The World Series of Poker (WSOP)‘s Tournament of Champions is set to return to Commerce Casino in Los Angeles this May.
This exclusive $1 million freeroll event will be open only to players who have earned a WSOP bracelet or Circuit ring between June 2024 and May 2025. The tournament is scheduled for May 15-17 at the iconic Southern California venue.
This will be the second consecutive year that the esteemed California casino hosts the Tournament of Champions, which serves as a thrilling kickoff for the WSOP summer festival in Las Vegas.
WSOP CEO Ty Stewart expressed enthusiasm about the event’s return: “We are delighted to be back at The Commerce Casino & Hotel for the WSOP Tournament of Champions and our 15th consecutive $1,000,000 freeroll. With a $2 million guaranteed Circuit Main Event, along with WSOP satellites and continuous action at the largest poker room in the world, this truly is like the opening ceremony for the 2025 WSOP.”
The finale of the 2025 Tournament of Champions will be streamed live on YouTube, with more details about the live broadcast being shared in the upcoming weeks.
Previous Event at Commerce
The last Tournament of Champions held at Commerce Casino saw 559 participants compete globally, with Dong Meng claiming his second bracelet and a $200,000 prize while defeating runner-up Kevin Will, who earned $120,000.
The final table also featured Nathan Wasson (3rd – $87,000), Rick Gebhart (4th – $63,000), and Cody Bell (5th – $46,000).
Commerce Tournament Director Cavin Quintanilla stated, “We are excited to bring back the WSOP Circuit Finals and the T.O.C., both of which are such esteemed events. It requires a committed team to provide exceptional customer service, and I am proud to work alongside these legendary brands. We aim to maintain the game’s integrity and ensure everyone has a great experience while enhancing our combined legacy.”
Final Table Results from 2024 WSOP Tournament of Champions
| Place | Player | Country | Prize | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dong Meng | United States | $200,000 | |
| 2 | Kevin Will | United States | $120,000 | |
| 3 | Nathan Wasson | United States | $87,000 | |
| 4 | Rick Gebhart | United States | $63,000 | |
| 5 | Cody Bell | United States | $46,000 | |
| 6 | Ramon Kropmanns | Brazil | $35,000 | |
| 7 | Scott Dulaney | United States | $26,000 | |
| 8 | Alan Merdita | United States | $20,000 | |
| 9 | John West | United States | $16,000 |
Upcoming Circuit Stop at Commerce
In addition to the Tournament of Champions, Commerce Casino will also host a WSOP Circuit stop from May 9-24, featuring 18 ring events.
The highlight of the WSOPC Commerce stop will be a Main Event with a buy-in of $1,700 and a guaranteed prize pool of $2 million.
Other notable events in the series include a $400 Pot-Limit Omaha event, a $2,200 No-Limit Hold’em High Roller, and a $600 ITM XL Bounty NLH event.
The complete schedule for the WSOP Tournament of Champions Series at Commerce is outlined in the table below.
2025 WSOP Tournament of Champions Schedule
| Date | Event | Buy-In |
|---|---|---|
| May 9 | Event #1: The Housewarming | $600 |
| May 11 | Event #2: Seniors | $400 |
| May 11 | Event #3: No-Limit Hold’em | $600 |
| May 12 | Event #4: Monster Stack | $400 |
| May 13 | Event #5: H.O.R.S.E | $600 |
| May 14 | Event #6: No-Limit Hold’em | $1,100 |
| May 15 | Event #7: No-Limit Hold’em | $400 |
| May 16 | Event #8: WSOP Circuit Main Event | $1,700 |
| May 16 | Event #9: No-Limit Hold’em | $400 |
| May 17 | Event #10: No-Limit Hold’em | $400 |
| May 18 | Event #11: Pot Limit Omaha | $400 |
| May 19 | Event #12: No-Limit Hold’em | $600 |
| May 19 | Event #13: Pot Limit Omaha 8 or Better | $400 |
| May 20 | Event #14: T.O.R.S.E | $400 |
| May 21 | Event #15: 8-Max No-Limit Hold’em High Roller | $2,200 |
| May 22 | Event #16: ITM XL Bounty No-Limit Hold’em | $600 |
| May 23 | Event #17: 8-Max No-Limit Hold’em | $600 |
| May 24 | Event #18: Double Stack Closer | $400 |
*Photo by Alicia Skillman & 8131 Media
Editor & Live Reporter U.S.
