One of the beautiful things about the game of poker is that it is played worldwide. I have been fortunate to travel around the world and compete in poker tournaments in an assortment of different casinos and resorts. After being in hundreds of different venues, naturally I have found some poker rooms and casinos to stand out as being some of the best. Even though the new year has just begun, there is plenty of poker already set to take place over the next 12 months. From the white, sandy beaches of the Bahamas to the bright, neon lights found in Las Vegas, here is my list of the best places to play poker in 2023, along with some tournament schedules you should definitely check out!
PokerGO Studio at ARIA
Photo Courtesy of PokerGO
While you may be used to watching high stakes action on PokerGO, 2023 may be the year you find yourself playing underneath the studio lights. If a premier poker tournament series or cash game is happening in Sin City, there is a good chance it is taking place at PokerGO Studio. Attached to the luxurious Aria Resort and Casino, PokerGO Studio has long been one of my favorite places to play poker. Whether or not you have experienced the atmosphere at PokerGO, playing at their official studio is nothing short of a big deal.
PokerGO Studio has been a profitable destination in recent years for members of Team PokerCoaching. Recently in the second $10,000 buy-in tournament of the PokerGO Cup, PokerCoaching coach Aram Zobian secured his first big tournament series win claiming $207,500 for first place. In 2022, I had a runner-up finish in the U.S. Poker Open $10,000 buy-in event winning $149,600 for my biggest cash of the year. Becoming a regular at PokerGO Studio is PokerCoaching coach Justin Saliba, who placed first in the fourth event of the 2023 PokerGO Cup for $195,000. Another regular at PokerGO Studio is PokerCoaching coach Brock Wilson, who experienced a bink at PokerGO Studio in 2021 when he took down the $10,000 buy-in event of the Poker Masters ($189,800 score).
Congratulations to PokerCoaching.com coaches Justin Saliba and Aram Zobian for their recent wins at the PokerGO Cup
Poker players looking to take on some of the best pros can do so in a number of tournament series set to take place at PokerGO Studio. If you need some time to pad your bankroll before taking a shot at PokerGO Studio, additional marquee tournaments like PokerGO’s U.S. Poker Open (USPO), the Stairway to Millions, and the prestigious Poker Masters are set to return this year. Be on the lookout for $1100 satellites to these $10k’s throughout the year as well!
The Aria Poker Team, led by Paul Campbell, is one of the most innovative poker groups in the country. With the ability to develop innovative structures, tournament series, and rules, the staff at Aria continues to keep PokerGO Studio at the top of the poker marketplace. Always willing to talk with their players, get feedback, and work together to improve the overall tournament experience, the properties’ dedication to serving their clientele is incredible. When they aren’t busy organizing tournaments for poker’s best, you can find the PokerGO team promoting the game with their official PokerGO podcast hosted by Senior Public Relations & Communications Manager Donnie Peters and PokerGO Tour Commissioner Tim Duckworth. If you want to feel like poker royalty and enjoy the free Din Tai Fung, go check out PokerGO Studio.
PokerGO Studio Tournament Schedule
TournamentBuy-InStart DateStart TimePGT Mixed Games Event #1 H.O.R.S.E$10,300February 412:00 PMPGT Mixed Games Event #2 8-Game$10,300February 512:00 PMPGT Mixed Games Event #3 Triple Stud Mix$10,300February 612:00 PMPGT Mixed Games Event #4 Big Bet Mix$10,300February 712:00 PMPGT Mixed Games Event #5 Triple Draw Mix$10,300February 812:00 PMPGT Mixed Games Event #6 Dealer’s Choice$10,300February 912:00 PMPGT Mixed Games Event #7 Dealer’s Choice$25,500February 1012:00 PMPGT Mixed Games Event #8 NL 2-7 Single Draw$5,300February 112:00 PMPGT Pot-Limit Omaha Series Event #1$5,000March 1112:00 PMPGT Pot-Limit Omaha Series Event #2 Bounty$5,000March 1212:00 PMPGT Pot-Limit Omaha Series Event #3$10,000March 1312:00 PMPGT Pot-Limit Omaha Series Event #4 PLO8$10,000March 1412:00 PMPGT Pot-Limit Omaha Series Event #5$10,000March 1512:00 PMPGT Pot-Limit Omaha Series Event #6 PLO 8 / Big O$10,000March 1612:00 PMPGT Pot-Limit Omaha Series Event #7 Bounty$15,000March 1712:00 PMPGT Pot-Limit Omaha Series Event #8 Championship$25,000March 1812:00 PMPGT Pot-Limit Omaha Series Event #9 5-Card PLO$2,200March 1912:00 PMPGT Last Chance Series Event #1$10,000November 2712:00 PMPGT Last Chance Series Event #2$10,000November 2812:00 PMPGT Last Chance Series Event #3$10,000November 2912:00 PMPGT Last Chance Series Event #4$10,000November 3012:00 PMPGT Last Chance Series Event #5$10,000December 112:00 PMPGT Last Chance Series Event #6$10,000December 212:00 PM
Baha Mar for the PokerStars Players Championship (PSPC)
After a three-year hiatus, PokerStars will be hosting not only their Players Championship but also their Caribbean Adventure at the beautiful Baha Mar Resort. Poker players who make the trip to the Bahamas can look forward to a variety of lucrative tournaments, including a $550 mystery bounty along with two $100,000 and $250,000 buy-in high roller events. Always drawing some of the world’s best players, the highly anticipated return of the Players Championship and Caribbean Adventure is surely circled on many players’ calendars.
