WPT500 Returning to Aria This Summer

Last year’s huge turnout for the 2014 partypoker WPT500, the tournament will be coming back to Aria again this year, only with even bigger guaranteed prize pool. Last summer, total of 3,599 entries created a prize pool of $1.8 million and now the organizers are ready to set the bar even higher, coming out with a $2 million guarantee – double the last year’s amount.

With a buy-in of $565 and featuring 10 starting flights, this tournament is bound to find a great reception among players. Apart from the affordable buy-in, the fact that players have ten days to choose from will ensure that everybody itching to play can find some time to fit the event somewhere in their schedule.

Day 1A will kick off on Sunday, May 31 and players will be able to find the most suitable starting flight until July 4, over three different weekends. The survivors will return on Sunday, July 5 to play down to the final table, which is scheduled to take place on Monday, July 6.

Sean Yu (pictured), who was triumphant last summer, took home $260,000 for his efforts, despite of having to hold his own at the final table against the likes of Scott Clements and Christian Harder. Great turnout, generating a big first place prize and total of 432 players cashing in the event gave WPT president Adam Pliska enough confidence to really go for it this year.

Although the big guarantee on its own should attract plenty of players, there will be online qualifiers running at ClubWPT.com as well, where players will be able to satellite their way into the tournament.

Aria’s director of poker operations, Adam Altwies, is also very excited for WPT500. Aria is a big room, that hosts numerous poker events throughout the year, but not many can generate the excitement this tournament creates with the players. Aria will undoubtedly have to add some extra tables to accommodate all the players, but that’s one of those sweet pains for the room.

Players looking to qualify for this event will have ample opportunity since online satellites will be running on bwin.party online platforms from May 1 onwards. Those who prefer testing their metal in the live surrounding will also have more than enough chances, with $65 STT satellites starting on May 27, awarding one seat and $125 Super Satellites taking place on June 29 and 30 as well as July 1, 2, 3 and 4, awarding one seat for every six entries.

One reentry will be allowed per day per player and those opting to play more than one starting flight will be allowed to carry over their biggest stack to Day 2.

For more info on satellites and the full schedule of starting days, visit WPT.com.