Many poker operators favor venues like Wynn Las Vegas and Horseshoe Casino as prime destinations for high-stakes poker action. However, PokerStars recently took a different path, selecting the relatively new Resorts World Las Vegas for its North American Poker Tour (NAPT) instead of the city’s long-established poker rooms. But is this the right choice? Can Resorts World host a popular series like the NAPT? Here’s a detailed look at why Resorts World Las Vegas might be a worthy contender.
PokerStars’ North American Poker Tour (NAPT) has seen great success since its launch back in 2010. The tour’s first event took place at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut, drawing thousands of participants. The $5,000 Main Event alone attracted 716 players, generating a prize pool of $3,264,244, and the series was even broadcast on ESPN2. However, after just two seasons, PokerStars suspended the NAPT in 2011 following the Black Friday scandal. Now, after 12 years, PokerStars has revived the NAPT, choosing Resorts World Las Vegas as its new home.
Why Resorts World Las Vegas?
Resorts World Las Vegas, a recent addition to the Las Vegas Strip, has been in operation for just three years. The resort features three hotel brands—Hilton, Crockfords, and Conrad—alongside over 40 restaurants and bars, offering plenty of options for both food and entertainment. Poker is an essential part of the resort’s offerings, with a big poker room, making it one of the best destinations for poker events in Las Vegas. Many NAPT players are currently staying in these hotels, taking advantage of the resort’s amenities.
Robbie Strazynski, founder of CardPlayer Lifestyle, hosting his Mixed Game Festival at the Resorts World poker room. The festival featuring high-stakes cash games and tournaments kicked off on November 3 and ends today, November 7. He appreciates the unique position Resorts World holds, remarking, “I think what’s nice, as far as NAPT, (Resorts World) is independent. It’s not part of the two huge families of casinos here, so they can decide how they want to operate,” Strazynski told PokerNews.
He further explained his choice to host his festival at Resorts World: “It is the premier venue probably in the world for mixed games because they run mixed games regularly at limits from 4/8, 8/16, all the way up to 80/160 and 300/600.”
With a wide range of amenities catering specifically to poker players, including luxurious accommodations and diverse dining options, Resorts World Las Vegas seems well-equipped to support major poker events. The combination of a spacious poker room and player-focused services might just make it the new hub for premier poker action in Las Vegas.
Talking about North American Poker Tour (NAPT), the festival kicked off on November 1 and will continue through November 10. Three big winners have been crowned so far, with USA’s Stephen Song being the latest winner after taking down NAPT $25k Super High Roller $439,400 payday. Prior to his victory, Croatia’s Gregor Sverko clinched victory in the NAPT $550 Mystery Bounty to win $66,300 in top prize money.
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