Whether you are a bankrolled high roller or find yourself at the PSCA via a PokerStars Platinum Pass, the Baha Mar Resort & Casino provides the pinnacle of luxury for anyone who enters through their doors. When away from the tables, players can enjoy the scenic beaches as well as the resort’s water park, wildlife sanctuary, and recreational activities. Depending on where you live, January and February can certainly be treacherous it comes to the cold, so why not take a poker trip to the Bahamas!?
It is hard not to have fond memories of PokerStars’ Caribbean Adventure, having made multiple deep runs in the series throughout my career. In 2017, I came up just short in partypoker’s $10,300 High Roller, bringing home $175,000 for my 2nd place finish. Regular’s on the high roller poker tournament circuit like Jason Koon and Sam Greenwood have had tremendous success at the PSCA as well, winning the Super High Roller in 2017 and 2019 respectively. Having a tendency to attract some of poker’s best, the 2023 return of the PokerStars Players Championship and Caribbean Adventure is sure to be a triumphant one.
PokerStars Caribbean Adventure/Players Championship Series Schedule
TournamentBuy-InStart DateStart TimeBSOP Bahamas Main Event$1,100January 222:00 PMPCA Super High Roller$100,000January 222:00 PMNo-Limit Hold’em Tournament$330January 225:00 PMPCA Main Event Flight A$10,300January 2312:00 PMSeniors (50 Years or Older)$550January 232:00 PMNo-Limit Hold’em Tournament$550January 234:00 PMKnockout Bounty (Freezeout)$20,000January 237:00 PMPot Limit Omaha Tournament$1,100January 2412:00 PMPCA Main Event Flight B$10,300January 2412:00 PMSix-Handed NLH Tournament$50,000January 2412:30 PMHyper Turbo Knockout (Freezeout)$2,100January 248:00 PMNLH Deep Stack$2,200January 253:00 PMSeven-Handed NLH Tournament$50,000January 257:00 PMHyper Turbo Knockout (Freezeout)$1,050January 258:00 PMPCA Mystery Bounty$3,000January 262:00 PM8-Game Tournament$550January 262:00 PMEight-Handed NLH Tournament$50,000January 267:00 PMNo-Limit Hold’em Tournament$330January 268:00 PMPLO Hi/Lo Tournament$550January 272:00 PMNLH Deep Stack$1,100January 273:00 PMEight-Handed NLH Tournament$25,000January 277:00 PMPCA PLO High Roller$25,000January 282:00 PMH.O.R.S.E Tournament$1,100January 283:00 PMNLH Freezeout$1,100January 283:00 PMPSPC Warm Up! NLH Tournament$10,200January 284:00 PMNLH Hyper Turbo (Freezeout)$550January 288:00 PMNLH Women’s Tournament$330January 2912:00 PMNLH Mystery Bounty$10,200January 294:00 PMNo-Limit Hold’em Tournament$330January 295:00 PMPokerStars Players NLH Championship$25,000January 3012:00 PMHyper Turbo Knockout (Freezeout)$2,100January 309:00 PMNLH Deep Stack$3,300January 313:00 PMNo-Limit Hold’em Tournament$330January 315:00 PM$250k Super High Roller$250,000January 316:00 PMH.O.R.S.E Tournament$550February 112:00 PMPSPC Mystery Bounty Flight A$550February 112:00 PMNLH Deep Stack$2,200February 12:00 PMPCA High Roller$25,000February 12:00 PMPSPC Mystery Bounty Flight B$550February 16:00 PMHyper Turbo Knockout (Freezeout)$1,050February 18:00 PMPot Limit Omaha Tournament$330February 212:00 PMPSPC Mystery Bounty Flight C$550February 212:00 PMNLH Freezeout$1,100February 22:00 PMPSPC Mystery Bounty Flight D$550February 26:00 PMSeven-Handed NLH Tournament$100,000February 28:00 PMNLH Hyper Turbo (Freezeout)$550February 28:00 PMNo-Limit Hold’em Tournament$330February 312:00 PMNo-Limit Hold’em Tournament$3,100February 312:00 PMSix-Handed NLH Tournament$10,150February 34:00 PMLast Chance Super Hyper Turbo (Freezeout)$1,015February 37:00 PM
Paris & Horseshoe Casino’s for the World Series of Poker (WSOP)
There is no doubt about it, the World Series of Poker still serves as the most anticipated tournament series every year. While WSOP players will be returning to The Strip for the second straight year, a fresh coat of paint has been applied to half of the venue. Formerly Bally’s, the newly rebranded Horseshoe Casino and Hotel ushers in the return of the historic Horseshoe as the host property of the WSOP. From the genesis of the WSOP in 1970 until 2004, the historic Binion’s Horshoe served as host for The World Series until its eventual move to The Rio. Bringing about a new age while simultaneously paying tribute to The Horseshoe’s contributions to poker, Caesars Entertainment has left us with much to be excited about for the upcoming WSOP.
