Poker is easily one of the world’s best loved casino games, and has long been associated with glitz, glamour and excitement, with elite players indulging in edge-of-your-seat gameplay at top tournaments across the globe and the best of them walking away significantly richer.
With so many poker-themed events taking place each year, the game’s biggest high-rollers have to be somewhat selective when it comes to which ones they enter and, generally speaking, the bigger the prize pots, the better. But it’s not just about the money; some tournaments stand out thanks to their rich history, top-level competitions and all-round sense of prestige. Here, we take a look at the top seven, hand-picked by the experts at ggpoker.
1. World Series of Poker (WSOP)
First on the list could only be the World Series of Poker (WSOP) – easily the best-known and most prestigious tournament globally. Held annually in casino capital Las Vegas, 2024 marked its 55th year, and with each round, the prize pool gets all the more eye-watering. Attracting thousands of players from across the globe, the main event – the $10,000 No Limit Hold’Em – sees winners walk away with millions in their pockets, making it a favourite amongst high-rollers. Steeped in rich history, the WSOP is an enduring tournament that has yet to be eclipsed when it comes to top-level players and prizes, and we can’t see it happening any time soon.
2. World Poker Tour (WPT)
Since 2002, the WPT has been bringing competitive poker to television, and has seen high-stakes tournaments showcased in all their glory across the globe. Comprising several notable events, the best of the bunch is the WPT Championship, which like WSOP, happens in Sin City and sees winners scooping sizable cash prizes as well as a significant boost to their reputation, making them some of the most esteemed players anywhere. For professional players, attendance is a no-brainer, and with a schedule of events taking place as part of the tournament around the world, it’s accessible whatever your location.
3. European Poker Tour (EPT)
On European soil, the EPT, which was founded in 2004, has been the premier poker tournament series for over 20 years, with no signs of it being dethroned anytime soon. Events are held across major European cities including Monte-Carlo, Barcelona and London, with the EPT Grand Final seen as the pinnacle of poker excellence. For high-stakes game play and all-out glamour, look no further.
4. PokerStars Players No Limit Hold’em Championship (PSPC)
One of the younger tournaments to make the list, the PSPC is only five years in, but it has already been making waves and today is seen as one of the most thrilling poker tournaments in the world. Not for the faint-hearted, there’s a $25,000 buy-in and the prize pool is nothing short of jaw-dropping, with the world’s biggest whales turning out and competing against other top level players for the title.
5. World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE)
Also in Europe, the WSOPE has been bringing the excitement of the original WSOP to the continent since 2007, and consists of a number of events like the No Limit Hold-Em and Pot Limit Omaha spread across an array of locations. Like the WSOP, the WSOPE offers the winner of its Main Event the chance to walk away with an iconic gold bracelet as well as a hefty cash prize, and attracts a high standard of international players each year.
6. Aussie Millions
Australia is home to the elite Aussie Millions tournament – one of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest and most esteemed. Established in 1998, it has come a long way since the early days, and is now a festival that extends over an entire month, comprising an array of events that culminate in the AUD 10,600 Main Event. Each year, it continues to gain momentum, with prize pots rising and the calibre of players rising even higher, making it one of the most exciting tournaments to emerge over the past 30 years.
7. The Big One for One Drop
Increasingly, we’ve also seen the emergence of tournaments that seek to give something back, and The Big One for One Drop is perhaps the most notable. Launched with the intention of raising funds for the One Drop Foundation, which seeks to provide access to clean water around the world, it’s all for a good cause – which is just as well, because buy-in stands at a staggering minimum of $1 million. It’s certainly not a cheap tournament to enter, but considering the immense amount of wealth circulating in the industry, a growing number of esteemed players are eager to take part and support the charity. It’s not always about the winning, and The Big One for the Drop offers a chance for philanthropy that others don’t.
The bottom line
The world of poker is a thrilling one, and competition is fierce when it comes to the top tournaments in the world. These seven are a showcase of elite strategy and skill and the best gameplay to be seen – so whether you’re planning on entering yourself or are just eager to experience the thrill of spectating, be sure to add these to your bucket list for 2025.
