As sponsors of the partypoker presents: WPT500 at ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, we are excited about the announcement of the new dates for this inaugural event. The $500 +$65 buy-in tournament will now begin on Independence Day and feature five Day 1’s, scheduled between July 4-8, 2014, with Day 2 and the final table being played Wednesday July 9.
We spoke to the man in charge of the tournament, legendary World Poker Tour Executive Tour Director Matt Savage to address questions and queries.
Hi Matt – How does the structure work then?
Each Day 1 flight starts at 12 p.m. with one $500+$65 entry permitted per day. Registration will be open daily from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Players who play multiple Day 1’s will have the opportunity to carry their biggest stack forward to Day 2. Players will start the tournament with $15,000 in chips.
The tournament will offer 30-minute levels for the first eight levels, and 40 minutes from level nine and beyond with final table levels being 60 minutes, I estimate that the top 12% of each starting day’s field will make the money, and the Top 5% will move on to Day 2. On July 9 at 8:30 a.m. there will be a special last chance $500 + $65 turbo heat with fast and furious 15-minute levels. This is ONLY a two day event and if you qualify through the turbo you can actually turn $565 into $200,000 in ONE DAY.
Is it a new structure?
It’s a structure we have used at the Commerce in LA since the inception of “re-entry” in 2010, and it’s become very popular. I believe players should be “in the money” when coming back on a Day 2 of a tournament with this size buy-in and structure.
In addition, players cashing on Day 1 actually have the opportunity to cash multiple times in the same tournament which is quite unique! I feel the WPT500 is the perfect price point for both casual and recreational players as well as pros looking for a massive $200,000 first prize score.
Do you think there will be enough room at ARIA?
I truly believe space will be an issue but we will get everyone in even if we have to use alternates. That said, I suggest signing up early. We anticipate this will be the largest event ever held at ARIA. In an almost-unprecedented move for the casino industry, they are going to move several slot machine banks to accommodate the extra poker tables.
How does WPT500 fit in vis-à-vis the WSOP Main Event?
Players will be able to participate in WPT500, and play the event to its conclusion, without missing the WSOP Main Event. It’s easy to figure out if you match the two schedules. Our structure is set up so approximately 12% of each Day 1’s players will cash (giving just Day 1 survival +EV), and approximately the top 5% will proceed to Day 2 which is the final day of WPT500.
This is a really strong offer, and we expect to attract a lot of recreational players (it is over July 4 weekend, after all) and there will be plenty of online qualifiers too.
How can you qualify for the event?
Direct buy-ins $500 + $65!
Plus there are many options to qualify online and at ARIA. Online satellites are already running on www.partypoker.com and sites including Belgium (www.bwin.be), Denmark (www.partypoker.dk), France (www.partypoker.fr), and Italy (www.GiocoDigitale.it).
There are daily opportunities to qualify for the WPT500 through guaranteed satellites on partypoker.com. They award either $565 seat-only prizes or $1,700 packages that include tournament entry, accommodation at Aria, and travel/spending money.
Eight packages are guaranteed every Sunday. In addition, ClubWPT.com* has four packages up for grabs over Memorial Day Weekend. Many players have already qualified for their chance to take their shot at the $1 million guarantee and $200,000 guaranteed first place prize.
Players in Las Vegas can qualify through live satellites at ARIA, where at least 100 seats will be awarded; options include frequent $125 super satellites. For more ARIA tournament information, contact Tournament Manager Aaron Well at awell@arialasvegas.com and for Poker Room Reservations and/or queries, contact Kathleen Paculan, poker host, at kpaculan@aria.com.
Can we get ARIA room rates?
Aria room rates for this event are $138/night inclusive of taxes & resort fees – which is a great deal compared to the normal rate. Aria has some of the most beautiful rooms in the Vegas. For poker room reservations and/or queries, contact Kathleen Paculan, poker host, at kpaculan@aria.com.
What would you say to people who may question whether the structure could be subject to manipulation?
Let me state clearly up front that the dealers and staff at the ARIA are some of the best I have seen in the world and the facility is second to none. ARIA has already done many things to ensure this event is first-class, and I am really excited to be a part of it and be the Tournament Director.
Having run MANY events like this at the Commerce and Seminole Hard Rock, I am happy to say that there has never been an issue, and I have additional procedures in place to safeguard against any illicit behavior.
Many thanks for your time Matt it’s really appreciated and now as they say on tv a word from the event’s sponsor……
Take Your First Step On The Road To Vegas Today!
Qualifiers are running now on partypoker and you can win your seat for as little as $1. Play for a $1,700 WPT 500 package that includes the buy-in, four nights accommodation and travel and spending money. Or, simply play for a seat only, you can win multiple seats to give you more shots at the first prize.
Event information
– Takes place July 4-9
– Buy-in $500+$65
– NLHE tournament
– 5x day 1 from July 4-8
– Last chance heat + day 2 on July 9
– One re-entry allowed per day 1
Take Your First Step On The Road To Vegas Today!
Qualifiers are running now on partypoker and you can win your seat for as little as $1. Play for a $1,700 WPT500 package that includes the buy-in, four nights accommodation and travel and spending money. Or, simply play for a seat only, you can win multiple seats to give you more shots at the first prize.
