The prestigious Main Event of the 2017 World Series of Poker is just about to happen!
As the official WSOP sponsor, our excitement couldn't be greater.
Once more, we are sending a large contingent of players to Las Vegas. Through exciting promotions like “Tonkaaaap’s WSOP Dream”, our popular $10/$2 BLAST Sit & Go’s, and initiatives like "Spin Your Way to Vegas," along with our renowned qualifiers starting from just a Penny, players have an unparalleled opportunity to pursue their poker aspirations.
With the biggest tournament of the year fast approaching, we believe it’s important to share a list of what to expect from us at 888poker.
The 8-Team last-longer
In this year’s Main Event, we will have five teams, each from a different country, competing in our 'The 8-Team' event. These three-member teams will represent the UK, Brazil, Germany, Canada, and Sweden. The qualifiers, guided by both a Team Captain and a Wingman, who advance the furthest in the tournament will earn a $12,500 prize package for the 2018 WSOP Main Event, as well as the honor of national pride.
Check out the lineup of teams, including their captains and wingmen:
Team UK – Captain: William Kassouf, Wingman: Ky Maciejewski, Qualifier: (to be determined)
Team Canada – Captain: Parker “TonkaaaaP” Talbot, Wingman: Griffin Benger, Qualifier: Timothy Cavalin
Team Sweden – Captain: Martin Jacobson, Wingman: Anton Bertilsson, Qualifier: (to be determined)
Team Brazil – Captain: Bruno “Foster” Politano, Wingman: Denílson, Qualifier: Joao Sousa
Team Germany – Captain: Dominik Nitsche, Wingman: Mario Basler, Qualifier: Sebastian Bachman
Make sure to return before the WSOP Main Event to find out which five fortunate qualifiers will join these teams.
Will Anyone Achieve the Super-Sized Prize at the Main Event?
Players who secured their spots in the 2017 WSOP Main Event through 888poker can take part in our 'Supersize ME' initiative, which promises a whopping $10 million grand prize for the winner. Indeed, we’ll ensure that they receive this eight-figure payout, marking it as the second-highest prize in WSOP history.
The largest top prize ever in the history of the WSOP, which spans 48 years, was $12 million, awarded to Jamie Gold in 2006. The only other instance of an eight-figure payout occurred in 2014 when WSOP announced a $10 million prize for the winner by slightly adjusting the payout structure. Swedish player Martin Jacobson clinched the victory that year. The latest winners, Joe McKeehen and Qui Nguyen, took home $7,683,346 and $8,005,310 prize money, respectively.
Last year, we witnessed two qualifiers from 888poker reach the finale. It remains to be seen if any of our players can go far enough this year to elevate their experience.
Book Launch
On Tuesday, July 11, we’ll be marking the launch of a new book by 888poker Ambassador Chris Moorman titled 'Moorman: The Inside Story of the Most Successful Online Poker Player of All Time.'
888poker Partners With Poker Pod Radio
Poker Pod Radio is a weekly show dedicated to poker culture, which debuted in 2006, hosted by Jack McAdoo along with co-host Danielle Benham.
The show dives deep into what transpires behind closed doors, including player interviews, strategic discussions, tournament summaries, and light-hearted moments to relieve the pressure of a game that has become quite intense!
Streaming continuously at pokerpodradio.com, with podcasts available on their Facebook page.
Poker Pod Radio will be teaming up with 888poker during the WSOP, promising an unforgettable time!
Jack and Danielle will keep listeners updated about 888poker players, offering exclusive insights from the tournament floor, while ensuring a fun atmosphere.
Make sure you tune in!
Hitch an 888ride with David Tuchman
Known as the voice of 888Live events, David Tuchman will take on a unique role during the 2017 WSOP Main Event. In a format reminiscent of James Corden's Carpool Karaoke and Jerry Seinfeld's Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, Tuchman will interview poker professionals while driving them to the Rio, presenting both serious and humorous questions.
The entertaining 888rides will be recorded and shared online, so keep an eye out for what will likely be the most amusing clips from this year’s Main Event.
Qualifier Fun
As in previous years, anyone who secures a $12,500 WSOP package—which includes five nights (July 9-14) at the exquisite Vdara Hotel Las Vegas, a $10,000 buy-in for the Main Event, and $1,200 allocated for travel and other expenses—will receive an exclusive 888live poker kit.
Keep an eye on the XL Inferno Champion of Champions
One player we will be closely monitoring during the Main Event is Cristian “progree69” Sampaoli from Argentina, who recently beat a field of 110 competitors to win the 2017 XL Inferno Champion of Champions, earning him a spot in the 2017 WSOP.
Sampaoli qualified for this prestigious event by triumphing over 543 participants in the XL Inferno Event #178 $30,000 Saturday Challenge for a cash prize of $5,720. Now, he has a remarkable chance to transform that win into a staggering $10 million.
Follow Team 888poker
We are pleased to inform you that 888poker will have dedicated staff on the ground in Las Vegas, enabling us to deliver live updates about our Ambassadors and qualifiers directly from the action of the WSOP Main Event.
Additionally, you can track their progress through live updates provided by PokerNews. If you have a Poker Go subscription, there's a good chance you'll catch sight of some 888poker players on the live feeds.
The 2017 WSOP Main Event stands as the foremost tournament of the year, and at 888poker, we are prepared to enhance your experience with numerous captivating stories to follow.