- The 2023 World Series of Poker Main Event shattered the previous attendance record of 8,773 entrants.
- After late registration closed on Saturday, the 2023 WSOP Main Event reached 10,043 entries.
- The Main Event began on July 3 and is expected to continue until July 17.
LAS VEGAS – The 2023 edition of the World Series of Poker Main Event No-Limit Hold’em World Championship shattered an attendance record that stood for 17 years. Attendance from this year’s Main Event closed at 10,043 players.
Senior Vice President and Executive Director Ty Stewart said "This is a colossal day not only in the history of the WSOP but for poker itself," Stewart added that "It's particularly special to make history in our first year at the new Horseshoe Las Vegas. I think today is a huge testament to the passion of the entire poker community who rallies around this event every year. We're hoping this record is short-lived and we'll be ready for another monster turnout next summer."
Players from the best online poker sites convene in person at the World Series of Poker Main Event every year, but this year was a special one.
The 2023 WSOP Main Event was the first since poker legend Doyle Brunson passed away on May 14. The legend coined as “The Godfather of Poker” and the “Texas Dolly” was the last surviving member of the inaugural World Series of Poker Main Event in 1971.
Brunson was one of six players from the first tournament, which expanded to 100 players for the first time in 1982. 41 years later and the event surpassed 10,000 players, marking a major milestone for the World Series of Poker, the USA online gambling community, and poker players around the world.
The World Series of Poker Main Event No-Limit Hold’em World Championship began earlier this month and is expected to conclude on July 17.