Surging participation and massive prize pools mark a historic first week
The World Poker Tour (WPT) Online Series is off to a record-breaking start, as the global shift to online platforms continues to reshape the poker landscape. In its inaugural week, the WPT Online Super Series has delivered staggering numbers, with over 40,000 entries across 27 scheduled events and more than $25 million in total prize money awarded.
Main Event Eyes All-Time Entry Record
The marquee $3,200 buy-in Main Event, which carries a $5 million guarantee, is on track to potentially surpass the record for the most entries in a WPT Main Tour event. The first Day 1 flight alone attracted 808 entries, adding $2.4 million to the prize pool. A second Day 1 flight brought in 782 additional players, edging the tournament closer to surpassing the Season XII record set by the 2014 WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown.
If the momentum continues, this will mark the first time in 18 years that an online tournament earns a place on the WPT Champions Cup—a major milestone in the tour’s storied history.
Other Standout Performances
-
The WPT500 Online drew 4,828 entries, becoming the second-largest field in WPT500 history.
-
A $25,500 Super High Roller event smashed its $2 million guarantee with 98 entries, generating a $2.45 million prize pool.
-
On average, event guarantees were exceeded by 21%, highlighting the overwhelming demand for high-stakes online poker.
A Silver Lining Amid Global Shutdowns
With much of the live poker world on pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the WPT Online Series has provided a much-needed outlet for both casual players and pros alike. These numbers reflect not just a successful launch, but a paradigm shift in how players and organizers view the future of tournament poker.
