Major tournaments with huge guaranteed prize pools remain one of poker’s biggest draws for recreational poker players. Cash games may present the most consistent revenue stream for pros and poker rooms alike, but they don’t offer the possibility to win life-changing money off of an affordable buy-in.
Of course, the marketing value of big tournaments is higher the more visible they are. To that end, BetMGM Poker has struck a deal with PokerGO to host the final table of its first-ever live Championship at the latter’s live streaming studio at the ARIA Las Vegas.
At the same time, it’s making the tournament even more appealing to low-stakes players. In the same studio, the day before the Championship starts, there will be a freeroll with a $25,000 prize pool. This is exclusively for those who qualified online. It’ll give players a chance to get comfortable with live play, as well as to win some extra cash.
The Championship, which costs $3,500 for a direct buy-in, guarantees a cool $1 million in total prizes. The first day of play kicks off on June 23, with the live-streamed final table on June 26. The freeroll will take place on June 22.
BetMGM’s Director of Poker, Luke Staudenmaier, said:
PokerGO delivers the best in poker content to fans around the world, and we’re thrilled to welcome them as a valued partner of the BetMGM Poker Championship. Through this relationship, the first-ever Championship final table and freeroll participants will play some of the most important hands of their lives in PokerGO’s iconic studio. With Jeff Platt and Jamie Kerstetter on the mic, players will have the opportunity to claim poker glory that will live on PokerGO’s platform for years to come.
Last Chance To Qualify Is This Weekend
Speaking of qualifying, the window of opportunity to do so is rapidly closing. BetMGM has online, multi-stage satellites running in all its regulated online poker markets:
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Michigan
- Ontario
However, those are wrapping up this weekend, in order to give winners time to arrange their travel. Each package is worth $6,000, including the $3,500 Championship buy-in, a five-night stay at the ARIA, and $700 towards travel costs. Potential freeroll winnings are just icing on the cake.
In recent years, PokerGO has established itself as the leading source of televised poker coverage. That includes WSOP live streams, the Super High Roller Bowl, and shows like High Stakes Poker and Poker After Dark. Hosting the freeroll in the studio is therefore a nice touch. Every online qualifier will get a chance to play in the same studio as their poker heroes, whether or not they go on to make the Championship final table.
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