The World Series of Poker (WSOP) has confirmed that the previously announced $1 million buy-in event that is set to be run by high stakes poker player Guy Laliberte will award the winner a prestigious WSOP bracelet.
The event will take place at the WSOP tournament series next year and will be in aid of the One Drop charity, helping people around the world get access to clean water. Thus far, a number of big name players have confirmed they will be playing the event including Daniel Negreanu, Tom Dwan, Patrik Antonius, Gus Hansen, Tony G and last year’s WSOP main event winner Jonathan Duhamel. The event will take just over $100,000 from each entrant toward the charity.
“Should be a Special Event Without a Bracelet”
Many have questioned the validity of awarding a bracelet that is out of the range of most players’ buy-in. Seeing as very few players can buy-in, pro Allen Kessler likened it to “buying a bracelet,” which is why rebuy events were eliminated from the WSOP schedule. Many have said this previously about big “super high-roller” events that take place, and that winnings from them should not be included in the all-time money list, as well as in invite tournaments.
Negreanu, one of the men who is high up on the all-time tournament money list, said that it should be “a special event without a bracelet” but that it was for charity and that was the most important thing. The charity event can only be a good way to help the image of poker following Black Friday, amongst other recent scandals. Terrance Chan, however, noted that for many players even a buy-in like the WSOP main event ($10,000) is out of most players’ bankrolls and this is no different.
Whatever happens, with a tournament full of big name players trying to win a huge cash prize, it will be one that fans will enjoy, regardless of whether a bracelet is involved or not.
John
- hailing from Watford, UK John became hooked on the game of poker ever since his uncle taught him the rules of 7-card stud during a home game at the young age of 15. He caught the online bug three short years later after turning 18 and began regularly playing Texas Hold'em SNGs.
