The World Series of Poker (WSOP) Paradise is a winter series held at the Atlantis Paradise Island in The Bahamas. The series runs from December 3-14 and will feature 15 bracelet events across different variants with over $51 million in guarantees. PokerNews will be on hand to provide live coverage of the event, with photos, videos, and player interviews live from the tournament floor in The Bahamas.
In the meantime, GGPoker has been busy qualifying players from all over the world via their “Road To Paradise,” which launched at the beginning of October. Each WSOP Paradise package comes with entry into the prestigious $5,000 WSOP Paradise Main Event, scheduled to unfold amid the tropical splendor of Atlantis Paradise Island from December 9, offering an impressive $15 million in guaranteed prizes. But that’s not all; winners will also savor a 10-night stay at the luxurious Atlantis Paradise Island resort, celebrated for its lavish amenities and awe-inspiring ocean vistas.
There are several ways to qualify, and in the coming weeks PokerNews will be profiling several of the lucky winners who’ll be traveling to the Caribbean island for their shot at poker immortality.
Here’s a look at the qualifiers PokerNews has profiled so far:
Here’s Your Chance to Win a WSOP Paradise Getaway to The Bahamas on GGPoker
Romania’s Dorin Barban Headed to the Bahamas
When it comes to getting to the Bahamas, no doubt one of the qualifiers who’ll be traveling the farthest will be Romania’s Dorin Barban.
“I qualified through an online satellite tournament on GGPoker,” he told PokerNews. “It was an incredible journey because I started with a free ticket of $50 offered by GGPoker to the ultra-satellite $600 that offered 50 packages of $10k, and I brought home the package. I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
He added: “I’m not a professional poker player, but I have experience playing online,” said Barban, who also shared that he’s played live events before. “I’ve also participated in a few local tournaments, but the WSOP Paradise Main Event is going to be a new challenge for me, so I’m eager to participate.”
Barban comes in with a little moment as at the end of August he topped a field of 967 entries to win an online poker Mystery Bounty tournament, which he said is his most memorable poker moment thus far.
“I’m looking forward to the beautiful setting of the Bahamas, competing against top players I’m sure, and the chance to win big. It’s a dream come true,” he said while also sharing that he plans to explore the resort, enjoy the beach, and just relax. However, he also hopes to run into some of his favorite poker players.
“It would be an honor to meet and compete with some of the poker legends such as Daniel Negreanu and my poker heroes from Italy – Mustapha Kanit and Dario Sammartino. I’m looking forward to the whole experience.”
And if he’s lucky enough to turn his shot into a big payday?
“If I’m fortunate enough to win big, I’ll use the prize money intelligently, including investing in my poker skills and possibly participating in more live events,” said Barban.
Here Are the Celebrities & Poker Pros Confirmed to Attend WSOP Paradise
2023 WSOP Paradise Schedule
The 2023 WSOP Paradise shuffles up and deals in The Bahamas on December 3 with the $1,650 buy-in Mystery Millions. It boasts a $5 million guarantee on its prize pool, so will be the perfect curtain raiser for the 11-day festival.
Every bracelet-awarding event promises at least $1 million will be awarded, with the $1,500 Millionaire Maker and the $103,000 Ultra High Roller coming with a $5 million guarantee.
Of course, the biggest tournament of them all is the $5,300 Main Event, which will pay out $15 million to those fortunate and skillful enough to make it into the money place.
| Start Date | Event | Total Buy-in | Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 3 Dec | #1: Mystery Millions | $1,650 | $5,000,000 |
| Mon 4 Dec | #2: Millionaire Maker in Paradise | $1,500 | $5,000,000 |
| Tue 5 Dec | #3: GGMillion$ High Rollers Championship | $26,000 | $10,000.000 |
| #4: Mini Main Event No-Limit Hold’em | $1,100 | $1,000,000 | |
| Thu 7 Dec | #5: High Roller Pot-Limit Omaha | $26,000 | $2,000,000 |
| Fri 8 Dec | #6: No-Limit Hold’em 6-Handed | $3,300 | $1,000,000 |
| #7: Super High Roller No-Limit Hold’em | $53,000 | $2,000,000 | |
| #8: Mystery Bounty Pot-Limit Omaha | $2,100 | $1,000,000 | |
| Sat 9 Dec | #9: Ultra High Roller No-Limit Hold’em | $103,000 | $5,000,000 |
| #10: Main Event Championship | $5,300 | $15,000,000 | |
| Tue 12 Dec | #11: Flip & Go | $800 | |
| Wed 13 Dec | #12: No-Limit Hold’em Freezeout (Online) | $1,050 | $1,000,000 |
| #13: Pot-Limit Omaha Championship | $10,400 | $1,000,000 | |
| #14: The Closer Turbo Bounty | $2,200 | $1,000,000 | |
| Thu 14 Dec | #15: High Roller No-Limit Hold’em 6-Handed | $10,400 | $1,000,000 |
Executive Editor U.S.
Executive Editor US, PokerNews Podcast co-host & 2013 WSOP Bracelet Winner.