In just a few hours, we’ll have the final numbers for the World Series of Poker 2024 Main Event. Meanwhile, the big question is whether it will surpass last year’s record figures.
The four Day 1s have brought in over 9,200 players, already making this at least the second-largest Main Event ever. In fact, Day 1D saw a record 5,014 players, the largest Day 1 turnout in WSOP Main Event history.
Day 2ABC added another 206 players (as per ground reporting by PokerNews and WSOP), bringing the unofficial total to 9,493, just 550 short of last year’s turnout. With late registration still open for a few more hours on Day 2D — the final opportunity to enter this year’s Main Event — there’s a strong chance we could see a new record.
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The current record stands at 10,043 players. To beat that, WSOP officials would be hoping for over 550 entrants in this final chance. Last year, 510 players entered on Day 2D, so the record is well within reach.
If the record is broken, it would be incredible for the game of poker to see back-to-back WSOP Main Event records. Live poker is booming, with many tours across different continents seeing record-breaking participation. The fact that WSOP continues to draw such a large number of players is remarkable and praiseworthy.
Regardless of whether it beats the 10,043 mark, the WSOP 2024 Main Event has already made history. It recorded the largest Day 1 turnout and is now the second-largest Main Event ever. Before 2023, the event had never surpassed 9,000 entrants in its 55-year history. Achieving this milestone two years in a row is remarkable.
With 9,493 players, the prize pool sits at a minimum of $88.2 million, but it is expected to increase to at least $92 million once late registration for Day 2D ends.
WSOP 2024 Main Event Turnout Breakdown by Day
| Day | Players |
|---|---|
| 1A | 915 |
| 1B | ~830 |
| 1C | ~2528 |
| 1D | 5014 |
| 2ABC | 206 |
| 2D | ? |
Among the participants, at least 1,500 are online qualifiers. GGPoker (including GGPoker ON) sent 1,100 players, while WSOP Online itself qualified over 400 players in the US. Other operators like Winamax, poker rooms from the Canada Poker Network (CPN), and other networks running unofficial satellites also played their part.
As always, the richest poker tournament has attracted the world’s biggest poker personalities. This year, notable participants include the trio of Phils — Phil Ivey, Phil Hellmuth, and Phil Galfond — along with Daniel Negreanu, Alex Foxen, Stephen Chidwick, ElkY, Alexandra Botez, and Vanessa Selbst (making a rare poker appearance). Former champions like Chris Moneymaker, Jamie Gold, Joe Cada and last year’s winner Daniel Weinman have also joined the tournament.
This year, under the new payout structure, every finalist in the Main Event will walk away as a millionaire, with the winner guaranteed to take home at least $10 million. Additionally, 15% of the field will receive payouts, with the minimum cash prize set at $15,000.
WSOP 2024 Generates Over $375M in Prize Pool So Far
The World Series of Poker is now on Day 40, and the total prize money generated, including the Main Event, has surpassed $375 million. Several events have attracted four-digit and even five-digit entries. The $400 Colossus drew 19,337 entrants, creating a $6.3 million prize pool, while the $1,000 Mini Main Event saw 6,076 runners and amassed a $5.3 million prize pool. The debuting $800 Independence Day Celebration attracted 6,792 entrants, resulting in a $4.7 million prize pool.
As reported earlier by our premium news poker site Poker Industry PRO, many events have outperformed expectations this year, though some have seen fewer entries compared to 2023. The Colossus, for instance, was a standout, with a 22% increase in turnout from last year, while the Mini Main Event grew by 16%. The $1,000 Ladies Championship event saw a slight decline from 1,295 to 1,245 entrants.
Online bracelet events are also faring well, with consecutive tournaments achieving seven-figure prize pools.
There are still a dozen events remaining, including a Mystery Bounty PLO, the new $3,000 Mid-Stakes NLH Championship, $777 Lucky 7’s, and $1,500 The Closer.
Day 2D of the Main Event resumes today in a couple of hours, and the Main Event will play down to a winner on Wednesday, July 17.