managed to hold steady, including the €550 (US$644) Colossus and €1,350 (US$1,580) Mini Main Event, both surpassing 1,000 entries. However, these small bright spots are overshadowed by the shrinking Main Event field, which typically defines the health of the series.
Interestingly, Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO) tournaments have defied the downward trend. The €2,000 (US$2,340) PLO event jumped from 229 to 406 entries, while the €5,000 (US$5,850) version grew from 141 to 200. This surge highlights PLO’s growing popularity in Europe — but also underscores the need for change. Without a more accessible and vibrant setting, many believe the WSOPE may need to relocate to regain its former momentum.
