2021 World Series of Poker in review: Week six

Following over two years without live-action play, 6,650 players from around the world flocked to the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas for the return of the legendary 52nd annual World Series of Poker Main Event. The Main Event brings about big winnings, with each player making the final table guaranteed at least $1,000,000 and the first-place world champion walking away with $8,000,000. With the return of in-person play and the easing of international travel restrictions, week six of the WSOP delivered on excitement with poker legend Doyle Brunson, a surprise appearance by Main Event champion alum Chris Moneymaker and major international player turnout.

“We could not be happier with the turnout to this year’s Main Event, from the big international crowd to the return of some of the greatest players of all time,” said World Series of Poker Senior Vice President, Ty Stewart. “Following a year of such uncertainty, it is amazing to have the poker community together again. The energy and excitement in the room is palpable as legends and amateurs from around the world gather together to try their chance at a world championship title, once again.”

Week 6 Highlights:

-Chris Moneymaker Makes Late Decision to Play WSOP Main Event

After announcing on Twitter earlier this year that he was unsure if he would make it out to this year’s WSOP in Las Vegas, 2003 Main Event champion Chris Moneymaker surprised the poker world by enrolling in Day 1F of the Main Event.

-Josh Arieh Wins Fourth Bracelet in Event #66: $10,000 Pot-Limit Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship

After overcoming a field of 208 entries, Josh Arieh claimed victory in Event #66: $10,000 Pot-Limit Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship, taking home his fourth WSOP gold bracelet and $484,791 in cash. Widely considered one of the best pot-limit Omaha players, Arieh has already claimed three six-figure scores at this year’s WSOP including two bracelet wins.

-2021 WSOP Day 36: Main Event Underway, Brunson Up to Old Tricks

Poker hall of famer and 10-time WSOP champion Doyle Brunson returned to the WSOP, playing his first Main Event since 2013. At 88 years old, Brunson currently is tied with Phil Ivey and Johnny Chan at second place for most WSOP bracelets with Phil Hellmuth leading at 16.

-Poker Community Buys Man Facing Terminal Cancer entry into WSOP Main Event

After recently being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, Michael Graydon wanted to fulfill his dream of playing in the WSOP Main Event. The professional poker community stepped in to make his dreams come true with MJ Gonzales and Jonathan Depa both paying half of Graydon’s buy-in and Maria Ho offering to pay for his flight to Las Vegas.

-Former NBA Star Tony Parker Takes on WSOP Main Event

Six-time NBA All-star and four-time NBA Champion Tony Parker stepped into the WSOP Main Event, playing on Day 1B. After spending 17 seasons in the NBA, Parker now has his eyes set on a WSOP gold bracelet. Unfortunately, he was unable to advance to the second day of competition, but will have plenty of opportunities going forward now that he is retired from professional basketball.