It’s becoming a battle of the brands online as two of the world’s top operators get set to pony up $120 million in May.
Following the announcement of WPT, WSOP and other online MTT innovations, GGPoker and Partypoker are now at loggerheads.
The pair have become the go-to platforms for live operators needing a virtual home during the coronavirus lockdown. With both hosting major events in the coming weeks, they’ve locked horns again, this time with two new high-value festivals.
Coming out of the gate with a $100 million series running from May 3 to May 31 is GGPoker. Run in conjunction with the WSOP, the Super Circuit series will feature 595 MTTs and offer the biggest online guarantee in history.
Although the current record payout for an online series is held by PokerStars’ 2019 SCOOP at $105 million, the guarantee for that was only $85 million. GGPoker and the WSOP will aim to at least meet their guarantee and, if possible, beat it and become the new record holder.
To help bolster interest in the WSOP Super Circuit Series, 18 gold rings will be up for grabs. With coronavirus putting all WSOP live events on hold, the online MTTs will be branded as official Circuit events.
The $1,000 main event will run from May 10 to May 31 and carry a $5 million guarantee. Alongside it will be a selection of medium and high buy-in WSOPC Ring events, including a $1 million charity tournament.
As the WSOP Super Circuit Series Online is coming to a close, the first ever Super High Roller Bowl Online Series gets underway. Taking place on Partypoker between May 23 and June 1, the virtual festival will cater specifically to those with deep pockets.
Like other live-to-online converts, the series is the result of coronavirus lockdowns. With Poker Central unable to host events in Las Vegas, it’s partnered with Partypoker to keep the action flowing.
The Super High Roller Bowl Online will feature buy-ins ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. There will be $20 million guarantee across 28 MTTs, as well as a Player of the Series prize for the top overall performer.
The $100,000+$2,000 Super High Roller Bowl Online main event will be the focal point. To ensure there’s as much high-quality action as possible, entrants will start with 300 big blinds. Add to this a 30-minute clock and the tournament is set to provide a spectacle for players and fans alike.
The loss of the 2020 WSOP this summer has been a blow for the industry. However, in the coming weeks, there will be plenty of opportunities for poker players around the world to ante-up.
While it may not be the same as a live event, poker is still finding ways to survive during a crisis and that can only be a positive.
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