One of the most celebrated events in World Poker Tour (WPT) history is making a long-awaited comeback. The Bay 101 Shooting Star Championship, a tournament with a legacy dating back to 1997, is officially back on the WPT schedule for the first time since 2017. This marks a significant return for one of poker’s most beloved stops, which was last played in 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly ended the event with a final-table chop.
A Rich History with Poker Legends
Bay 101 has always been a unique stop on the WPT calendar, attracting poker elites and enthusiastic fans alike. The tournament first gained WPT status in 2004 during the tour’s second season, making an instant impact. That year, Phil Gordon claimed victory, taking home $360,000. Meanwhile, Chris Moneymaker, the man who ignited the poker boom by winning the 2003 WSOP Main Event, was the last bounty standing in that tournament.
This event quickly became a fan favorite due to its signature “Shooting Star” bounty format, where famous pros had a price on their heads. Amateurs and seasoned players alike relished the opportunity to bust a poker legend and claim a cash prize for doing so.
For over a decade, the Bay 101 Shooting Star was a mainstay on the WPT calendar, drawing large fields and creating some of the most memorable moments in tour history. Its absence in recent years left a void, but that’s about to change.
The Comeback is Official
The WPT Bay 101 Shooting Star festival will run from October 17-31, culminating in the $5,300 WPT Bay 101 Shooting Star Championship Event, which runs from October 25-29. Unlike previous editions, the final table will take place at a later date in Las Vegas, Nevada, with a delayed televised broadcast.
“Bay 101 Casino has long been a staple of the World Poker Tour’s rich history,” said WPT CEO Adam Pliska. “The players, the fans, and the incredible team at Bay 101 create an amazing environment. We look forward to returning to this iconic venue once again.”
This announcement was met with widespread enthusiasm from the poker community. Many fans and players have fond memories of the electric atmosphere at Bay 101 Casino in San Jose, California, and they’re eager to see the event restored to its former glory.
What Makes Bay 101 So Special?
The return of the Bay 101 Shooting Star isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about reviving a tournament format that made poker more exciting for fans and players alike. A few key aspects set it apart:
- Bounty Element: Each designated Shooting Star (usually a poker pro or well-known player) has a bounty on their head. Knock them out, and you win a cash prize.
- Huge Fields: Historically, the tournament attracted a mix of recreational and professional players, often leading to unpredictable and thrilling action.
- Passionate Fanbase: Bay 101 was one of the few WPT stops where railbirds turned out in droves to watch the action unfold.
- Televised Final Table: While the final table will now take place in Las Vegas, its coverage will still bring added prestige to the event.
A Look at Past Champions
Over the years, the Bay 101 Shooting Star Championship has crowned some legendary winners. Here’s a look at a few of them:
| Year | Winner | Prize Money |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Phil Gordon | $360,000 |
| 2006 | Nam Le | $1,198,300 |
| 2008 | Brandon Cantu | $1,000,000 |
| 2010 | McLean Karr | $878,500 |
| 2014 | James Carroll | $1,256,550 |
These names represent a mix of high-stakes pros and rising stars who turned their Bay 101 victories into stepping stones for greater success.
The Poker Community Reacts
Players and poker personalities have already started sharing their excitement about Bay 101’s return. Many took to social media to reminisce about past experiences and express anticipation for the upcoming event.
One of those voices was Joe Hachem, the 2005 WSOP Main Event champion, who tweeted: “Bay 101 was always one of my favorite stops. The Shooting Star format made it special. Great to see it back on the WPT schedule!”
Meanwhile, Tony Dunst, a WPT commentator and former Bay 101 participant, chimed in: “Bay 101 had an atmosphere unlike any other. The fans, the players, and the bounty format made it an absolute must-play. Can’t wait to see it back!”
Even casual players are excited about the tournament’s revival. The bounty element gives amateurs a real chance to shine, making it one of the most accessible high-profile poker tournaments in the world.
What to Expect This Year
The 2024 edition of the Bay 101 Shooting Star promises to deliver a mix of tradition and modern poker excitement. Given the rising popularity of bounty tournaments in the current poker climate, this could be one of the biggest Bay 101 fields in years.
Expect to see some of the biggest names in poker at the tables. WPT regulars, past champions, and young rising stars will all be looking to add their names to the Bay 101 history books.
For fans, it’s a chance to witness some of the most thrilling poker action of the year. The energy of Bay 101’s live crowd has always been special, and even though the final table will be played in Las Vegas, the early rounds should still have that signature San Jose feel.
One thing’s for sure—Bay 101 is back, and the poker world couldn’t be happier.