In December 2022, the World Series of Poker released some important dates to note for the 2023 series. Taking place May 30th through July 18th 2023, the World Series of Poker will host its first flight of the Main Event Monday, July 3rd. Fan favorites like the Colossus will also be returning, with the $400 buy-in event beginning Friday, June 30th. A new addition to the World Series, the $300 buy-in Gladiators of Poker tournament will be beginning Saturday, June 17th, and is the only event so far with an advertised, guaranteed prizepool ($3,000,000). Continuing to have a dialogue with poker players from the highest to the lowest of stakes, long-time WSOP Director and Caesars Vice President Jack Effel has developed a series schedule that caters to all players. Having received a sneak peak, six-time WSOP bracelet winner Daniel Negreanu assured his Twitter followers the 2023 WSOP series schedule was Kid Poker approved.
Already following Daniel Negreanu on Twitter? Be sure to follow us as well at @PokerCoaching_
The reigning Main Event champion, Norwegian pro Espen Jorstad won poker’s most coveted trophy along with the first-place prize of $10,000,000. Every year players make their way to the WSOP to add their name to poker lore, while last year’s Main Event served as the second biggest in history, maybe 2023 is the year a new record is set. If you can’t make the trip to Las Vegas for the summer WSOP, be sure to follow de facto poker Twitter pro Kevin “Kevmath” Mathers for all the latest updates. For cash game players not interested in firing a bullet in The Real Deal, the newly rebranded Horseshoe Casino has also added a brand new poker room. Outfitted with fresh felt and some of Las Vegas’ best dealers, if you have a chance be sure to check out the brand new poker room at the Horseshoe.
2023 World Series Of Poker Series Schedule
TournamentBuy-InStart DateMystery Millions$1,000May 31Gladiators of Poker$300June 7Monster Stack$1,500June 16Seniors Championship$1,000June 21Millionaire Maker$1,500June 23Ladies Championship$1,000June 29Colossus$400June 30Mini Main Event$1,000July 2WSOP Main Event$10,000July 3Lucky 7’s$777July 7Ultra Stack$600July 11The Closer$1,500July 14
The Wynn for The World Poker Tour World Championship (WPT)
Photo Courtesy of PokerNews
Every poker player in attendance will tell you that the first-ever World Poker Tour (WPT) World Championship at The Wynn was a resounding success. Joining forces to create a powerful team of industry leaders, WPT President Adam Pliska, WPT Executive Tour Director Matt Savage, and the Wynn’s duo of Tournament Director Ray Pulford and Executive Poker Director Ryan Beauregard coordinated one of the best poker tournament series in recent memory. With exceptional leadership assisted by the quality poker room staff at The Wynn, the WPT World Championship is destined to be one of the best, most well-run series every year.
Not only did the WPT organize an enjoyable series of tournaments for players of all stakes, their $10,400 buy-in World Championship broke the record for highest prizepool for a WPT tournament ($29,008,000). Winning the coveted Mike Sexton trophy was Canadian poker pro Elliot Hudon, who added $4.1 million to his Hendon Mob page. Sustaining the slim point-lead he had coming into December 2022, poker pro Chad Eveslage completed his campaign for WPT Player Of The Year at the World Championship, adding on to his already impressive list of poker accomplishments.
Some members of Team PokerCoaching also experienced success playing in the first-ever WPT World Championship. PokerCoaching coach Justin Saliba made an appearance at the final table of the WPT’s $25,000 High Roller, finishing in 9th place for $81,000. Joining JustGTO at the High Roller final table was friend of the website Ethan “Rampage Poker” Yau, who took down the event winning $894,240.
With such an amazing debut at The Wynn, The World Poker Tour World Championship will be a “must-play” by virtually every pro poker player in 2023. Breaking the record for highest WPT prizepool in their very first championship event, we may see a new record reached at the 2023 WPT World Championship.
Paris, France for the European Poker Tour (EPT)
For the first time ever, the popular European Poker Tour will be hosting a series of poker tournaments at the Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile in Paris. While popular EPT stops like Monte Carlo and Barcelona will return to the tour, poker players (especially French ones) look forward to playing an alluring schedule of tournaments. With the EPT’s first return to France in seven years, one can only wonder what French pros will be entering the field.
As the European Poker Tour makes its return to France, it is only natural poker fans hope to see ElkY at the EPT’s Paris series. Not only does Betrand “ElkY” Grospellier serve as France’s #1 player on the all-time money list, he also stands as one of the most decorated players in poker, having a World Poker Tour title, a European Poker Title, and two World Series of Poker bracelets attached to his name. Although well behind ElkY on France’s all-time money list, Johan “YoH ViraL” Gilbert serves as another French fan favorite who may make his presence felt at the Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile. Winning his first EPT title just last year, we hope YoH ViraL comes to Paris to pursue #2.
Accompanying the €1,100 buy-in Main Event of the EPT’s Paris series will be an assortment of tempting tournaments. High rollers will be able to enjoy a €25,000 buy-in tournament starting on February 17th as well as the €50,000 Super High Roller beginning on February 20th. For poker players who find themselves in Paris with less of a bankroll, the EPT’s Paris series will also offer a €550 Deepstack along with a plethora of satellites to the series’ Main Event.
Regardless of which floor your room is within the Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile, you are sure to experience comfort at the EPT’s newest host property. If you happen to make the trip, be sure to give yourself a break from the poker room and see what all the Paris Etoile has to offer. Whether it be with a freshly baked pastry from Mayo or a glass of champagne paired with a view of the Eiffel Tower, poker players who enjoy the finer things will feel right at home at the Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile.
European Poker Tour Paris Series Schedule
TournamentBuy-InStart DateStart TimeNLH Freezeout€1,100February 154:00 PMNLH Mystery Bounty€10,200February 157:00 PMFPS Paris Main Event Flight A€1,100February 1612:00 PMPot-Limit Omaha Tournament€1,100February 1612:30 PMFPS Paris Main Event Flight B€1,100February 166:00 PMNLH Hyper Turbo (Freezeout)€1,050February 169:00 PMFPS Paris Main Event Flight C€1,100February 1712:00 PMNo-Limit Hold’em Tournament€25,000February 1712:30 PMNo-Limit Hold’em Tournament€25,000February 1812:30 PMFPS Cup Survivor Tournament€550February 182:00 PMFPS Paris High Roller€2,200February 1912:00 PMEPT Paris Super High Roller€50,000February 1912:30 PMEPT Paris Main Event Flight A€5,300February 2012:00 PMPot-Limit Omaha Tournament€5,200February 2012:00 PMEPT Paris Main Event Flight B€5,300February 2112:00 PMNo-Limit Hold’em Tournament€25,000February 2112:30 PMNo-Limit Hold’em Tournament€2,100February 218:00 PMNo-Limit Hold’em Tournament€25,000February 2212:30 PMEPT Mystery Bounty€3,000February 222:00 PMNLH Hyper Turbo (Freezeout)€1,050February 228:00 PMNo-Limit Hold’em Tournament€25,000February 2312:30 PMNo-Limit Hold’em Tournament€1,100February 234:00 PMEPT Paris High Roller€10,300February 2412:30 PMNLH Mystery Bounty Survivor Tournament€1,650February 242:00 PMNo-Limit Hold’em Tournament€2,100February 248:00 PMNLH Deep Stack Survivor Flight A€550February 2512:00 PMNLH Deep Stack Tournament€2,200February 252:00 PMNLH Deep Stack Survivor Flight B€550February 256:00 PMNo-Limit Hold’em Tournament€25,000February 257:00 PMNLH Hyper Turbo (Freezeout)€1,050February 258:00 PMNo-Limit Hold’em Tournament€330February 2612:00 PMNLH Six-Handed Tournament€2,100February 261:00 PMNLH Six-Handed Tournament€5,150February 265:00 PMNLH Super Hyper Turbo (Freezeout)€1,050February 267:00 PM
Borgata (East Coast Poker is BACK!)
The mecca for any poker tournament player on the east coast of the United States, Borgata made a triumphant post-COVID debut with a poker tournament series accurately named “The Return”. Hosting four lucrative events from January 2nd through January 8th 2023, the premier tournament of the series (also named “The Return”) attracted 1,142 entrants producing a prizepool of $5,538,700. Placing 5th place in the The Return was our very own Justin Saliba, who earned $304,629 for his efforts. Smashing the $3,000,000 guaranteed prizepool, The Return tournament proved Borgata is back and ready to serve as a signature stop again for poker players, but who will make the trip in 2023?
Poker players who journey to Atlantic City in 2023 can rest assured their poker experience is in safe hands. Now serving as the Director of Poker Strategy for the entirety of MGM properties, Global Player Index Industry Person of the Year Award winner Sean McCormack is highly qualified when it comes to making Borgata a tournament hot spot once again. With the success of The Return series, it is only a matter of time before another lucrative series draws poker players back to the east coast.
New Jersey has helped raise players one can easily deem as “poker royalty”. While the likes of Phil Ivey and Tom Dwan quickly come to mind, we cannot ignore how some of the game’s best have had career-defining wins at the Borgata. Winning the first of his four World Poker Tour titles at Borgata in 2014, poker fans hope to see Darren Elias make his return to Atlantic City and make another deep run at the property. Before he was a WSOP Main Event Champion, New Jersey native Scott Blumstein got his start at Borgata before eventually adding his name to poker history. Still active on the felt, Blumstein will hopefully make an appearance at his home state’s premier poker venue.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
The Sunshine State has long served as a profitable destination for many poker players, with the Seminole Hard Rock being the best place for tournament action across the entirety of Florida. With an incredible poker room staff led by Director Tony Burns and Poker Tournament Manager Jason Heidenthal, the Seminole Hard Rock regularly beats their own record-breaking numbers as they attract huge fields. Whether you are looking to enter a $400 buy-in tournament or a $50,000 high roller, the Seminole Hard Rock will surely offer the right poker tournament for you in 2023.
The Hollywood Hard Rock’s first major series kicks off on January 12th as it hosts the popular Lucky Hearts Poker Open. Although the Lucky Hearts Poker Open will not serve as a World Poker Tour event like last year, the $2,000,000 guaranteed prizepool of the series’ Main Event is sure to draw quite the turnout.
The Seminole Hard Rock always brings fond memories to my mind, as I have experienced substantial success there. In 2019, I had my most recent, major tournament win finishing first place in the $2,200 buy-in event of the Seminole Hard Rock’s Poker Open series for $97,160. I was also fortunate enough to experience one of my numerous WPT tournament wins in the Lucky Hearts Open, winning the $1,100 buy-in event of the 2012 series for $38,940. PokerCoaching coach Brock Wilson has had recent success at the Seminole Hard Rock. In the most recent World Poker Tour series at the venue, Wilson finished in 2nd place in the $25,000 High Roller ($154,380 cash) and three days later finished 3rd place in the $3,500 series championship for a $411,678 score.
Lucky Hearts Poker Open Tournament Schedule
TournamentGTD PrizepoolBuy-InStart DateLHPO NLH Championship Flight B$2,000,000$3,500January 21LHPO Deep Stack Big O–$400January 21LHPO Deep Stack Turbo NLH–$600January 21LHPO Deep Stack Black Chip Bounty NLH$50,000$400January 22LHPO Deep Stack Purple Chip Bounty NLH$100,000$1,700January 22LHPO Deep Stack Mixed PLO–$1,100January 22LHPO Deep Stack NLH Flight A$200,000$400January 22LHPO Deep Stack NLH Flight B$200,000$400January 23LHPO Deep Stack Seniors 50+ NLH–$600January 23LHPO Deep Stack PLO–$5,000January 23LHPO Deep Stack NLH Flight C$200,000$400January 23LHPO Deep Stack Turbo NLH–$600January 23LHPO Omaha/Stud 8–$400January 24LHPO Deep Stack 8-Handed NLH$200,000$5,000January 24LHPO Deep Stack 6-Max PLO–$1,100January 24LHPO Quad Stack Black Chip Bounty NLH–$300January 24
Seminole Hard Rock Escalator VII Series Schedule
TournamentGTD PrizepoolBuy-InStart DateStart Time$150 No-Limit Hold’em Tournament Flight A$100,000$150February 811:00 AM$150 No-Limit Hold’em Tournament Flight B$100,000$150February 86:00 PM$150 No-Limit Hold’em Tournament Flight C$100,000$150February 911:00 AM$150 No-Limit Hold’em Tournament Flight D$100,000$150February 96:00 PM$150 No-Limit Hold’em Tournament Flight E$100,000$150February 1011:00 AM$150 No-Limit Hold’em Tournament Flight F$100,000$150February 106:00 PM$250 No-Limit Hold’em Tournament Flight A$200,000$250February 1511:00 AM$250 No-Limit Hold’em Tournament Flight B$200,000$250February 156:00 PM$250 No-Limit Hold’em Tournament Flight C$200,000$250February 1611:00 AM$250 No-Limit Hold’em Tournament Flight D$200,000$250February 166:00 PM$250 No-Limit Hold’em Tournament Flight E$200,000$250February 1711:00 AM$250 No-Limit Hold’em Tournament Flight F$200,000$250February 1811:00 AM$400 No-Limit Hold’em Tournament Flight A$300,000$400February 2211:00 AM$400 No-Limit Hold’em Tournament Flight B$300,000$400February 226:00 PM$400 No-Limit Hold’em Tournament Flight C$300,000$400February 2311:00 AM$400 No-Limit Hold’em Tournament Flight D$300,000$400February 236:00 PM$400 No-Limit Hold’em Tournament Flight E$300,000$400February 2411:00 AM$400 No-Limit Hold’em Tournament Flight F$300,000$400February 2511:00 AM$600 No-Limit Hold’em Tournament Flight A$400,000$600March 111:00 AM$600 No-Limit Hold’em Tournament Flight B$400,000$600March 16:00 PM$600 No-Limit Hold’em Tournament Flight C$400,000$600March 211:00 AM$600 No-Limit Hold’em Tournament Flight D$400,000$600March 26:00 PM$600 No-Limit Hold’em Tournament Flight E$400,000$600March 311:00 AM$600 No-Limit Hold’em Tournament Flight F$400,000$600March 411:00 AM$1,700 No-Limit Hold’em Tournament Flight A$500,000$1,700March 911:00 AM$1,700 No-Limit Hold’em Tournament Flight B$500,000$1,700March 1011:00 AM$1,700 No-Limit Hold’em Tournament Flight C$500,000$1,700March 1111:00 AM
The Lodge Card Club with Brad Owen, Doug Polk, and Andrew Neeme
The poker scene in the Lone Star State continues to grow as poker rooms attract not just local players but gamblers from all over. Purchased by popular poker players Doug Polk, Andrew Neeme, and Brad Owen in early 2022, the trio has helped maintain a quality establishment for both cash game and tournament players alike. Hosting lucrative daily tournaments while also popularizing the bomb pot, The Lodge is showing no signs of slowing down in 2023.
It is said that everything is bigger in Texas, and judging from the YouTube footage from the likes of Next Gen Poker, the saying holds true in Texas poker rooms as well. For serious cash game players looking for somewhere new to play, The Lodge not only offers lucrative cash games but often streams the action live. Looking to move-up stakes and get some camera time? The Lodge may be the perfect spot for you.
For tournament players, The Lodge already has big plans as they will be hosting The Winter $100K starting Friday, January 27th. The $300 buy-in no-limit hold’em tournament will have multiple flights on the 27th and 28th and will run through Sunday, January 29th. If you can’t make the trip in January, The Lodge will offer even more action this spring when they host their Spring Millionaire Mayhem Series. Running February 21st through March 6th, the Millionaire Mayhem Series will offer over $1,500,000 in tournament prizepool as well as a $1,000,000 guaranteed prizepool for the series’ Main Event.
The Lodge Spring Mayhem Series Schedule
TournamentGTD PrizepoolBuy-InStart DateStart TimeNLH Seniors Tournament$10,000$200February 2110:00 AMPot Limit Omaha Tournament$15,000$300February 213:00 PMSix-Max NLH Tournament$50,000$500February 2212:00 PMPLO Black Chip Bounty Tournament$20,000$300February 226:00 PMBig O Tournament$15,000$300February 2312:00 PMNLH Survivor Tournament–$300February 236:00 PMNo-Limit Hold’em Multi-Day Tournament Flight A$300,000$400February 2411:00 AMNo-Limit Hold’em Multi-Day Tournament Flight B$300,000$400February 245:00 PMNo-Limit Hold’em Multi-Day Tournament Flight C$300,000$400February 2511:00 AMNo-Limit Hold’em Multi-Day Tournament Flight D$300,000$400February 255:00 PMNLH Freezeout Tournament$10,000$200February 2612:00 PMNLH Black Chip Bounty Tournament$20,000$300February 266:00 PMNLH/PLO Tournament$20,000$300February 2712:00 PMNLH 2x Green Chip Bounty Tournament$15,000$200February 276:00 PMNLH Freezeout Tournament$15,000$300February 2812:00 PMNLH Series Main Event Flight A$1,000,000$1,200March 15:00 PMNLH Series Main Event Flight B$1,000,000$1,200March 211:00 AMNLH Series Main Event Flight C$1,000,000$1,200March 25:00 PMNLH Series Main Event Flight D$1,000,000$1,200March 311:00 AMNLH Series Main Event Flight D$1,000,000$1,200March 35:00 PMNLH Series Main Event Flight F$1,000,000$1,200March 411:00 AMNLH Series Main Event Flight G$1,000,000$1,200March 45:00 PMNLH 50 For 50 Tournament$50,000$500March 512:00 PMNLH Freezeout Tournament$15,000$200March 56:00 PMNLH Series Closer$10,000$200March 612:00 PM
The Lodge Championship Series Schedule
TournamentGTD PrizepoolBuy-InStart DateStart TimeSeniors NLH Tournament$10,000$200April 2610:00 AMPot Limit Omaha Tournament$15,000$300April 262:00 PMNLH Freezeout Tournament$20,000$200April 265:00 PMNo-Limit Hold’em Multi-Day Tournament Flight A$250,000$400April 2711:00 AMNo-Limit Hold’em Multi-Day Tournament Flight B$250,000$400April 275:00 PMNo-Limit Hold’em Multi-Day Tournament Flight C$250,000$400April 2811:00 AMNo-Limit Hold’em Multi-Day Tournament Flight D$250,000$400April 285:00 PMNo-Limit Hold’em Multi-Day Tournament Flight E$250,000$400April 2911:00 AMNo-Limit Hold’em Multi-Day Tournament Flight F$250,000$400April 295:00 PMNLH Ladies Tournament$10,000$200April 3012:00 PMNo-Limit Hold’em Tournament$20,000$200April 306:00 PMSix-Max NLH Tournament$30,000$500May 112:00 PMNLH Survivor Tournament–$300May 16:00 PMBig O Tournament$20,000$300May 212:00 PMPLO 8/B Tournament$20,000$300May 312:00 PMNo-Limit Hold’em Tournament$200$20,000May 35:00 PMNo-Limit Hold’em Multi-Day Tournament Flight A$500,000$800May 411:00 AMNo-Limit Hold’em Multi-Day Tournament Flight B$500,000$800May 45:00 PMNo-Limit Hold’em Multi-Day Tournament Flight C$500,000$800May 511:00 AMNo-Limit Hold’em Multi-Day Tournament Flight D$500,000$800May 55:00 PMNo-Limit Hold’em Multi-Day Tournament Flight E$500,000$800May 611:00 AMNo-Limit Hold’em Multi-Day Tournament Flight F$500,000$800May 65:00 PMSix-Max NLH Tournament$50,000$1,000May 712:00 PMNo-Limit Hold’em Turbo Tournament$20,000$500May 76:00 PMPot Limit Omaha Tournament$50,000$1,000May 812:00 PMNo-Limit Hold’em Tournament$15,000$300May 86:00 PMNo-Limit Hold’em Tournament$25,000$500May 912:00 PMPLO High Roller Tournament–$3,000May 912:00 PMNLH Black Chip Bounty Tournament$15,000$300May 96:00 PMNLH High Roller Tournament–$5,000May 1012:00 PMNLH Series Main Event Flight A$2,000,000$3,000May 105:00 PMNLH Series Main Event Flight B$2,000,000$3,000May 1111:00 AMNLH Six-Max High Roller–$10,000May 1112:00 PMNLH Series Main Event Flight C$2,000,000$3,000May 115:00 PMNLH Series Main Event Flight D$2,000,000$3,000May 1211:00 AMNLH Series Main Event Flight E$2,000,000$3,000May 125:00 PMNLH Series Main Event Flight F$2,000,000$3,000May 1311:00 AMNLH Series Main Event Flight G$2,000,000$3,000May 135:00 PMNLH Series Closer Tournament$30,000$1,000May 1412:00 PMNLH High Roller Tournament–$5,000May 1412:00 PMNLH Survivor Tournament–$500May 146:00 PM10 Game Mix High Roller Tournament–$3,000May 1512:00 PM
Thunder Valley Casino for The WSOP Circuit & WPT
Whether it be a World Series of Poker Circuit series, a World Poker Tour event, or their very own tournament, Thunder Valley Resort and Casino never fails to provide a great experience for poker players. Located in the vast, open fields of the California countryside, Thunder Valley’s expert service and staff continue to attract more poker players every year. You would be hard-pressed to find a better group of poker tournament organizers than the team at Thunder Valley. Led by Director of Poker Operations Ben Erwin along with Tournament Director Justin Hammer and respected poker media veteran Dan Ross, the Thunder Valley poker staff not only maintains well-planned, innovative tournaments, but incorporates fun while doing so. Ringing in the New Year with their Champagne Main poker tournament, the Thunder Valley poker room staff showed how to start 2023 in style.
Regardless of the month, it seems like there is always a tournament series running at Thunder Valley, but what does the property have in store for us in 2023?
