WSOP 2016 Aims to Break Record with Colossus II

The WSOP has not yet announced the full official schedule of its 2016 events, but details have emerged which show it aiming to break poker tournament world records, particularly in the Colossus II event.

Last year’s Colossus attracted 22,374 entrants, making it the largest live tournament in the history of poker. The 2016 event seems set to challenge that, with several tweaks to the set-up to ensure it runs much more smoothly.

The $565 re-entry buy-in –the lowest in WSOP history -will remain the same, but the guaranteed prize-pool has been increased from $5million to $7million, with $1million for first prize. In addition, there will be 2 extra starting days, increasing from four to six – each of which will see players hitting the money bubble before the day’s end.

This is designed to “ease congestion”, which was seen last year as players played extremely tightly their stacks in an attempt to reach the Day2 cash. This approach is already in use at the WSOP Oktoberfest.

Another interesting effect of this approach is that we may see some players cashing out before the play ends. and then re-entering and cashing again in one of the other day 1’s.

In a teaser for the upcoming schedule release, WSOP Executive Director Ty Stewart said “We want to wish everyone Happy Holidays and best wishes for 2016. We hope some of your New Year Resolution’s will include capturing a WSOP gold bracelet in the coming year." He continued,

Of course the Colossus, event number 2 on the expected schedule, is not the only draw for the tournament which will run from May 31st until July 18th. (A whole month and a half!) The Casino Employees Event will kick off the festival proper on June 1st, and the Main Event is expected to run from July 9th through July 18th, although the ‘November 9’ final table date may be subject change do to the US presidential election in November/late-October.

The Main Event will have 3 separate starting days – July 9th, 10th and 11th and overall this spectacular festival will have around 70 events. Back on the schedule for 2016 are the popular Millionaire Maker, Monster Stack, Little One for ONE DROP, Seniors Event and Ladies Championship.

The seven-week series will take place in the spacious Rio Convention Center for the twelfth consecutive year and buy-ins for non-bracelet event tournaments at the Rio start as low as $75. Cash games will begin on May 31and run 24 hours a day throughout.