After more than two years without live action, 6,650 players from around the world flocked to the Rio All Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas for the return of the legendary 52nd World Poker Series Main Event. The main event brings a huge victory, with each player guaranteed at least $1 million when they reach the final table and the No. 1 world champion exiting with $8 million. With the return of in-person play and the easing of international travel restrictions, WSP’s Week 6 was met with excitement along with poker legend Doyle Brunson, delivering the surprise appearance of main event champion alum Chris Moneymaker and key international players.
“From a large international audience to the return of some of the greatest players of all time, turnout for this year’s main event couldn’t have been happier,” said Ty Stewart, senior vice president of poker World Series. “Following a year of this uncertainty, it’s amazing that the poker community is back together. The energy and excitement in the room is palpable as legends and amateurs from all over the world come together to try out another chance for the world championship title.”
Week 6 highlights:
-Chris Moneymaker decides late on WSOP main event
After announcing on Twitter earlier this year that he wasn’t sure if he would make it to this year’s WSOP in Las Vegas, Chris Moneymaker, the 2003 main event champion, surprised the poker world by signing up for Day 1 of the main event.
- Josh Arieh Wins Event 4th Bracelet #66: $10,000 Pot-Limit Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship
After overcoming 208 entry counts, Josh Arie won the event #66: $8 or better championship with $10,000 port limit high. Got his fourth WSOP gold bracelet and $484,791 in cash. Widely regarded as one of the best Port Limit Omaha players, Arie has already won three six-digit scores, including two bracelets, in this year’s WSOP.
-2021 WSOP Day 36: Main Event in progress, even Brunson’s old tricks
Poker Hall of Famer and 10-time WSOP champion Doyle Brunson returned to the WSOP, playing the main event for the first time since 2013. Brunson, 88, is currently tied for second place in the WSOP bracelet category, with Phil Hellmuth leading at 16 along with Phil Ivey and Johnny Chan.
-Poker Community Buys Terminal Cancer Patients For WSOP Main Event
After recently being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, Michael Graydon wanted to fulfill his dream of playing at the WSOP Main Event. The professional poker community stepped in to realize his dream, with MJ Gonzales and Jonathan Depa offering to pay half of Grayden’s acquisition and Maria Ho paying for a flight to Las Vegas.
Former NBA Star Tony Parker Participates In WSOP Main Event
Six-time NBA All-Star and four-time NBA champion Tony Parker participated in the WSOP main event, playing on Day 1B. Parker, who spent 17 seasons in the NBA, is now eyeing the WSOP Gold Bracelet. Unfortunately, he didn’t make it on the second day of the tournament, but since he retired from professional basketball, he will have many opportunities in the future.
What to expect:
-Wednesday, November 17 – Event #67: Main Event No-limit Holdham World Championship
The final two competitors will participate in the Heads Up Championship to determine who will become the 2021 WSOP Main Event Champion.
- Wednesday, November 17 – Poker Hall of Fame induction ceremony
The 2021 Poker Hall of Fame inductees will be announced, cementing a place in poker history among the 56 best players in the game.