The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is known for its mammoth annual tournament series in Las Vegas. In 2007, the franchise expanded, launching its first European event. This year, the WSOP debuted its first winter series, held at the Atlantis in Paradise Island, Bahamas.
WSOP Paradise hosted 15 events, with $50 million in guaranteed prize money. The Main Event Championship featured a $5,000 buy-in No Limit Hold’em tournament, with a $15 million guaranteed prize pool.
The Main Event drew 3,010 entrants, including some of the best-known professionals in poker. It took four days of grueling play, concluding Thursday, to crown Stanislav Zegal as champion. Zegal won entry into the tournament as an online GGPoker qualifier.
Prior to this victory, Zegal had over a dozen tournament cashes. But this was his first tournament win and his first WSOP bracelet.
“I was so lucky, the cards just fell my way all the time,” Zegal said during the winner’s interview. “I think I played well too, but obviously [there’s] tons of luck. This is what you call life-changing money, I guess.”
Seidel scores his 10th bracelet
Another highlight of the WSOP Paradise occurred during the $50,000 Super High Roller Event. Poker Hall of Famer, Erik Seidel, vanquished a 137-person field for $1.7 million and his 10th WSOP bracelet. His very first bracelet dates back to 1992.
ERIK SEIDEL DOES IT AGAIN!
— WSOP - World Series of Poker (@WSOP) December 10, 2023
Hall of Famer Erik Seidel takes down the Super High Roller at WSOP Paradise to earn the tenth WSOP bracelet of his career.
With the win, Seidel is now second on the All-Time list for most bracelets in WSOP history, tied with poker legends Phil Ivey,… pic.twitter.com/UiUkrgnEMV
"It really is nice to get to double digits," Seidel said during his post-event interview. "Any time you win a bracelet is just an incredibly special thing. To get to 10, I don't know, it's a beautiful feeling. It's just so nice when things go well like this."
Dates announced for 2024 WSOP in Vegas
Caesars Entertainment used the conclusion of the WSOP Paradise to announce the dates for its next major tournament series. The 2024 WSOP will be held at Horseshoe Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas from May 28 through July 17. The $10,000 buy-in Main Event will feature four starting days, beginning on Wednesday, July 3.
The full event schedule for the 55th annual WSOP will be announced early next year. Caesars Entertainment also plans to offer special room rates across all their Vegas properties throughout the series.
