Cards are now in play at Paris Las Vegas and Horseshoe Las Vegas as the 55th annual World Series of Poker (WSOP®) officially begins. This follows a record-breaking 2023 summer with 214,641 entrants from over 114 countries. The 2024 series commenced with Vegas Golden Knights Stanley Cup champion and 2023 Conn Smythe Trophy winner Jonathan Marchessault initiating the iconic “Shuffle Up and Deal” for the first event, Event #1: Champions Reunion No-Limit Hold’em Freezeout.
Marchessault was joined by WSOP Main Event champions, including last year’s winner Daniel Weinman. Known for his achievements in hockey, Marchessault participated in his first competitive poker tournament, receiving guidance from poker legend Daniel Negreanu.
In 2023, Marchessault helped the Golden Knights secure their first Stanley Cup and was named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner, awarded to the playoffs’ most valuable player.
The Champions Reunion No-Limit Hold’em Freezeout features a $5,000 buy-in and a unique bounty twist. Players who eliminate a former Main Event champion will receive an automatic entry into the 2024 WSOP Main Event. All living Main Event champions receive one free entry to this event.
The 2024 WSOP in Las Vegas runs from May 28 to July 17, 2024, featuring nearly 700 tables, new events, and the coveted WSOP Main Event® Bracelet. The Main Event begins on July 3, with four starting flights through July 6. Late registration is available on July 7-8 until around 4:40 p.m. on Day 2 of each day.
The Main Event Final Table will take place on July 16-17 at Horseshoe Las Vegas. Last year’s Main Event drew a record 10,043 entrants, with Daniel Weinman winning $12.1 million, the largest Main Event first-prize payout in series history, making him the first American champion since 2018.
For the full 2024 WSOP schedule and discounted participant hotel rates, visit WSOP.com. Follow @WSOP on Twitter or Instagram or check WSOP.com for event news and updates.
“I’ve heard about how special the World Series of Poker is, but seeing all of this energy today with former champions on hand really drives home the magnitude of this event,” said Marchessault. “While I’d rather still be on the ice fighting for a championship, sitting down to give it a shot in my first competitive poker tournament against WSOP legends is a nice consolation. The WSOP holds a special place in Las Vegas history, and I am so glad I could come out and be a part of it today.”
“What a way to start out the 2024 World Series of Poker as we aim for our biggest and best series ever, following the record-setting summer that took place last year,” said World Series of Poker Executive Director Ty Stewart. “Having a Las Vegas champion here today was the perfect way to kick off the summer and our new Champions Reunion event.”
