World Best Poker Tournament There is nothing that gets poker enthusiasts in Canada and worldwide more excited than a high-stakes tournament. No matter if you’re a seasoned pro or an eager amateur, these events offer the right mix of know-how and strategy with life-changing sums of money on the line. Today we will take an inside tour of some of the finest poker tournaments that the world offers to make you catch the feel of it, and possibly help in planning your next ultimate poker tour.
World Series of Poker (WSOP)
No list of top poker tournaments would be complete without mentioning the World Series of Poker. Held each year in Las Vegas, it’s the largest poker event and a bucket list item for poker players around the world. The tournament features more than a dozen games, but the fan favorite, of course, is the $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em Main Event.
Thousands of poker players flock to enter the WSOP Main Event every year, each going for a piece of an astounding prize pool that can surpass $60 million USD (or 80 million CAD) in some years. Not only do winners walk away with a payday in the multi-millions, but they also capture that coveted WSOP bracelet — the poker equivalent of an Olympic gold medal.
In recent years, the WSOP has offered a happy hunting ground for Canadians looking to make their mark. In 2010, Jonathan Duhamel became the first Canadian winner of the Main Event, taking home over $8.9 million USD. In more recent times, Daniel Negreanu, the famous Canadian player, has performed well in the recent WSOP events, cementing his place as the top player in the Canadian poker circle.
European Poker Tour (EPT)
The EPT is one of Europe’s biggest poker tours. If you’re looking to combine your love for the tables with a trip across the continent, try scheduling it around EPT. Organized by PokerStars, the tournament has stops in some of Europe’s most glamorous cities, including Monte Carlo, Barcelona, and Prague.
EPT Main Events usually carry buy-ins of about €5,000 (approx. $7,300 in CAD), which is relatively cheap compared to many other highly profiled tournaments around the world. But do not be fooled by the lower buy-in — there are still some serious players in these events. The tournament also boosts huge prize pools, often reaching over €5 million.
The biggest appeal of EPT for Canadians is that they can experience all the different poker cultures and styles along with getting a chance to visit Europe’s most beautiful cities. Every location on the tour has its own special feel, one that reflects local gaming customs and the spirit of each host city.
Aussie Millions
For those who can manage the long trip down under, nothing beats an Aussie Millions poker extravaganza. Played in January each year at the Crown Casino in Melbourne, Australia, this championship continues to be among the most popular with top professionals as well as part-time recreational players.
The Aussie Millions ME offers a $10,600 AUD (approx. 9,500 CAD) buy-in with its $7 million AUD prize pools reserved for first-place finishers. What sets this tournament apart is its timing — taking place during the Australian summer, it’s a perfect escape from the harsh Canadian winter.
The event also boasts a few special high-roller events, such as the traditional $100,000 Challenge and even a Super High Roller one for an impressive entry fee of $250k. These nosebleed stakes bring out a huge audience, filled with poker stars and fans from all over the world.
World Poker Tour (WPT)
The World Poker Tour has been a fixture in the poker world since it began airing its final tables on television way back in 2002. To this day, the WPT still boasts some of poker’s premier events with stops across North America and around the globe.
WPT Main Events usually have buy-ins from $3,500 to $10,000 USD, with its prize pools going in the millions. The WPT is appealing to Canadians because there are North American stops, putting them much closer to the action as compared to other tours. Additionally, you as a proud Canadian can also avail the opportunity to play a big-time tournament right in your own backyard with events such as WPT Montreal.
Triton Poker Super High Roller Series
The Triton Poker Super High Roller Series is the ultimate event for those with very deep pockets and a need to scratch that high-stakes poker itch. These events boast no shortage of heart-throbbing buy-ins that go anywhere between $25,000 and a jaw-dropping one million dollars USD.
Triton events are hosted in some of the most exotic locations on Earth, spanning Montenegro to South Korea. The show has attracted business elites along with all the top poker pros and went on to feature some of the richest money games in history.
While the buy-ins might be out of range for most, the Triton Series guarantees top-notch, high-end excitement for all poker fans. You can get multi-million dollar prize pools and the chance to see the world’s best players compete at the highest level, making these events a must-watch for any serious poker enthusiast.
PartyPoker MILLIONS
The PartyPoker MILLIONS series injects a degree of newness into the equation and has established itself as a major player in the world of poker tournaments. Featuring both live and online tables, PartyPoker MILLIONS is something for all players.
MILLIONS Main Events typically have a $5,300 USD buy-in (approximately 7,100 CAD) and feature at least a $5 million guaranteed prize pool for the top finisher. MILLIONS stands out due to its unique tournament formats and the ability for players to qualify online, which can mean a modest stake could generate life-changing sums of money.
The PartyPoker MILLIONS comes to North America and the Caribbean, with an easy day’s travel for Canadians who still want a shot at some of poker’s biggest prize pools live.
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Last Updated: August 1, 2024
