The World Series of Poker announced some changes to the annual Tournament of Champions (TOC) last week. This year’s event moves from the traditional summer series in Las Vegas to the Commerce Casino in Los Angeles from May 10-24.
Not only will the series feature the TOC, but will also be the final stop on the World Series of Poker Circuit following more than 25 stops.
“For years, the Commerce has been the home of poker in Los Angeles and one of the leading card rooms in the world,” WSOP Senior Vice President Ty Stewart said. “We look forward to kicking off our new strategic relationship with a special WSOP Circuit finale and the Tournament of Champions bracelet event. We also look forward to qualifying more players from Los Angeles for the WSOP Main Event than ever before.”
Inside the Series
The WSOP brought back a revamped TOC in 2022 as a $1 million freeroll for all players who have won a bracelet (given to winners in the WSOP in Las Vegas and in online events) or WSOPC championship ring over the last year.
That first event saw Benjamin Kaupp, of Wayne, Pennsylvania, top a field of 470 for the $250,000. In 2023, Ronnie Day, of Fairborn, Ohio, came out on top of 741 entries for $200,000. The tournament had been run in various formats before, but was put on hold in 2007.
Along with the TOC, the Commerce will also hold 18 WSOPC championship ring events with $1.75 million in guarantees. All winners then earn a spot in the TOC, which runs May 22-24.
“We are ecstatic to merge our strengths with the World Series of Poker,” Commerce director of guest experience Spencer Villase?or said. “This collaboration marks the convergence of two giants in the poker world and presents endless possibilities. Together, we are committed to pushing boundaries and setting new standards of excellence in the industry.”
The action kicks off with the $600 Housewarming with a $500,000 guarantee. The series will also feature the $1,700 Main Event with a $1 million guarantee. The final two days are highlighted by satellites to win an $11,000 package featuring buy-in and $1,000 travel stipend to compete in the $10,000 WSOP Main Event in Las Vegas.
California does not have legal, real money online casinos but only CA sweepstakes casinos. The World Series of Poker is surely set to excite the gambling scene in the state.
