This yr’s World Collection of Poker (WSOP) match sequence was a smashing success. Omitting the occasion that noticed two of the identical playing cards dealt on the flop and a false lively shooter report that led to chaos, the 2022 WSOP confirmed that poker is alive and properly all over the world.
WSOP bling and money from this yr’s poker match sequence. The sequence proved to be an enormous success because the occasions returned to a reside format. (Picture: Denise Truscello/Getty Photos for Caesars Leisure)
The ultimate occasion, the Event of Champions, wrapped up on Wednesday. When all of the playing cards and chips stopped flying, Benjamin Kaupp was the final participant standing within the unique freeroll, selecting up $250,000.
Your complete sequence – all 89 reside occasions – noticed spectacular participation, regardless that there have been nonetheless some issues over COVID-19. In comparison with 2019, the final time a full reside WSOP schedule was held, some occasions elevated their attendance by 27% and even 44%.
The Essential Occasion, all the time an enormous draw, attracted a number of consideration as poker gamers all over the world set their sights on the $80-million prize pool. There have been 8,663 entries, besting the 2019 occasion by 97. Nonetheless, it was nonetheless simply in need of the report of 8,773, set in 2006.
Constructive Critiques for New Venue
The sequence moved to Bally’s and Paris Las Vegas on the Vegas Strip this yr. It was a poignant transfer because the WSOP started at Binion’s Horseshoe. Earlier than the tip of this yr, Bally’s will change its identify to Horseshoe.
Gamers reportedly appreciated the adjustments they noticed as soon as they overcame some preliminary trepidation.
Shaun Deeb commented throughout one occasion that the chips had been “superb,” and the playing cards had been “holding up higher than most years.” Eli Elezra added that Bally’s and Paris had been a “dream come true” for poker gamers.
Daniel Negreanu was shocked at how properly all the pieces went. He mentioned he had anticipated a “shit present,” including that he was “shocked to see it’s gone actually easily.”
For nearly twenty years, the Rio All-Suite Resort and On line casino hosted the WSOP.
Negreanu Takes Heart Stage
Negreanu was on a quest to win his seventh WSOP bracelet. Nonetheless, he fell quick. DNegs had a number of spectacular runs, cashing in 12 occasions, however finally misplaced simply over $1 million.
He’s pissed off, as evidenced by his outburst following a very brutal dangerous beat within the $250,000 Tremendous Excessive Curler No-Restrict Maintain’em occasion.
His finest rating was fifth place for $88,081, which he picked up at a $7,777 buy-in on-line occasion.
Negreanu’s efficiency wasn’t all dangerous. His workforce took second within the $25,000 WSOP Fantasy League for $100,000. It’s a small comfort, however a comfort nonetheless.
The Ups and Downs of Poker
Negreanu’s long-time poker rival and archenemy Phil Hellmuth didn’t have a lot luck on the felt. Exhibiting up as Darth Vader for the Essential Occasion doesn’t imply the drive is with you.
The Poker Brat had six cashes at this yr’s WSOP. Amongst these was a second-place end within the $3,000 buy-in Freezeout No-Restrict Maintain ’em occasion. Nonetheless, the playing cards didn’t fall his approach the remainder of the time.
Even his Essential Occasion try was unsuccessful. He didn’t win a single hand earlier than falling forward of the primary break on Day 2ABC. The 16-time WSOP bracelet winner hasn’t made the cash within the Essential Occasion since 2015.
Poker pro-Matt Glantz might have fallen to fortieth place within the $1,000 buy-in Million Greenback Bounty occasion, however he definitely didn’t stroll away with out an enormous payday. His end gave him about $20,000. However after eliminating one other participant, he had a shot at a giant bounty prize.
Sifting by way of the envelopes, his hand lastly settled on one which felt like a winner. It was, as Glantz picked up the $1-million bounty, the most important the occasion supplied.
Espen Jorstad Cashes In
The large winner was Norway’s Espen Jorstad. He scored the win on the Essential Occasion, pocketing $10 million in money and selecting up his first bracelet.
Though he’s initially from Norway, he now calls the UK residence. As such, he doesn’t need to pay taxes on the winnings. Nonetheless, he nonetheless has to share among the cash, as he obtained backing from different gamers.
That’s nonetheless significantly better than it may have been. Runner-up Adrian Attenborough cashed for $6 million. Nonetheless, as a result of the Australian resides within the US, $2.4 million goes to the federal government.
WSOP Controversies and Issues
The sequence needed to overcome just a few controversies as properly. Within the occasion that noticed Glantz rating his big bounty, one flop produced 5-3-3. The one drawback was that each 3s had been the three of spades.
The hand was dominated lifeless, everybody received their chips again and play resumed. Nonetheless, not earlier than the floorperson threatened – illegally – to disqualify any one that mentioned the misdeal on social media. The risk didn’t work.
There have been additionally repeated grumblings over the participation within the WSOP by gamers the poker group would quite keep away from. A number of gamers are dealing with accusations of dishonest or have been confirmed to be cheaters at different occasions. Nonetheless, nothing prevents them from exhibiting up on the circuit.
That might change, however it’ll take a large effort. An initiative is underway to create a common poker blacklist for cheaters.
On Saturday, with the Essential Occasion underway and the WSOP avoiding main conflicts, an lively shooter alert on the MGM Grand made its approach by way of Vegas. That precipitated panic and chaos on the poker match, which left a number of gamers, together with Negreanu, with severe accidents.
Nonetheless, what was considered gunfire was a damaged glass door by a disgruntled gambler.
