The 36th annual World Series of Poker has generated more player registrations than any other live poker tournament in history. The record, which replaces the one set by the 35th annual World Series of Poker, comes with 23 events still to be played at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
The 14,439 player registrations recorded through this year's first 21 events exceed the 14,054 registrations filed in all 2004 events. Tournament organizers predict the total number of registrations will reach 23,000 by the time the main event begins.
To date, the record field includes players from 45 nations around the globe, further cementing the tournament's position as an international phenomenon.
"We're thrilled to host so many poker enthusiasts from so many different walks of life," said Gary Thompson, the tournament's director of operations and communications. "The turnout at this year's World Series of Poker proves the popularity of this game is still growing - and that its appeal is continually being discovered by new audiences."
Tournament organizers announced earlier this week they believe the total prize money for this year's events will reach $100 million, another record. Again, the 35th annual World Series of Poker set the previous mark, with nearly $45 million in total prize money. Through the first 21 events this year, the total prize money already stands at nearly $25.5 million.
