In the last few decades, poker has evolved from a niche pastime to a global phenomenon. That’s thanks largely to the rise of online poker platforms and live poker tours, attracting players and fans from around the world.
These tours not only offer an element of prestige and significant prize pools, but also the opportunity to lock horns with the sharpest minds in the game.
Deciding which live poker tours reign supreme around the world is no easy task in 2024. That’s why we’ve enlisted the help of PokerNews, one of the leading online resources for the poker industry, to make the decision for us. On this site’s homepage, it lists the four following live poker tours as its premier poker circuits worldwide.
World Series of Poker (WSOP)
Founded in 1970 by Benny Binion, the World Series of Poker is widely regarded as the pinnacle of live poker tournaments. Held annually in Las Vegas, the WSOP attracts thousands of players from across the globe to compete for coveted gold bracelets and multi-million-dollar prize pools. The Main Event, with its $10,000 buy-in, remains the most prestigious tournament in the series, with past winners including legends like Johnny Moss, Doyle Brunson, and Chris Moneymaker. The latter’s success helped usher in the dawn of the online poker “boom”. Moneymaker qualified for the WSOP Main Event via an online satellite event, demonstrating what’s possible even for a seasoned amateur.
World Poker Tour (WPT)
Launched in 2002 by television producer Steven Lipscomb, the World Poker Tour revolutionized the game by bringing high-stakes poker to the small screen. Known for its televised final tables and glamorous locations, the WPT has become a staple of the poker circuit. With stops at iconic venues like the Bellagio and the Borgata, the WPT offers players the chance to compete for significant cash prizes and titles at events around the world.
European Poker Tour (EPT)
Established in 2004 by John Duthie, the European Poker Tour quickly became the premier poker tour in Europe. Featuring stops in glamorous destinations like Monte Carlo, Barcelona, and Prague, the EPT attracts top players from across the continent and beyond. With its diverse schedule of events and multi-million-euro prize pools, the EPT offers players the chance to compete in some of the most prestigious tournaments in the world outside of the United States.
888poker LIVE
Launched in 2018 by online poker giant 888poker, 888poker LIVE has quickly established itself as a major player on the live poker circuit. With events held in cities like London, Barcelona, and Bucharest, 888poker LIVE offers players the opportunity to experience the thrill of live poker at some of Europe’s most exciting venues. With a range of buy-ins to suit players of all levels, 888poker LIVE events attract a diverse field of competitors vying for their share of substantial prize pools.
This quartet of live poker tours give you the chance to compete for glory and prizes on the global stage. Whether it’s the prestige of playing for a coveted WSOP gold bracelet, the excitement of a WPT final table or the sophistication of an EPT event, there’s something for everyone here.
