WSOP main event: this is the reason why the final table is no longer played in November
Poker will crown its World Champion in July again, and here’s why that 4-month wait was dealt a final blow.
For nine years, the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event paused in July and awkwardly resumed months later like a nineties Wyclef Jean track, an idea called the ‘November Nine.’ The goal was to generate buzz, give players media exposure, and maybe let ESPN catch up on editing. The buzz fizzled out, though, and the media appearances never really happened.
So what became of it?
When and why did poker’s ‘November Nine’ end?
Well, back in 20217 poker’s biggest stage decided – wisely, I think most of us can agree – to ditch the delay.
“Poker Central is excited to announce the acquisition of the global television and digital media rights to the World Series of Poker,” the statement read all those years ago. “An agreement has also been reached with ESPN to bring – for the first time – same day live coverage of the World Series of Poker from Day 1 of the Main Event until the winner is crowned.”
The November Nine had its moments, of course. Think back to when Darvin Moon played Joe Cada in 2009, and also to Mark Newhouse’s back-to-back 9th place finishes, but the format never truly won over players or fans. Critics often said it felt like watching a movie, pausing halfway through, and finishing it after Halloween.
So it was a nicely played hand from the organizers. And that brings us to the 2025 WSOP Main Event final table, again played in July, not four months later. And it’s a historic one, as for the first time in 30 years a woman is among the final nine players, Leonore “Leo” Margets from Bracelona, Spain.
WSOP 2025: final two days schedule
Tuesday, July 15:
10:00 a.m. – Event #97: $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em – The Closer (Flight B)
50,000 starting chips, 30-minute levels, 12 levels of play. Unlimited re-entries.
2:00 p.m. – Event #99: $5,000 No-Limit Hold’em 8-Handed
50,000 chips, 30-minute levels, 12 levels. 1 re-entry allowed.
Wednesday, July 16:
10:00 a.m. – Event #100: $1,000 Super Turbo No-Limit Hold’em
The final tournament of the series. 20,000 chips, 20-minute levels, 12 levels. 1 re-entry.
These two days close out the series with a mix of fast structures and one last shot at a bracelet.
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