The 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event, began Wednesday with the first of four Day 1 starting flights. The $10,000 buy-in no-limit Texas Hold ’em freezeout tournament is set to attract thousands of players from around the world who buy in directly, or qualify via live or online satellite tournaments.
Will 2024 Set Another Main Event Record?
The the 2006 main event attracted 8,773 entrants (the year Jamie Gold won the tournament) – a record that stood for 17 years before being surpassed last year when the Main Event smashed the record with 10,043 entrants. Daniel Weinman emerged victorious, claiming a $12.1 million prize.
With increased turnout across the WSOP events this summer, many predict that 2024 could break the previous record again. The final numbers will be confirmed when registration closes on Day 2d on July 8th.
Early Excitement – First Hand Bustout
The tournament started dramatically at Horseshoe Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas, with two players eliminated on the first hand.
In one notable hand, amateur David Williamson knocked out poker streamer Travis “DramaticDegen” Darroch, who was playing the Main Event for the first time.
- Pre-flop: Darroch raised with
T
♥
T
♣
, called by two opponents. - Flop:
J
♣
T
♦
8
♥
- Turn:
J
♣
T
♦
8
♥
8
♣
, giving Darroch a full house. - River:
J
♣
T
♦
8
♥
8
♣
A
♦
. Williamson bet big, Darroch jammed all in, and Williamson called with “the nuts” Quad 8’s
8
♦
8
♠
leading to Darroch’s elimination. Williamson doubled his starting stack from T60,000 to T120,000 chips.
2024 WSOP Main Event Schedule
| Date | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, July 3 | Day 1a | Noon |
| Thursday, July 4 | Day 1b | Noon |
| Friday, July 5 | Day 1c | Noon |
| Saturday, July 6 | Day 1d | Noon |
| Sunday, July 7 | Day 2abc | Noon |
| Monday, July 8 | Day 2d | Noon |
| Tuesday, July 9 | Day 3 | Noon |
| Wednesday, July 10 | Day 4 | Noon |
| Thursday, July 11 | Day 5 | Noon |
| Friday, July 12 | Day 6 | Noon |
| Saturday, July 13 | Day 7 | Noon |
| Sunday, July 14 | Day 8 (Play to 9) | Noon |
| Tuesday, July 16 | Final Table Day 1 | TBD |
| Wednesday, July 17 | Final Table Day 2 | TBD |
History of the WSOP Main Event
The Main Event has a rich history, dating back to 1970 when Johnny Moss won the inaugural tournament (through a vote). Moss also triumphed in 1971 and 1974, becoming one of only two players to win the event multiple times, along with the card-playing legend Stu Ungar.
“Legends” of the Main Event
- Phil Hellmuth Jr: Defeated Johnny Chan in 1989, preventing Chan’s three-peat, and now holds 17 WSOP bracelets.
- Chris Moneymaker (2003): His victory spurred the “poker boom,” – with the “Moneymaker effect” increasing the poker’s global popularity.
- Greg Raymer (2004): Won $5 million, and the field size tripled from the previous year.
- Joe Hachem (2005): “Aussie Aussie Aussie” – Popular Australian pro Joe Hachem triumphed over a massive field size.
The 2024 WSOP Main Event continues to be the tournament where poker legends are made. As 2024 unfolds, the poker community and industry watch eagerly to see if another attendance record will be shattered.
An experienced iGaming commentator and analyst based in New York City – Jenny reports on regulation and gambling industry news and events.
The 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event kicked off with a bang as early eliminations quickly whittled down the field of hopefuls vying for the coveted title. Among those looking to make a splash in this year’s tournament is defending champion, Scott Weinman, who is seeking to defend his title and etch his name in poker history.
Weinman made waves in the poker world last year when he emerged victorious in the Main Event, outlasting a field of seasoned pros and amateur players alike. His win was a testament to his skill and determination, and he is eager to prove that it was no fluke by making a deep run in this year’s tournament.
However, the road to a repeat victory is never easy, and Weinman faces stiff competition from a field of talented players who are all hungry for their shot at poker glory. Early eliminations in the Main Event serve as a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of tournament poker, where one wrong move can spell disaster for even the most skilled players.
As the tournament progresses, fans and spectators alike will be watching closely to see who emerges as the next poker superstar. Will Weinman be able to defend his title and solidify his place among the poker greats? Or will a new champion rise to the occasion and claim the ultimate prize?
Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain – the 2024 WSOP Main Event promises to be an exciting and unpredictable journey filled with highs and lows, triumphs and heartbreaks. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds and the battle for poker supremacy rages on.
