The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is underway and could feature a record number of players in the main event, which kicks off next month.
In 2022, the tournament returned to pre-COVID numbers with 8,663 players, and the last two years have surpassed the 10,000 mark with a record-breaking 10,043 in 2023. Last year saw the record broken again with 10,112 players competing in the world’s most prestigious poker event.
Bet on the total number of players
Bet105 has opened a betting line on whether the number of players will again exceed 10,000 and currently offers odds of +300 that it will.
The tournament series started on May 27, and early signs suggest participation will be the highest ever. The WSOP 2025 online bracelets series has seen a 29% increase in participation compared to last year’s opening weekend.
The $1,000 Mystery Millions, which kicked off this year’s schedule, drew 19,654 entries and generated a prize pool of $17,295,520. This represents a 7% increase from last year’s 18,409 entries.
Pennsylvania adding to player pool
The increase in players is in part due to Pennsylvania joining the multi-state internet gaming agreement (MSIGA). Players in Pennsylvania can now compete online with players in Nevada, New Jersey, Michigan, West Virginia, and Delaware.
The first three online bracelet events attracted 5,677 entries total, representing a 29% increase over three comparable events from 2024’s opening weekend. The combined prize money reached $2.8 million, up 23% from last year.
Phil Hellmuth chasing 18th bracelet
Phil Hellmuth leads the way with 17 WSOP bracelets, but announced he will sit this year’s tournament out due to the demanding schedule. It would have been the first time in 37 years that Hellmuth had not competed. However, he announced on X that he will play the main event, after all.
Hellmuth posted, “I am 100% playing in the @WSOP Main Event!
I’ll be coming in themed as “Highway To Hellmuth.” Might dress up like an 80’s rock star. Can’t wait to share the artwork we have for this Grand Main Event Entrance”
Hellmuth is +300 to win an 18th bracelet.
Other big names have already been making a mark on the tournament. Daniel Negreanu narrowly missed out on winning the $10,000 Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship, finishing runner-up to Ryan Bambrick. Negreanu pocketed $313,615 and looks good to make a profit in the main event at -120 on Bet105.
Phil Ivey is also competing at the event and is +200 to win his 12th bracelet. A range of other markets are available for betting. The main event runs from July 2 to July 16, with the final table on the last two days. The event takes place at the Horseshoe Las Vegas & Paris Las Vegas.
Adam is an experienced writer with years of experience in the gambling industry. He has worked as a content writer and editor for five years on sites such as Oddschecker, CoinTelegraph and Gambling Industry News, bringing excellent knowledge of the world of sports betting and online gambling. Adam focuses on emerging stories in the ever changing landscape of betting in the US. Read the latest on prediction markets, changing legislation, and sweepstakes.
