Poker Turns to Sydney for Jewel in WSOP International Circuit Crown
Few people need a good reason to travel to Sydney, Australia at this time of year. Relaxing in the sun on some of the world’s best beaches whilst most of us battle through the snow, not to mention their world-famous Harbor Bridge and Opera House. The Land Down Under is a must have on many a tourist’s wish list. However, for poker players, there is another reason to head to this beautiful city.
The 2017 WSOP Sydney International Circuit Event kicks off on the 28th of November in the world class Star Poker Room. If last year is anything to go by, this is not the poker series to miss. The 2016 version of this event had some of the largest tournament fields seen anywhere in the world and some of the biggest prize pools to go with it.
The Opening Event had a whopping 1,200 runners, it should have had more but event organizers had to cap entrants at that level to stop the room from overflowing. However, they have told us that they have increased the room size this year to make sure all players are seated no matter how many arrive! Last year’s winner, George Psarras, took home AUD$90,000. With the event boasting a AUD$500,000 guarantee this year we can expect there to be even bigger payday awaiting the person who takes home the first WSOP ring of the season.
That’s not the only event that will be bigger in the 2017 version of this event. The $5k Challenge, which starts on December 6, has a $1,000,000 guarantee and the one that everyone is vying for, the Main Event has a ginormous $2,000,000 guaranteed prize pool, meaning a life changing sum of money for the winner.
In an unusual twist, the Main Event will have opening flights held over two weeks. Players can start their campaign on Friday the 8th, Saturday the 9th, Thursday the 14th and Friday the 15th, meaning that players who can’t make it mid-week due to work commitments are still able to enter this event on the Saturday!
2016 winner, Joel Dodds, will once again be back to defend his crown. The story of Dodds’ win last year was quite remarkable. A former well-known Sydney pro who had taken some time away from the game decided at the last minute to come and play. It was his first tournament in years (and his first tournament cash since 2012). Dodds outlasted the 1,097-strong field and took home a massive AUD$360,364 for his efforts.
By winning the Main Event, Dodds won entry to the 2017 WSOP Global Casino Championship with a US$1,000,000 guarantee. He was joined at the event by Leaderboard champion Christine Hia. The same is on offer this year for the Main Event and Leaderboard Champions with flights, accommodation and tournament entry fees covered as you get the opportunity to compete against players from all around the world for the title of WSOP Global Champion.
There are many other events that are capturing the local poker communities interest, none more-so than the AUD$20,000 High Rollers event which is expecting to see some of the biggest poker names in the region fight it out. A recent tweet from PokerStars Pro Celina Lin suggested that she will be at the Star Poker room to battle for the title. Recent AUD$20,000 High Roller events held at The Star have also seen the likes of 2005 WSOP Champion Joe Hachem take part, as well as several other Aussie bracelet winners.
In only its second year, the WSOP Sydney International Circuit Event held in the Star Poker Room is already the most anticipated spot on the WSOP Circuit. There are 14 rings on offer over 21 days of poker action which will lead to non-stop action in one of the most picturesque locations on earth. Combine all that with summer sun, Kangaroos and Koalas and the WSOP Sydney is the place to be this December!
Sponsor generated content by Star Sydney
