The much-anticipated World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) returns to Harrah’s Pompano Beach this January, bringing a hefty $2.8 million in total prize guarantees. The festival spans 18 WSOPC ring events, supported by nearly daily satellite opportunities, kicking off on January 30 and running until February 10.
A Closer Look at the Schedule
The festival opens with the Double Stack Opener on January 30. This $400 buy-in no-limit hold’em tournament offers players a 40,000 starting chip stack and promises a $50,000 prize pool. However, this is just the beginning.
Here are some of the key events players can look forward to:
- $600 Mini-Main Event: Boasting a $400,000 guarantee, this popular tournament spans multiple Day 1 flights.
- $1,100 Mystery Bounty: With a $250,000 guarantee, this event spices things up with hidden prizes adding an unpredictable twist.
- $1,700 Main Event: Topping the schedule, the main attraction guarantees a jaw-dropping $1 million prize pool.
With 18 events in total, there’s something for everyone, from the dedicated tournament grinders to those taking their first shot at WSOP gold.
The Unique Challenges of Securing a WSOP Ring
Competition for the coveted WSOP Circuit gold rings will be fierce. The massive guarantees indicate equally massive fields, and organisers have taken steps to accommodate the crowds.
Key events such as the Main Event and the Monster Stack have multiple Day 1 flights, ensuring all players get a fair shot. The Main Event features two starting flights, while the $400 Monster Stack will include three.
For players seeking a more intimate competition, there are also three closed events:
- Ladies Event: Open exclusively to female participants.
- Seniors Event: Designed for players aged 50 and above.
- 40/40/40 Event: This creative addition is exclusive to players aged 40 and above, with 40,000 starting chips and 40-minute blind levels.
Not forgetting Omaha enthusiasts, the schedule includes a pot-limit Omaha event and a Big O event, catering to players of this action-packed poker variant.
How to Join the Action
Securing a spot in these events is easier than ever. Players can buy in directly or qualify through online and live satellites hosted at Harrah’s Pompano Beach. These satellite tournaments, held almost daily in the poker room, provide a budget-friendly way to play for big prizes.
A Look Back: The October 2024 Winner
The last WSOP Circuit at Harrah’s Pompano Beach wrapped up in October 2024, with Ian Cohen claiming the top prize of $193,100 in the Main Event. Cohen, a local legend with 30 tournament wins at the venue, entered the final heads-up battle with a six-to-one chip lead against Josh Hillock.
Despite Hillock’s charm and table banter, Cohen’s aggressive play and timely luck sealed the victory. He clinched the title with a Jack-Ten suited hand, cracking Hillock’s pocket queens in dramatic fashion. Hillock settled for a well-deserved $128,728 as the runner-up.
Final Table Results: October 2024 WSOPC Main Event
Place | Player | Prize |
---|---|---|
1st | Ian Cohen | $193,100 |
2nd | Josh Hillock | $128,728 |
3rd | Anatoly Nikitin | $88,364 |
4th | Robert LeBeau | $61,864 |
5th | Steve Karp | $44,190 |
6th | Jose Chapui | $32,219 |
7th | Jack Nathan | $23,988 |
8th | James Carroll | $18,246 |
Looking Ahead
The WSOP Circuit continues to dominate the poker calendar, with the current Thunder Valley series culminating in its $1,700 Main Event. Following that, the action shifts to the Horseshoe Tunica from January 23 to February 3.
Harrah’s Pompano Beach will close out January’s events, offering poker enthusiasts another opportunity to chase glory. February will see three additional WSOP festivals, keeping the excitement rolling.
Key Dates for the WSOPC at Harrah’s Pompano Beach
Date | Time | Event | Buy-In | Guarantee |
---|---|---|---|---|
Thu, Jan 30 | 10:00 a.m. | WSOPC Event #1: $400 No-Limit Hold’em Double Stack Opener | $400 | $50,000 |
Thu, Jan 30 | 4:00 p.m. | WSOPC Event #2: $600 No-Limit Hold’em Mini-Main Event – Flight A | $600 | $400,000 |
Fri, Jan 31 | 11:00 a.m. | WSOPC Event #2: $600 No-Limit Hold’em Mini-Main Event – Flight B | $600 | $400,000 |
Fri, Jan 31 | 4:00 p.m. | WSOPC Event #2: $600 No-Limit Hold’em Mini-Main Event – Flight C | $600 | $400,000 |
The excitement is palpable as players prepare to descend on Harrah’s Pompano Beach. With life-changing prizes and WSOP gold rings on the line, it’s bound to be a thrilling two weeks of poker action.