The 55th annual World Series of Poker kicks off in just two days, and, with the momentum from last year's record-breaking run, all signs point to another action-packed summer in Las Vegas.
For those that venture to Sin City for the action – players and media members alike – the whirlwind that is the WSOP can overwhelm even the most experienced. With that in mind, we've put together a shortlist of storylines to keep your eye on throughout the summer.
1. Hellmuth chases #18
After capturing his 17th WSOP bracelet in 2023, Phil Hellmuth is on the hunt to extend his defining legacy.
There's rarely a dull moment when he sits at the table, and at the WSOP you can experience it all first-hand as Hellmuth takes time out of his schedule – typically packed with Silicon Valley billionaire home games and sweatsuit marketing pitches – to battle with the masses.
Hellmuth is always a threat to take seriously at the WSOP, his unofficial home turf for the last 30+ years, and this summer could prove to be a big one for him.
Then there's his much loved/hated Main Event entrance. But how do you top last year's circus ringmaster-themed entrance, complete with 17 circus showgirls in tow and Dan 'Jungleman' Cates in a cage wearing a lion costume?
PokerOrg's predictions for this year's entrance include: a Karate Combat head-to-toe kit with his own retinue of blackbelt bodyguards; riding a Dune-inspired sandworm summoned from the Mojave Desert that carries him through the halls of the WSOP, obliterating all in its path; or fully embracing the god complex and nailing himself to a crucifix to be carried into the tournament room to hang until the Day 2 restart before he comes down to win it all again.
2. WSOP Fantasy leagues
If you can't make it out to Las Vegas for the series, you can still get in on the action through one of the many WSOP fantasy leagues. While they're no replacement for the thrill of a summer in Vegas, the various fantasy poker leagues that run during the WSOP provide both a way to scratch the gambling itch and a shot at serious cash prizes.
The $25K Fantasy League, run by Daniel Negreanu and his cohort of WSOP-regulars, holds the biggest buy-in and, in turn, the biggest prizes. The $25,000 cost of entry to assemble a team tends to see groups form to share the ownership and financial burden.
In 2023, a record 20 teams ponied up the buy-in and Negreanu expects this summer to yield a similar turnout. On Monday night, the teams will gather at the PokerGO Studio for the draft, and PokerOrg will be on hand to bring you all the updates as the teams choose their players. Additionally, for those interested in a less expensive sweat, you can still take part via the $2,500 Fantasy League and the ODB Fantasy League.
The new-kid-on-the-block this summer is the ACR Poker Fantasy Poker League: Vegas. You can still get in on the action in the client as registration remains open until May 28.
The ACR Poker FPL follows a similar format as other fantasy poker leagues: you get a set budget to draft players and accumulate points based on their performances in events with prizes awarded based on final point tallies.
If you're looking to put together a team, check out these tips from the ACR Pros, but heed this warning from Patrick Leonard:
3. New events and a neeeeewwww world champion?
After last year's record-breaking turnout for the WSOP Main Event, it may be tough to top the numbers from 2023, but poker's ongoing boom shows no signs of slowing down soon. With 99 events on the schedule, there's a tournament for poker players of all calibers and bankrolls, and the variety of offerings should, as always, attract tens of thousands of hopeful combatants.
And there's top action from the off this year with Event #1 being the new $5K Champions Reunion No-Limit Hold'em Freezeout. All previous Main Event champions have been invited to play this event. Knock any of them out and you get free entry into the $10K Main Event. There are plenty of other new events to get your teeth into, too.
But it's the Main Event that's got us really excited, as usual. Who will be crowned poker's unofficial world champion? PokerGO will be streaming all the action and PokerOrg's Instant coverage will be on from pillar to post.
The action isn't just confined to the WSOP. There are plenty of other big series running throughout Vegas, which is the place to be this summer whatever your aspirations as a poker player. One example is the Wynn Summer Classic, which boasts 98 events and over $37 million in guarantees.
4. Negreanu's WSOP vlogs are back
Daniel Negreanu's yearly WSOP vlog series has become hotly-anticipated poker content and fans across the world look forward to the inside look at his summer at the tables. Thus far in 2024, Negreanu has taken a "Quality Over Quantity" approach to his schedule of events and it's worked like a charm.
For the WSOP, Negreanu has plans to drastically cut back on the number of events he plays, focusing on the big buy-ins and formats he feels most comfortable in. Vlog-watchers need not worry, however, as the content will continue to flow this summer – albeit with perhaps more dog segments and vegan food reviews than usual.
5. Tice vs. Becker
Last, but certainly not least, the Landon Tice vs. Jeremy Becker prop bet showdown could end up as the story of the summer if either player manages to put up big results.
If you've been living under a rock for the last hundred days, here's what you need to know. Tice and Becker will battle it out this summer in a crossbook bet, with Matt Berkey and Daniel Negreanu serving as respective backers/team captains. Following the announcement of the bet, the poker community, of course, took sides and boiled down the bout to a GTO vs. non-GTO showdown.
Of course, variance could get the last laugh here, and by the time the Main Event starts it's possible (albeit unlikely) that the score will still be $0 vs. $0. Either way, the poker world will have its eyes firmly locked on both Tice and Becker as the summer series plays out.
PokerOrg will have boots on the ground from the very first day until the 2024 WSOP Main Event champion is crowned. Follow it all here with us and you won't miss a single moment.
