Time For the Main Event of Mixed Games, $50,000 Poker Players Championship!
Cue up the Andy Williams mixed game players, because "It’s the most wonderful time of the year".
The title of the famous holiday season song certainly holds true Sunday as it's the day that the greatest mixed game players in the world look forward to, Day 1 of the World Series of Poker $50,000 Poker Players Championship.
Since its debut in 2006 when the legendary Chip Reese won the inaugural edition, the PPC has grown in magnitude and prestige, while perfecting its format along the way, starting back then as a five-game H.O.R.S.E tournament with a no-limit hold ‘em final table to its evolution today into a full nine-game event.
| POKER PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP GAME ROTATION |
|---|
| No-Limit Hold 'em |
| Seven Card Stud |
| Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better |
| Razz |
| Pot-Limit Omaha |
| Limit Hold 'em |
| No-Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw |
| Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo 8 or Better |
| 2-7 Lowball Triple Draw |
Field sizes have swung through the years as well with numbers in the mid-100’s for the first few years, with a progression to more exclusive field sizes in the late 2010’s, with a massive resurgence in 2022 to the field cracking the 100-player mark again and a potential record-setting field size this year as mixed games continue to grow in popularity.
Poker Players Championship Field Sizes
| YEAR | ENTRIES | PRIZE POOL | YEAR | ENTRIES | PRIZE POOL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 112 | $5,362,000 | 2013 | 132 | $6,336,000 |
| 2021 | 63 | $3,016,125 | 2012 | 108 | $5,184,000 |
| 2019 | 74 | $3,552,000 | 2011 | 128 | $6,144,000 |
| 2018 | 87 | $4,176,000 | 2010 | 116 | $5,568,000 |
| 2017 | 100 | $4,800,000 | 2009 | 95 | $4,560,000 |
| 2016 | 91 | $4,176,000 | 2008 | 148 | $7,104,000 |
| 2015 | 84 | $3,696,000 | 2007 | 148 | $7,104,000 |
| 2014 | 102 | $4,896,000 | 2006 | 143 | $6,864,000 |
One thing that has never changed about the Poker Players Championship is that only the best of the best in the world of mixed games come out on top in this one with Michael Mizrachi leading the way with three titles, Brian Rast with two, and now the reigning, defending, undisputed (and whichever pro wrestling analogy you’d like to add) back-to-back champion, Dan "Jungleman Cates.
Previous Poker Players Championship Winners
| Year | Winner | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Dan Cates | $1,449,103 |
| 2021 | Dan Cates | $954,020 |
| 2019 | Phillip Hui | $1,099,311 |
| 2018 | Michael Mizrachi | $1,239,126 |
| 2017 | Elior Sion | $1,395,767 |
| 2016 | Brian Rast | $1,296,097 |
| 2015 | Mike Gorodinsky | $1,270,086 |
| 2014 | John Hennigan | $1,517,767 |
| 2013 | Matthew Ashton | $1,774,089 |
| 2012 | Michael Mizrachi | $1,451,527 |
| 2011 | Brian Rast | $1,720,328 |
| 2010 | Michael Mizrachi | $1,559,046 |
| 2009 | David Bach | $1,276,806 |
| 2008 | Scotty Nguyen | $1,989,120 |
| 2007 | Freddy Deeb | $2,276,832 |
| 2006 | Chip Reese | $1,716,000 |
Cates’ exuberant personality and dramatics at the table, along with his undeniable skill has shined a new spotlight on this event with his championship win in 2021 and successful defense in 2022. Could an incredible three-peat be in the cards this year for “Macho Dan?”
Now, as the great ring announcer Bruce Buffer says, "iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiits TIIIIIIIIIIME!"
Five days of mixed-game poker begins at 2 p.m.local time inside the Paris Ballroom. Six 100-minute levels on Days 1-3, playing down to a final table on Day 4, with a champion crowned on Day 5, Thursday, June 22nd, who will receive the prestigious Chip Reese Memorial Trophy.
PokerNews will be there from start to finish bringing you all the action until the most prestigious title in the world of mixed games is awarded here at Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas.