Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014 | 4:26 p.m.
The 45th annual World Series of Poker kicks off the day after Memorial Day, culminating with a November main event worth $10 million, organizers announced today.
With 65 WSOP events on tap this year, players will fight for a piece of an expected $200 million in winnings between May 27 and July 14.
Here’s a look at the highlights of this year’s WSOP schedule at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas:
Kick-off Tourney
4 p.m., May 27
This is a $25,000 buy-in No-Limit Hold’em tournament, the first of 16 high-roller events on the schedule. This event plays nine-handed on the first day, six-handed on Day 2, four-handed on Day 3 and Heads-Up matches on the final day.
$1,000 buy-in Pot-Limit Omaha
Noon, May 28
Making its debut on the WSOP schedule, this tournament marks the first time a game other than No-Limit Hold’em has been offered for a $1,000 buy-in.
Millionaire Maker
11 a.m., Saturday, May 31
This event last year attracted 6,343 players with a prize pool of $8.5 million. This year’s winner will take home a minimum $1 million. That’s 666 times the $1,500 buy-in. The event’s first flight begins at 11 a.m. and Flight B begins at 5 p.m.
Main Event
$10,000 buy-in No-Limit Hold’em Championship
July 5-July 14
The WSOP Main Event runs with three noon starting flights: July 5 (Flight A), July 6 (Flight B) or July 7 (Flight C). Day 2 begins July 8 for players who survive with chips. All players combine for Day 3 on July 10. The event features five two-hour levels every day, with 30,000 in starting chips. Blinds begin at $50-$100 with no ante.
The November Nine (Final Table)
November 10-11
Broadcasted live on ESPN and ESPN2, this two-night event ends when one player walks away with $10 million.
Other Notable Events
Seniors-Only No-Limit Hold’em Championship
10 a.m., Friday, June 6
A $1,000 buy-in tournament for players ages 50 and older.
Monster Stack No-Limit Hold’em
Noon, Thursday, June 26
This $1,500 buy-in No-Limit Hold’em event has players begin with 15,000 in tournament chips instead of the original 4,500. That’s 10 times the buy-in amount.
Ladies Only No-Limit Hold’em Championship
Noon, Friday, June 27
Ladies get a discounted buy-in of $1,000 for the largest ladies poker tournament in the country.
Daily Deepstack No-Limit Hold’em Tournaments
May 27-July 14
Three daily No-Limit Hold’em tournaments kick off at 3 p.m. with a $235 buy-in. At 6 p.m. players can jump in for $185, and a 10 p.m. tournament features a $135 buy-in. These are non-bracelet events in the Rio’s Pavilion Ballroom.
Satellites
Every Day
May 28 – July 7
A 5 p.m. mega satellite features a $330 buy-in. But wait until 8 p.m. and the mega satellite begins with a $550 buy-in. $75 Turbo-Mega-Satellites begin at 9 a.m.
Players can pre-register for 2014 WSOP online or in person at the Rio main casino cage, beginning March 1.
To view the full schedule, visit the 2014 WSOP web site.
Carnival lasts all year at the Rio. With a float occasionally passing overhead and dropping beads while feathered dancers fire up the gamblers below, the Rio tries to keep its 120,000-square foot casino jumping with excitement. Special Brazilian mixed-drinks are also served throughout the casino. The hotel suites tend to be larger than similar priced rooms on the Strip and many offer excellent views with floor to ceiling windows.
The Rio offers some quality shows like "Penn & Teller" and "Chippendales." Many come to the Rio for the nightlife at the VooDoo Lounge, located on the 51st floor, or McFadden's Irish Pub on the casino level.
Others come for a bit relaxation at the Rio Spa or pool area and still others come to shop at the hotel's 60,000 square feet of shops. In each of these endeavors, the Rio attempts to make the experience a bit more fun and spontaneous.
The Rio also offers guests a variety of dining choices from all-American food at the All-American Bar & Grille to Gaylord India Restaurant for something a little spicier and even Carnival World Buffet for the indecisive.
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