Have you ever wondered how big the World Series of Poker Main Event can get? The 2025 edition has officially become one of the largest in the event’s 56-year history, attracting a total of 9,735 entries. This year’s turnout places it as the third-largest Main Event ever, just behind the record-breaking fields of 2024. Despite a slight drop from the previous year, the prize pool for the 2025 event has swollen to a staggering $90,535,500, with the eventual champion set to receive a $10 million payday.
The Growing Popularity of the WSOP Main Event
The 2025 World Series of Poker’s Main Event, which carries a $10,000 buy-in, continues to draw an incredible number of participants, proving poker’s enduring appeal. The 9,735 entries this year slightly dipped by 3.7% from the 10,112 players who registered in 2024, but still represent an impressive turnout.
Only the 2024 Main Event, which reached 10,112 participants, and the 2023 event, which drew 10,043, have surpassed the 2025 event’s field size. Notably, the 2006 event, which saw 8,773 entries, held the record for nearly two decades before being overshadowed by the more recent tournaments.
Record-Breaking Prize Pool and Payouts
As a result of this massive turnout, the prize pool has grown to $90,535,500, with the top 1,461 finishers set to make money. Players will receive a minimum payout of $15,000, and the top nine players will earn seven-figure sums. The eventual champion will take home $10 million, continuing a trend of lucrative payouts in recent years.
This marks the seventh time that a WSOP Main Event champion will walk away with an eight-figure sum. Past champions such as Jonathan Tamayo (2024), Daniel Weinman (2023), and Jamie Gold (2006) have also secured similar paydays.
A Look at the Payout Structure
- 1st Place: $10,000,000
- 2nd Place: $6,000,000
- 3rd Place: $4,000,000
- 4th Place: $3,000,000
- 5th Place: $2,400,000
- 6th Place: $1,900,000
- 7th Place: $1,500,000
- 8th Place: $1,250,000
- 9th Place: $1,000,000
The prize pool will continue to reward players down the payout ladder, with the top 89 players guaranteed a payout of at least $100,000.

Flight Breakdown: A Closer Look at the Entries
The event’s entries were spread across several flights, and we saw some interesting shifts compared to 2024 numbers.
- Day 1A: 923 entries (up 0.9% from 2024)
- Day 1B: 1,096 entries (up 31.9% from 2024)
- Day 1C: 1,678 entries (down 33.6% from 2024)
- Day 1D: 4,997 entries (down 0.3% from 2024)
While Day 1B saw a significant increase in entries compared to last year, Day 1C experienced a notable decline. This fluctuation could be attributed to various factors, including the changing landscape of poker tournaments and how players are adjusting their strategies around larger fields.
Late Registration: A Final Push
As usual, late registration remained open through the start of level 8 on Day 2D, offering players one last chance to join the action. A total of 775 late entries were recorded, further boosting the event’s already impressive numbers.
A History of Monumental Main Events
The 2025 Main Event is now a part of poker history, ranking among the largest fields ever seen at the WSOP. Here’s a look at the ten largest WSOP Main Event fields in history:
- 2024: 10,112 entries – $94,041,600 prize pool – $10,000,000 top payout
- 2023: 10,043 entries – $93,399,900 prize pool – $12,100,000 top payout
- 2025: 9,735 entries – $90,535,500 prize pool – $10,000,000 top payout
- 2006: 8,773 entries – $82,512,162 prize pool – $12,000,000 top payout
- 2022: 8,663 entries – $80,782,475 prize pool – $10,000,000 top payout
- 2019: 8,569 entries – $80,548,600 prize pool – $10,000,000 top payout
- 2018: 7,874 entries – $74,015,600 prize pool – $8,800,000 top payout
The Road to Victory
For players hoping to make a deep run and claim a portion of the prize pool, surviving to the final stages of the tournament is key. The final five players are guaranteed to earn multi-million-dollar payouts, and the top nine will leave the tournament with at least $1 million.
Poker enthusiasts worldwide are keeping a close eye on this year’s event, which promises to deliver plenty of drama, high-stakes action, and thrilling moments. With millions of dollars at stake, the 2025 WSOP Main Event is set to become one of the most talked-about tournaments in recent years.
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FAQS:
- How many entries were there in the 2025 WSOP Main Event?
There were 9,735 entries in the 2025 WSOP Main Event. - What is the prize pool for the 2025 WSOP Main Event?
The total prize pool for the 2025 WSOP Main Event is $90,535,500. - What is the top payout for the 2025 WSOP Main Event?
The winner of the 2025 WSOP Main Event will receive $10 million. - How many players will make the money in the 2025 WSOP Main Event?
The top 1,461 players will receive a payout. - What is the payout for finishing 2nd in the 2025 WSOP Main Event?
The runner-up will earn $6 million.
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