The 2nd largest Main Event in poker history

The WSOP came remarkably close to the breaking the Main Event record from 2006. $10 million awaits the champion!

All the talk this year was whether the 2022 World Series of Poker Main Event would be the biggest of all-time. Pent up demand and no COVID restrictions meant that a lot of pundits felt that we would break 10,000 entrants this year. 

It wasn't to be and the 2006 record of 8,772 runners stands, but only just. After four Day 1s and late registration on two Day 2s, the final tally is 8,663. Just 109 shy of the record making it the 2nd biggest Main Event in poker history. 

The first prize is $10 million, which is the 2nd biggest prize in the event's history (this same figure was also awarded in 2014 and 2019). 1,300 places get paid and you can see the final table payouts below:

MAIN EVENT PAYOUTS

Players: 8663 (2nd largest of all-time)
Prize pool: $80,782,475
Places paid: 1300

1st: $10,000,000
2nd: $6,000,000
3rd: $4,000,000
4th: $3,000,000
5th: $2,250,000
6th: $1,750,000
7th: $1,350,000
8th: $1,075,000
9th: $850,675https://t.co/JgW1ge0wBj

— WSOP (@WSOP) July 9, 2022

At the time of writing there are roughly 3,078 players remaining and we are likely to see the bubble burst towards the end of Day 3 tomorrow, which is when all the field combines. 

So it wasn't the record but given the fact that we are in very tough economic times this is a tremendously strong sign that poker is still very alive and very well. 

Will we see the record broken next year? Let us know in the comments: