Jobs, savings, and pensions dominate the conversation in today’s volatile economy—but what about poker? Specifically, what about the World Series of Poker, the flagship event that defines the summer for so many in the game??
With the 2025 WSOP just weeks away, poker players around the globe are preparing for the pilgrimage to Las Vegas. Or at least, they were. Now, a new variable has entered the mix: tariffs.
Donald Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian imports, and his broader protectionist stance, may be aimed at reshaping global trade, but they could also end up reshaping poker’s biggest stage in ways no one quite expected. The ramifications, however, are not confined to North America; countries like India are also feeling the heat.
Let’s unpack what’s happening, and what it might mean for this year’s WSOP.
The WSOP’s Global DNA Faces a Stress Test
The WSOP isn’t just an American event. It’s the international poker gathering of the year. In 2024, players from over 100 countries filled the ballrooms of the Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas. A record-breaking 10,112 players entered the Main Event alone, with roughly a quarter of them flying in from outside the U.S. That kind of turnout isn’t coincidental; it’s driven by global accessibility, affordable travel, and poker’s universal appeal. Tariffs, however, disrupt this delicate balance.
Canadian players, in particular, make up a sizable chunk of the WSOP crowd, around 10% of the Main Event field last year. But Trump’s tariffs have stirred more than just economic tension. There’s a growing sentiment online, especially on platforms like X, that the costs and political climate are putting a damper on enthusiasm. Some Canadian players are even talking about boycotts, or at least opting out this year.
While Canada’s tariffs are front and center, another country potentially affected by this situation is India, a rising poker hotspot. Indian players, who make up a growing segment of the WSOP’s international player pool, could face a unique set of challenges this year.
Impact on Indian Poker Players
India has seen remarkable growth in its poker community over the last few years, with players earning respect at international events like the WSOP. The country has been cultivating a passionate poker scene, but Trump’s tariffs could undermine the ability of Indian players to make the trip to Las Vegas for the 2025 WSOP.
With the U.S. imposing steep tariffs on imports from India, such as steel, textiles, and electronics, the economic ripple effect is felt across industries. This includes the travel sector, which is crucial for international poker players. Airfares from India to the U.S. are already 10% higher than last year, and the situation is set to worsen if fuel and equipment costs continue to rise. These increased travel costs are compounded by the weakening Indian Rupee against the U.S. Dollar, which erodes the purchasing power of Indian players and adds to the financial pressure of attending the WSOP. Hotels and food, key expenses for poker players in Vegas, are also likely to see price hikes, as U.S. casinos rely on imported goods, including everything from food and beverages to tech equipment. This could make a typical WSOP trip, which already costs around $5,000 for a recreational player, even more out of reach.
The Resilience of the WSOP
All that said, let’s not sound the last rites just yet.
The WSOP has seen storms before—Black Friday, the 2008 crash, even a global pandemic. And still, it came back stronger each time. Poker players are a resilient bunch. High-stakes pros and U.S.-based grinders are unlikely to let a little economic headwind stop them from chasing gold bracelets.
Daniel Negreanu, Phil Hellmuth, and the rest of the usual suspects will be there. GGPoker’s online satellite system, which lets players qualify for a fraction of the price, will help keep the dream alive for many.
And let’s be real. There’s no replacing the thrill of playing a WSOP event in person. For some, it’s still a bucket-list experience worth fighting for.
What Will a ‘Tariff Era’ WSOP Look Like?
If the tariffs remain in place or even just linger in uncertainty, the biggest hit will likely be in the amateur and international segments of the player pool. That could mean smaller fields in the $1,500 and $2,500 No-Limit Hold’em events, tournaments that rely on casual players showing up en masse.
A 5% drop in Main Event entries doesn’t sound like much, but that’s $4 million missing from the prize pool. Side events could shrink even more sharply, and if buzz fades, so too could the non-tournament action—cash games, mixed games, and those legendary railbirds that add flavor to the WSOP.
Local Las Vegas poker rooms might also feel the chill. Places like Aria and Bellagio often see massive side action during the WSOP months, but if tourism dips (which early Q1 numbers suggest it already has), the overall vibe might be quieter this summer.
So, Will Trump Hurt the WSOP?
There’s no clear answer yet. While the tariffs haven’t fully kicked in yet and Trump’s trade plans are still evolving, one thing is certain: poker is deeply connected to the world beyond the felt. Economic uncertainty, including rising tariffs, affects decisions—not just in terms of travel, but in the overall experience of the WSOP.
It may be a little smaller this year, a little scrappier. But champions will still be crowned. Bracelets will still be won. And for those who make it, the dream of Vegas will still be as loud and glittering as ever.
Whether Trump’s tariffs go into full effect or remain in limbo, they have already cast a long shadow over this year’s WSOP. But poker players know better than most how to navigate uncertainty. They’ve done it for decades, and they’ll do it again.
The 2025 WSOP might not break records—but it won’t be broken, either. Keep following PokerProNews for the latest updates from the world of poker.
