Because the World Sequence of Poker (WSOP) 2025 looms on the horizon with the enduring sequence kicking off precisely two months from now, all eyes are actually on how this yr’s sequence will carry out.
The WSOP has been on a historic tear, with final yr’s sequence setting a brand new high-water mark of 10,112 Major Occasion gamers, edging out 2023’s 10,043—the primary time the sphere cracked 5 digits. Each years smashed data for total attendance and prize swimming pools throughout their stay bracelet occasions with final yr’s version awarding document of greater than $435 million in prize cash throughout 99 stay bracelet occasions.
As at all times, the US dominated the participant turnout, accounting for roughly three-fourths of the whole WSOP area. Canada, its northern neighbor, was the second-largest represented nation. To place it in perspective, in 2024, American gamers made 29,393 cashes, collectively profitable almost $280 million, whereas Canadian gamers secured 1,765 cashes for a complete of $20 million in prize cash, as per WSOP’s stats.
Particular Signup Provide
100% deposit bonus as much as $1000!
As much as $100 in free play with first deposit*High-quality softwareCompete for WSOP bracelets & rings
* in NJ, MI, and PA; Free Play provide is presently paused in NV
Please play responsibly. In case you or somebody has a playing downside and needs assist, name 1-800 GAMBLER.
Nevertheless, political tensions between the US and Canada have been rising, notably following Donald Trump’s return to workplace. His administration has launched a 25% tariff on Canadian imports, whereas his rhetoric—at instances suggesting Canada might turn into the “51st state”—has solely fueled issues.
The consequences of those tensions are already obvious. A current report signifies that flight bookings between the 2 nations have plummeted by over 70%.
In one other report, almost 500,000 fewer vacationers crossed the land border from Canada into the US in February in comparison with the identical month final yr.
Based mostly on this political local weather, poker gamers have taken to the “Information, Views, and Gossip” part of the Two Plus Two discussion board to debate whether or not they’ll attend WSOP 2025. A thread titled Are you touring to WSOP 25? has sparked debate about how the present state of affairs would possibly affect participation.
Right here’s what the gamers have been saying.
Canadians Have Blended Emotions
The thread reveals combined emotions for attending this yr’s WSOP. Some gamers are all-in, with a Las Vegas native boasting a fast 20-30 minute drive to the Strip and one other, a first-timer of their mid-forties, thrilled to play low-stakes occasions just like the $300 or $1K Mini Major after 20+ years enjoying the sport recreationally. A US participant from LA, again for his or her second yr, calls it a “nice time” regardless of slim odds of a deep run, hooked by the novelty and life-changing potential.
However others are pulling again. One money sport common since post-Covid says, “I’m leaning in the direction of no,” citing subpar money video games and depressing Vegas summers, whereas a Canadian admits, “Not travelling to the USA any time within the close to future” except it’s important, pointing to the political distaste.
For some, skipping the WSOP is a deliberate stance in opposition to Trump’s financial insurance policies. One Canadian participant explains:
“Does my week of lodge and meals harm the US financial system? In fact not. However that’s why I’m doing it—with the hopes that if sufficient different Canadians achieve this, locations like Las Vegas might begin to really feel a drop in tourism {dollars} and strain the President to resolve the tariff battle.”
One other predicts “a LOT fewer Canadians this yr” whereas one other Canadian says that out of their group of 20 solely two are planning to make the journey, stung by Trump and Elon Musk’s feedback. A US participant even chimes in displaying solidarity, “As an American, I’m offended in your behalf.”
Politics Gained’t Cease Some Gamers from WSOP
But not everybody buys the boycott logic—one argues, “Depriving your self enjoyable since you don’t just like the President [Trump] is foolish,” suggesting it punishes the participant, not Trump, whereas one other calls it “advantage signaling” given international provide chain ethics.
The WSOP tourney is by far one of the best and hottest… that’s why it’s so effectively attended.
Some push again, questioning the precise affect: “You’re not punishing Trump by not going to WSOP.” A professional-minded participant flips it totally, saying, “If I had an issue with US residents, I’d undoubtedly go and assist relieve them of their cash.”
One US participant downplays any potential Canadian absence:
“The WSOP tourney is by far one of the best and hottest… that’s why it’s so effectively attended.”
Match grinders appear undeterred—one notes they’d “completely be going” if that have been their focus. The primary-timer stays hyped for the late-series occasions, hinting that the WSOP’s pull should be strongest for event gamers over money sport regulars this yr.
Politics apart, some gamers refuse to let it have an effect on their selections. “I simply don’t base my life on dumb US and Canadian insurance policies,” one shrugs.
Others defend skipping WSOP as an moral stance.
“Some folks place their private values & ethics above maximizing enjoyable.”
The thread paints this yr’s WSOP participation as a crossroads. US gamers and a few worldwide vacationers stay locked in, unfazed by the political local weather, whereas Canadian participation might take a noticeable dip, additional mirrored within the current drop in flight bookings between the 2 nations.
The unique poster wonders, “Wouldn’t it even matter lots to the WSOP if there’s lesser participation from the remainder of the world?” Whereas the query stays open, most indicators level to a robust, US-dominated turnout, with fewer Canadians, unlikely to dent WSOP 2025’s record-breaking momentum.
WSOP 2025 returns for its 56th version from Could 27 to July 16 at Paris Las Vegas and Horseshoe Las Vegas, with the Major Occasion beginning on July 2. Whereas the schedule largely stays much like final yr’s version, this yr options 100 stay bracelet occasions—yet another than 2024—together with six new additions. On-line qualifiers are already underway on WSOP On-line and GGPoker.
Please play responsibly. In case you or somebody has a playing downside and needs assist, name 1-800 GAMBLER.
