2015 WSOP Main Event Payout Structure Changed

9 years ago
2015 WSOP Main Event Payout Structure Changed
01:15
28 Jan

Thinking about plunking down 10 grand at this year's WSOP Main Event but concerned about finishing outside of the top 10% and kissing that buy-in good-bye? How about if the payout structure was changed so that the top 1,000 players or about 15% of the field were promised to walk away with a profit?

That is precisely what WSOP organizers have done. After further review and upon receiving the opinions of a number of vocal players, the WSOP Main Event has abandoned the $10 million prize guaranteed to the winner and instead spread out the prize pool to include more players.

The dream of life-changing money is core to the DNA of the WSOP Main Event and we also want to make it easier to experience playing in poker’s Big Show," WSOP Executive Director Ty Stewart stated in a press release. "Our players understand numbers, and 2015 now presents the best odds ever to leave the Main Event a winner."

Last year it was believed by WSOP honchos that guaranteeing $10 million to the winner in the 10th year that the series was held at the Rio would be a major selling point. Well, it certainly sounds nice - $10 million in year no. 10. But participation rose only 5%.

Organizers have since changed their tune and now feel that sharing the wealth and giving a lesser amount to the champ may be more enticing to amateurs. If the same number of players enter the Main Event in 2015 as did in 2014 (6,683), a total of $8 million would reach the pockets of the winner (along with the coveted gold bracelet).

Another new twist would find the entire final table guaranteed to become millionaires, with $1 million reserved for ninth place. In comparison, last year's ninth place finisher, Mark Newhouse (who finished 9th two years in a row), earned $730,725.

The changes made by the WSOP, while likely considered after receiving input from a number of players, fall right in line with tweets made by Daniel Negreanu just before 2014 ended. Kid Poker insisted that "flatter payouts are more important than guaranteeing a $10 mill 1st prize," and added that more players cashing "increases the chance that recreational players will play not only this year but in future years."

Negreanu further voiced his opinion by stating that "I've yet to hear either a pro player or an amateur that is in favor of a $10 mill first prize. It truly doesn't serve anyone's best interest. Make the WSOP final table become a millionaire."

The new payout structure for 2015 based on the same number of buy-ins as 2014 would see places 694-1,000 receive $15,000 - a $5k profit. Finishing 500th would be good for $20,850, a cash in 100th place worth $50,000, and just missing the final table at 10th-12th would earn $550,000. Of course, those payouts are approximate pending the actual number of entrants.

The dates of the WSOP and prestigious Main Event as previously announced remain the same. The series kicks off on May 27 and ends on July 14. Over 60 gold bracelet events will be up for grabs in-between, with the Main Event set for July 5-14 and stopping for a several month hiatus upon reaching the final nine players.

There are three starting flights for the Main Event, July 5-7. This year will be the 46th running of the WSOP, with the exact dates and times of all the events due to be released shortly.


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Charles is a Chicago native and long time poker player who dusted off his journalism degree and began writing about poker following the events of Black Friday in 2011. He has written for a number of leading poker websites, offering his insights and expertise on subjects ranging from online poker leg...Read more

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