WSOP International Circuit Returns to Toronto, Canada
The World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit event is making a thrilling return to Toronto in 2025, promising an unparalleled poker experience for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Scheduled from April 10 to 22, 2025, at the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, this event is set to build upon the success of its inaugural series, offering more events, larger prize pools, and the chance to compete for 11 coveted WSOP Circuit rings.
Event Overview
The 2025 WSOP Circuit Toronto stop will feature 11 official ring events, an increase from the previous year’s eight. These events will cater to a wide range of players, with buy-ins ranging from $300 to $3,500. The centerpiece of the series is the $2,000 Main Event, which, while not featuring a guaranteed prize pool, is anticipated to exceed $3 million, reflecting the growing interest and participation in the Toronto poker scene.
Key Highlights
- Venue: Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto
- Dates: April 10 – 22, 2025
- Number of Events: 11 official WSOP Circuit ring events
- Buy-in Range: $300 – $3,500
- Main Event: $2,000 buy-in – prize pool expected to exceed $3 million
- High Roller Event: $3,500 buy-in – projected prize pool of $1.1 million
2025 WSOP Toronto Schedule
The 2025 schedule introduces three additional events compared to the previous year, offering a diverse range of tournaments to cater to all poker enthusiasts.
2025 WSOP Circuit Toronto Schedule |
|||
| Date | Event | Buy-in | Estimate Prize Pool* |
| April 10-11 | #1: No Limit Hold’em (2-Day) | $600 | |
| April 11 | #2: No Limit Hold’em | $300 | |
| April 12-13 | #3: No Limit Hold’em (2-Day) | $1,000 | |
| April 13 | #4: No Limit Hold’em Turbo | $400 | |
| April 14-15 | #5: NLHE Mystery Bounty (2-Day) | $800 | |
| April 15 | #6: No Limit Hold’em Seniors | $400 | |
| April 16 | #7: Pot Limit Omaha | $600 | |
| April 17-19
April 20-21 |
#8: NLHE Main Event (Day 1A, B, C) Day 2 & 3 |
$2,000 |
$3,000,000+ |
| April 20 | #9: No Limit Hold’em Deepstack | $600 | |
| April 21-22 | #10: NLHE High Roller (2-Day) | $3,500 |
$1,100,000 |
| April 22 | #11: No Limit Hold’em | $400 | |
*Note: Estimated prize pools are subject to change based on actual entries.*
Notable Additions for 2025
The 2025 series introduces several new events to diversify the tournament offerings:
- Ladies Event: A $300 buy-in tournament on April 11th, providing a platform for female players to showcase their skills.
- Seniors Event: This event, scheduled for April 15th, has a $400 buy-in and is exclusively for players aged 50 and above.
- Mystery Bounty Tournament: A two-day event starting April 14th with a $800 buy-in, offering players the opportunity for massive bounty rewards.
Registration Requirements
To participate in any of the WSOP Circuit Toronto events, players must be members of the Great Canadian Rewards program. Registration for the program is available on-site and is a prerequisite for tournament entry.
Qualifying Opportunities
Players can secure their seats through online satellites hosted by GGPoker and GGPoker Ontario. Over 300 players qualified online last year, and a similar, if not greater, turnout is anticipated for 2025. These platforms offer various satellite tournaments, some starting as low as $1, providing accessible opportunities for players to participate in the prestigious series.
Venue Information
The Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, adjacent to Woodbine Racetrack and just minutes from the airport and downtown, is Canada’s newest and largest casino resort. Spanning 328,000 square feet, it offers a premier gaming experience with 4,800 slot machines, 145 live table games, VIP rooms, and sports betting kiosks, all in addition to a massive poker room. Alongside its state-of-the-art gaming facilities, guests can enjoy diverse dining options, entertainment, and accommodations, creating an exhilarating atmosphere catering to seasoned players and those seeking Vegas-style excitement.
Accommodation and Amenities
The resort features a luxurious 400-room hotel, offering well-appointed rooms and suites across 11 floors. Guests can enjoy a fully equipped wellness center with an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and contemporary fitness equipment. Additionally, the property boasts a state-of-the-art 5,000-person entertainment venue, providing a versatile destination for live music, comedy, sports, and special events. Through an exclusive booking partnership with Live Nation, The Theatre at Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto features world-class artists to amplify the guest experience.
Historical Context
The inaugural WSOP Circuit event in Toronto occurred from March 22 to April 1, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the city’s poker history. The series featured eight events with buy-ins ranging from $250 to $3,500, culminating in a Main Event that attracted 1,600 players. The success of the initial series has paved the way for an expanded and more diverse lineup in 2025.
2024 Results
The 2024 series showcased remarkable talent and competitive spirit.
2024 WSOP Circuit Toronto Results |
|||
| Event | Winner | Hometown | Prize |
| #1: $250 NLHE Turbo | Carl Duggan | Bowmanville, ON | $139,800 |
| #2: $1,000 No Limit Hold’em | Matthew Paplyk | Oshawa, ON | $102,644 |
| #3: $600 NLHE 6-Max | Carlos Alberto Sanchez | Burlington, ON | $49,390 |
| #4: $400 NLHE Deepstack | Saul Kalvari | Vancouver, BC | $43,272 |
| #5: $250 No Limit Hold’em | Bruce Huynh | Etobicoke, ON | $28,006 |
| #6: $600 No Limit Hold’em | Shaun Sturgeon | Oakville, ON | $69,284 |
| #7: $2,000 Main Event | Khaled Aljoma | Burlington, ON | $427,191 |
| #8: $3,500 NLHE High Rollers | Stephen Dante | Woodbridge, ON | $236,071 |
Responsible Gaming
Consistent with Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto’s commitment to responsible gambling, the property also features two PlaySmart Centres, providing resources, tools, and support for players to make informed decisions about their gaming activities.