WSOP Main Event Numbers Up

From 2003 through 2006, we poker fans were spoiled.  The number of entrants in the $10,000 Main Event of the World Series of Poker was increasing exponentially, as television and internet created a poker boom that we very well may never see again.  Unfortunately, the UIGEA of 2006 hurt the online poker rooms and, in turn, the number of online qualifiers for the WSOP, creating a decrease of almost two and a half thousand players in the Main Event from 2006 to 2007. 

This year, we’re back on the upswing.  Riding the strength of packed houses on days 1C and 1D, the total number of players for the Main Event this year is 6,844, an increase of almost 500 compared to one year ago.

First prize will be $9,119,517, the second largest payout in the history of poker (Jamie Gold’s $12 million in 2006 was the largest.)  666 players will cash this year (religious conservatives should like that) and the top eight will become millionaires.  Those who make the final seven tables will take home checks at least in the six figures.

2008 WSOP Main Event Payout Schedule

(Place/Prize)

1: $9,119,338

2: $5,790,024

3: $4,503,352

4: $3,763,516

5: $3,088,013

6: $2,412,510

7: $1,769,177

8: $1,286,672

9: $900,670

10 – 12: $591,869

13 – 15: $463,202

16 – 18: $334,535

19 – 27: $257,334

28 – 36: $193,001

37 – 45: $154,401

46 – 54: $135,101

55 – 63: $115,800

64 – 72: $96,500

73 – 81: $77,200

82 – 90: $64,334

91 – 99: $51,467

100 – 162: $41,817

163 – 225: $38,600

226 – 288: $35,383

289 – 351: $32,107

352 – 414: $28,950

415 – 477: $27,020

478 – 540: $25,090

541 – 603: $23,160

604 – 666: $21,230