The United States poker market is really thriving in both the physical and online scenes. So much so that some players have claimed a new poker upsurge in 2022. Truthfully, these claims are not farfetched, with many new tournaments across the country. Also, other previously existing tourneys have rebranded to attract more players.
Existing tournaments, such as the World Series of Poker, have driven the poker world for a long time. Yet, new ones with very impressive buy-ins have found their place in the US market following the latest poker boom. Aside from annual events, some casinos also offer daily and weekly tournaments.
The boom in poker can also be traced to the adjustment of gambling rules across the country. Today, most US states are much more gambling-friendly than in previous eras. Illinois can be cited as a good example.
The state has been prevalent in gambling following the legalization of the first casinos in 1991. Across Prairie State, numerous casinos and terminals offer players different wagering options. These include casino games, physical poker rooms, online sports betting, and online lottery. However, online casinos and poker sites do not see the same level of acceptance. For now, all online poker sites available in Illinois operate on a sweepstake model. That notwithstanding, there are efforts to ensure casino games and poker are available online soon.
Top Online Poker Tournaments In The United States
Currently, only six states feature as legal markets for online poker in the United States. Players in these states are consistently exposed to some of the best poker tourneys. As such, here are some standout poker events held in the United States.
World Series Of Poker (WSOP)
Across the United States, WSOP is regarded as the most impressive live poker tourney. This annual event incorporates over 60 events held between May and July. Many experts have endorsed WSOP for various reasons. Firstly, it offers a massive opportunity to make real money. It also provides a platform for poker enthusiasts worldwide to compete with other players.
The World Series of Poker began in 1970, with some of the best poker players deciding to crown a champion. With time, this annual gathering grew to become a poker Main Event. Today, it is the largest poker event in the United States, with a buy-in of $10,000.
The WSOP Main Event is surrounded by numerous side events with buy-ins ranging from $1,000 to $1 million. These side events offer players the chance to showcase their abilities in different poker variants.
World Poker Tour (WPT)
In 2002, documentary producer Steve Lipscomb paired with some poker pros to organize a series of poker tourneys. These events were to be held worldwide and filmed for the Travel Channel. In a few years, this idea became a public company earning over $12 million in 2009. Since then till now, WPT has been sold to different investment groups, with the latest purchase occurring in 2021.
Today, this tournament features different achievements over its 20 years. The annual tournament has been broadcasted in over 150 countries and translated into various languages. Having started with poker pros, the event has featured some of the best names in the poker scene. World Poker Tour hosts events in different US states, including Florida and Oklahoma. Players can also engage in online poker tournaments through the ClubWTP site.
WSOP Circuit (WSOP-C)
The World Series of Poker Circuit events were born following the massive success of WSOP. The WSOP-C featured various events, with the WSOP Main Event headlining the schedule. Generally, the WSOP-C tour organizes events in 21 different locations. These include some of the best online poker rooms in the United States, such as Foxwoods. Aside from the opportunity to win big, players are also gifted WSOP-C rings for winning an event.
Evidently, the WSOP-C tournament is not yet as big as the WSOP. It, however, remains one of the top poker tournaments in the United States. This is because it offers a platform for new players to explore elite levels of the game. WSOP-C buy-ins are also cheaper, ranging from $300 to $1,000, and the event’s schedule is quite flexible.
WPT DeepStacks and WPT Prime
As with WSOP, the World Poker Tour has also expanded to feature other brands. DeepStacks – a mid-majors poker tour – was first acquired in 2014 and renamed WPTDeepStacks. This new acquisition ensured the tour could make more stops with lower buy-ins. Players across the United States and other countries globally could compete in events with the WTP structure.
The WPTDeepStacks brand was retired earlier this year, with WPT Prime taking its place. The new brand will be integrated more into the WTP main tour employing the same leaderboard in deciding the player of the year. Players can also engage in WPT Prime online through the Club WPT website.
888Poker
Regarding actual online poker rooms, 888Poker stands highly as one of the best, currently ahead of PokerStars and GGPoker. Created initially as Pacific Poker in 2002, 888Poker is based in Gibraltar and the UKGC region. It has, however, been a sponsor for WSOP, a strategy used to reach players in the US.
Today, players in New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware can access 888Poker and explore some of their tournaments. These events have been improved to ensure some of the most affordable low-stakes multi-table tourneys are available to online players. Some popular tourneys include the XL Retro Series, the Sunday Sale, Sunday’s Made to Amaze, and Triple Threat KOs.
There are a ton of other poker tournaments available to players in the US. And while WSOP and WPT are standout events, some online poker rooms have created tourneys that attract massive players. Players opt for most of these local poker events as they offer different poker variants.
They also offer a cheaper buy-in and the opportunity for new players to experience competitive poker. All in all, as more states legalize online poker and with more quality poker sites available, there will be a rise in poker tourneys across the country.
