The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is always the biggest highlight of the live poker schedule each year and the 2023 rendition has already broken multiple records. Participation levels are up more than 10% for the same events compared to last year’s numbers and with more live events than ever before, it looks like the festival is on pace to set new attendance marks. Nearly 70,000 people have battled it out for more than $75m in prize money and over two dozen bracelets across the first two weeks.

the biggest-ever $1,000 buy-in WSOP event, attracting 18,188 entries

The Mystery Millions became the biggest-ever $1,000 buy-in WSOP event, attracting 18,188 entries. From each buy-in, $300 went towards the bounty pool and two participants claimed $1m bounties. The $1,500 Razz event drew 556 entries, shattering the previous WSOP Razz tournament record, set in 2012. Dubbed the “most affordable” WSOP event of all time, the $300 Gladiators of Poker tournament became the second-largest-ever live event after attracting 28,371 participants.

This is the second time that the event is taking place at the Paris Las Vegas and the Horseshoe Las Vegas (formerly Bally’s) casinos. The WSOP will be running until July 18, with the Main Event kicking off on July 3. WSOP Executive Director Ty Stewart is hopeful that the 2006 Main Event record of 8,773 players could be broken this time around.