There were over 3,800 entries for the Day 1 of the event
The World Poker Tour (WPT) Prime Championship at Wynn Las Vegas has set a new milestone, breaking records for its largest single starting flight. Participation in tournaments like this one increases as time goes by, generating not only fierce but also massive competition.
The $1,100 buy-in tournament saw an impressive 3,866 entries on Day 1, making it the biggest starting flight in the WPT’s 22-year history. This brought the total number of entries to 9,691, officially marking it as the second-largest live poker tournament with a $1,000 buy-in or higher outside of the World Series of Poker (WSOP).
Although the turnout didn’t surpass last year’s WPT Prime Championship record of 10,512 entries, it’s still a remarkable achievement. That previous event saw Calvin Anderson claim the title and a hefty $1,386,280 prize, solidifying its place in poker history.
This year’s field attracted a diverse mix of players, from WPT champions and WSOP bracelet winners to mid-stakes regulars and casual participants. Notable players like Brandon Cantu, Jeremy Becker, and Nick Yunis emerged as strong contenders across the earlier flights. Meanwhile, defending champion Calvin Anderson, who holds five WSOP bracelets and over $6 million in live tournament earnings, advanced with a solid chip stack from Day 1.
Day 1 also drew poker veterans who had missed opportunities in earlier flights. Former WSOP Main Event champions Joe McKeehen and Ryan Riess, alongside Michael Ruane and Matt Salsberg, took another shot at this historic event. While some players built impressive stacks, others, like Riess, struggled to stay afloat.
With the initial flights now concluded, excitement builds as the remaining players prepare to compete for a chance to etch their names into the WPT record books. The event continues to highlight the enduring appeal and competitive spirit of live poker on a grand scale.
Editor at the Big Blind, is a rising star in gambling journalism with a decade of experience, focusing on clear and accessible communication for a diverse audience.
