2023 World Series of Poker Week 1 in review

(PRESS RELEASE) -- The 54th annual World Series of Poker returned to the Las Vegas Strip in spectacular fashion inside Horseshoe Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas with the first bracelet winner of the tournament already crowned and multiple events set to conclude over the coming weekend. This year’s WSOP kicked off with heartwarming moments, show-stopping action, and a star-studded playing field featuring the game’s most prominent faces.

“Summer camp is back in session,” said Vice President of the World Series of Poker, Jack Effel. “This year was the smoothest opening in the 53-year history of the WSOP. If you’re ready for the action, we’re ready for you.”

Week 1 Highlights

- Honoring a titan of the game. The WSOP pays tribute to Doyle Brunson on opening day
As part of opening day programming, the WSOP observed a moment of silence to honor Poker Hall of Fame inductee and two-time WSOP Main Event champion, Doyle Brunson, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 89. “As we get another WSOP underway, we’re reminded how indebted we are to the colossal impact Doyle had on the WSOP and the game of poker itself,” said WSOP Vice President Jack Effel. “Doyle was the sport’s biggest ambassador who helped bring poker to the mainstream. He is a legend that we had the honor to work alongside for more than 50 years. We owe so much to Doyle and look forward to setting records this summer as a special tribute to his legacy.”

- Shuffle Up and Deal! Las Vegas Aces’ Kelsey Plum kicks off “Mystery Millions” and debuts the 2023 WSOP bracelets
- WNBA champion and Las Vegas Aces all-star guard Kelsey Plum kicked off Event #3: $1,000 Mystery Millions with an exciting ‘Shuffle Up and Deal’ moment while also unveiling the WSOP gold bracelets. No stranger to championship jewelry herself, Plum was part of the 2022 Las Vegas Aces team that earned Las Vegas its first major sports league title.
- Peter Thai takes home the first WSOP Gold Bracelet of 2023 in Event #1: $500 Casino Employees Event
- Peter Thai, a table game dealer from Livermore, California took home the first WSOP Gold Bracelet and $75,353 after defeating James Urbanic in heads-up play. Thai will be returning to California to celebrate before coming back to Las Vegas to compete in other WSOP events.
- Alexandre Vuilleumier emerges victorious from the final table in Event #2: $25,000 High Roller 6-Handed No-Limit Hold’em

Following two days of play, Alexandre Vuilleumier of Switzerland took down a star-studded final table to win a prestigious WSOP Gold Bracelet and the first prize of more than $1 million at this year’s WSOP.

What To Look Forward To

- “Go For Gold” June Promotion
WSOP.com kicked off a June promotion with 2006 Main Event winner Jamie Gold, who won the biggest Main Event field in history. Jamie will be livestreaming WSOP Online Bracelet events each Sunday and players outlasting him, or meeting play criteria at live-action tables are eligible to win a seat in a $50,000 freeroll to play against him. Full promotion details are available on WSOP.com

- Tuesday, June 6 – Event #16: $25,000 High Roller No-Limit Hold’em 8-Handed
- Wednesday, June 7 – Event #18: $300 Gladiators of Poker No-Limit Hold’em
- New this year, Gladiators of Poker is the WSOP’s lowest buy-in event offering players a chance of taking home a $3 million guaranteed prize pool along with a highly coveted WSOP bracelet.
- Thursday, June 8 – Event #22: $10,000 Limit Hold’em Championship

The full 2023 WSOP schedule, including a booking link for discounted participant hotel rates, can be found on WSOP.com. Players should follow @WSOP on Twitter or IG or check WSOP.com for event news and updates.

Upcoming WSOP bracelet livestreams on PokerGO

- Tonight at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT – Event #4: Tournament of Champions
- Saturday, June 3 – Event #6: $5,000 No-Limit Hold’em / Pot-Limit Omaha
- Saturday, June 3 – Event #7: $1,500 Limit Hold’em
- Sunday, June 4 – Event #8: $25,000 Heads-Up Championship
- Sunday, June 4 – Event #9: $1,500 Seven Card Stud
- Monday, June 5 – Event #3: $1,000 Mystery Millions
- Tuesday, June 6 – Event #12: $5,000 NLH Freezeout
- Wednesday, June 7 – Event #14: $10,000 Seven Card Stud Championship
- Wednesday, June 7 – Event #16: $25,000 NLH High Roller (Day 2)
- Thursday, June 8 – Event #16: $25,000 NLH High Roller