While serving as a popular stop on the World Series of Poker Circuit for some time, Thunder Valley had a first when their October 2022 WSOP Circuit Main Event shattered expectations with a prizepool over $1,000,000 ($205,203 top prize). With another WSOP Circuit series currently underway, we may just see an even bigger prize pool in the series’ Main Event.
Along with the WSOP, Thunder Valley will also be welcoming the World Poker Tour to the greater Sacramento area. Bringing about what was the largest poker tournament in the host properties’ history at that time, the WPT will look to one-up the 2022 WPTDeepStacks championship when they return to Thunder Valley March 22nd through April 4th for the WPT Rolling Thunder series. For poker players who are also fans of poker apparel, after a successful series at Thunder Valley in 2022 the popular RunGood Poker Series may very well return to Lincoln in the coming year. With seemingly every tournament series coming to Thunder Valley in 2023, it is sure to be another exciting year for the property.
World Poker Tour Kickoff Series Schedule
TournamentGTD PrizepoolBuy-InStart DateStart Time$100 Re-Buy Survivor Tournament$20,000$150March 145:00 PMOmaha 8 Tournament–$200March 1511:00 AMAction 8 Tournament$20,000$200March 155:00 PMKnockout Bounty Tournament–$200March 1611:00 AMNorCal Jacked Stack Tournament$25,000$200March 165:00 PMOne Day $100,000 Tournament$100,000$500March 1811:00 AM
World Poker Tour Rolling Thunder Tournament Series Schedule
TournamentGTD PrizepoolBuy-InStart DateStart TimeAnniversary Opener NLH Tournament$25,000$300March 2211:00 AMThunder Valley Deep Stack Flight A$1,000,000$1,100March 2311:00 AMThunder Valley Deep Stack Flight B$1,000,000$1,100March 2411:00 AMThunder Valley Deep Stack Flight C$1,000,000$1,100March 2511:00 AMThunder Valley Deep Stack Flight D (Turbo)$1,000,000$1,100March 255:30 PMSingle Day NLH Tournament$25,000$300March 264:00 PMTwo Day Omaha 8 Tournament–$500March 2711:00 AMAction 8 Tournament Flight A$100,000$500March 274:00 PMAction 8 Tournament Flight B$100,000$500March 2811:00 AMAction 8 Tournament Flight C$100,000$500March 284:00 PMHEROS Mix Two Day Tournament–$500March 2911:00 AMSingle Day PLO Tournament–$500March 3011:00 AMLeaning Tower of Chips NLH Tournament$100,000$1,100March 304:00 PMWPT Rolling Thunder Series Main Event–$3,500April 112:00 PMWPT Bounty Confidential Tournament$100,000$1,100April 24:00 PMSix-Handed NLH Tournament–$500April 34:00 PMWPT Series Finale Tournament–$300April 412:00 PM
Hustler Casino, Home Of One Of The Biggest Live Streamed Cash Games
Photo Courtesy of PokerNews
Few entities in poker have had such a quick rise to relevance than Hustler Casino in Los Angeles. Already a fixture in the L.A. poker scene, Hustler Casino skyrocketed in prominence with the introduction of their high stakes, live-streamed cash games that began streaming on YouTube in 2021. If something wild happens on the Hustler Casino Live Stream, everyone in the poker industry will be discussing it the next day. Whether you are a high stakes cash game player looking to give action or a camera-shy $1/$2 grinder, the Hustler provides everything you would expect from a luxurious casino based in the City of Angels.
There is a reason Hustler Casino promotes itself as the only “luxury” casino in Los Angeles. When not running it up at the poker table, players can indulge in premier, high-end dining as they enjoy the upscale atmosphere found within the venue. Hoping to catch famous poker players as well as celebrities? If Hustler Casino Live is hosting a special stream, you may see the likes of Phil Ivey, Phil Hellmuth, or even MrBeast. There is no doubt that the Hustler Casino accomplishes setting an “LA” vibe, but General Manager Shaun Yaple is also committed to providing poker players with a quality experience. With years of knowledge and an innovative mind for the industry, Yaple along with Hustler Casino owner Liz Flynt look to leverage their newfound standing in poker and take the Hustler brand to new heights.
Long being a cash game entity, Hustler Casino worked to offer more action to tournament players in 2022. Introducing daily tournaments to their venue, Hustler Casino also hosted a number of tournament series, including a Spring Kickoff which featured a Main Event boasting a $100,000 prizepool. As Hustler Casino works to reintroduce poker tournaments to their venue, you can always depend on a quality cash game being available regardless of the stakes. Rest assured, grinders can always find a $1/$2, $2/$3, and $2/$5 no-limit hold’em game running at Hustler, with even bigger stakes offered during busier hours.
