Poker is one of the best-loved casino games in the world. Many elite poker players play in top international tournaments where they can walk away with huge prizes. Some top-level tournaments stand out not only for their prize pots but also for their rich history and prestige.
1. World Series of Poker (WSOP)
This is easily the best-known poker tournament in the world. It is held on an annual basis in Las Vegas, and last year was its 55th year. With every round, the prize pool increases. The main event is the $10,000 No Limit Hold-em. With so many high-level players and huge prizes, this long-running event remains one of the favorites for poker players.
Every player dreams of winning a WSOP bracelet. Most of these bracelets are won at the summer festival in Las Vegas. However, there are also opportunities to win bracelets at the WSOP Europe festival and online events. Players can use a poker app on a mobile device to play in online poker tournaments. It isn’t easy to win a bracelet in the WSOP, and it is seen as a great accomplishment.
2. World Poker Tour (WPT)
The WPT was founded in 2002, and people enjoy watching it on television. It also has a presence in land-based tournaments. One of the notable events is the WPT Championship, which takes place in Las Vegas. It gives winners the opportunity to win big cash prizes and boost their reputations.
A schedule of events takes place all over the world as part of the tournament, so players can access one in their location. Successful poker players who take part in many prestigious tournaments have usually found ways to beat anxiety. Any emotions, such as anxiety and fear, can affect performance.
3. European Poker Tour (EPT)
The EPT was created in 2004 by PokerStars and is Europe’s most popular poker tour. It consists of a series of poker tournaments that take place throughout European cities such as Barcelona and Monte Carlo. In the inaugural season, there were seven events, and two Dutch players and two British players won titles. It continues to attract some of the best poker players from around the world.
There are three players who have won multiple EPT titles. These are Victoria Coren-Mitchell, Mikalai Pobal, and Mike Watson. It can do a great deal for your self-confidence to win more than one title. The biggest EPT first prize was at the Grand Final, Monte Carlo in 2009 when Pieter de Korver won €2.3m.
4. PokerStars Players No Limit Hold’em Championship (PSPC)
The PSPC has only been going for five years but has quickly become one of the most thrilling poker tournaments globally. The high-stakes tournament is hosted by the world’s largest online poker site. The buy-in is a whopping $25,000.
Players can either buy into the event or win their way in through PokerStars satellites. The large prize pool attracts some of the biggest whales in the world to compete against each other for the title. The 2023 PSPC held in the Bahamas was a great success.
5. World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE)
The WSOPE brings the excitement of the original WSOP Europe and has been doing so since 2007. It consists of various events spread over different locations. Two of these are the No Limit Hold’em event and the Pot Limit Omaha event.
The winner of the Main Event walks away with a gold bracelet, like the original WSOP, and also wins a big cash prize. Many big names, such as Danial Negreanu and Gus Hanson, have won bracelets on the WSOPE.
Five venues have hosted this event since its inception. This year, the WSOPE will take place at King’s Casino in Rozvadov from September 17 to October 8. It will feature 15 WSOP bracelet events and a prize pool of €20 million.
6. Aussie Millions
The Aussie Millions takes place in the South Hemisphere. This large poker tournament was founded in 1998 and has grown every year. The festival extends for a whole month and comprises a series of events that end with the AUD 10,600 Main Event. Every year, the prize pots rise, and the caliber of players increases.