The World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event has been the ultimate test of skill and endurance. However, many in the poker community started questioning the structure of this prestigious event, especially after the all-time bracelet leader Phil Hellmuth recently announced that he was not playing the WSOP Main Event due to its demanding schedule.
The BetRivers Casino ambassador said that he could not handle the 12-hour days over 7 days in a row. He even termed the structure brutal for older players. His tweet sparked an intense debate within the poker community.
Although Scot Seiver, who won an impressive three bracelets last summer, and GGPoker Ambassador Daniel Negreanu, who ended his long wait for seventh bracelet with a win in the WSOP 2024 Poker Players Championship, had a contrasting opinions, Hellmuth received an overwhelming support with many in the community coming forward to support him, including Nadya Magnus and PokerStars Team Pro Jennifer Shahade.
Supporting Hellmuth’s point, Nadya Magnus pointed out that longer tournament days not only affect older players but also players with medical conditions. Shahade called it a great point from Hellmuth, saying that it also becomes tough for pregnant women and people with disabilities.
Poker legend Erik Seidel also agreed with Helmuth and said that this should not be an endurance contest and supported the idea of shortening breaks and offering break days to accommodate older players.
Some players in the community said that Hellmuth is absolutely spot on as no one can stay 100% mentally sharp with those 12 hour long grinds over 7 days without a full day off. The matter was heavily debated in the poker community and many players wanted changes in the WSOP Main Event structure, including several poker legends and operators.
WSOP Listens to the Community – Announces Changes in The Structure
Following pressure from older players and an overwhelming support for Helmuth’s opinion in the poker community, WSOP has finally announced changes in the Main Event structure – a huge win for the community. It provides a major relief, especially for older players and those with disability.
Key Changes In The WSOP Main Event 2025 Structure
Extended Schedule: The Main Event was originally set to take place between July 2-16. It has been extended and will finish on July 24, 2025.
Two Hour Breaks Per Day: There will be two hour long breaks per day, which will give players enough time to rest and recover.
Two Full Off-Days: Notably, there will be two full days off on July 18-19, thus breaking the seven-day restless and consecutive seven-day grind.
Besides, a special Flip & Go bracelet event exclusively for players under 50 will be held during break days. This is a win-win move for any younger players still in the Main with time on their hands and urge for glory.
Phil Hellmuth & Daniel Negreanu Respond to the Changes in Main Event
Speaking of the changes in the Main Event, Phil Hellmuth and Daniel Negreanu issued a joint statement, “Unfortunately, guys like us don’t get much in the way of preferential treatment at the World Series of Poker but this is certainly a step in the right direction.”
Perks for Seniors: Adding to the delight, the WSOP has also announced senior citizen discounts in all Caesars restaurants, making the WSOP experience more memorable and affordable for the older players.
With these favorable changes, WSOP is kind of balancing endurance with inclusivity, ensuring that all players of all ages and those with disability can compete for the main event glory this year.
Keep following PokerProNews for more such exciting updates from the poker industry.
Source: PokerStrategy.com & Phil Hellmuth Twitter Handle
