Special $40,000 tournament added in 2009

By Andrew Feldman

ESPN.com (Archive)

The game plan hasn't changed: bigger and better. Harrah's announced that the 2009 World Series of Poker will feature a record-setting 57 events and will run from May 26 to July 15. The revamped schedule will feature many new events and include something for every poker player aspiring to accomplish the dream of winning a WSOP bracelet.

The landmark WSOP comes on the heels of a record year in 2008, when the WSOP generated the most entries ever (58,720) from the most countries ever (124). They also competed for the largest prize pool ever ($180,774,427), which included 55 championship gold bracelets, globally recognized as the sport's top prize.

Most notably new in 2009 will be a $40,000 no-limit hold 'em event honoring the 40th anniversary of the WSOP. There will also be 10 $10,000 buy-in "World Championship" events, up from eight in 2008, and 39 events with buy-ins for less than $2,500. Due to the tough economic times, a "Stimulus Special" tournament will be held on the opening weekend for only a $1,000 buy-in. According to a release by Harrah's, "[The event] is anticipated to draw the largest-ever live tournament field outside the Main Event and offer a prize pool approaching $5,000,000."

Going in the opposite direction and to the surprise of many … More