When the year comes to a close, it is the perfect time for self-reflection. Taking the time to look back at what happened in the past 12 months can teach you a lot about yourself and allow you to learn from it and improve in the year to come.
The same thing applies to the past year in the poker industry. What has happened? Did major changes take place? What kind of drama affected the community? And will any of it affect the poker industry next year? This Everygame poker recap is here to summarize the most interesting poker-related news that might still be relevant in months to come!
Top Poker News in 2024
- The 2024 WSOP Main Event had the biggest prize pool in history – As one of the most popular poker tournaments in the world, the WSOP has been attracting more and more attention with each passing year. In 2022, the WSOP Main Event had a prize pool of $80,7782,475, with Espen Jorstad winning $10,000,000 in first place. The year after that, the prize pool reached a new peak of $93,399,900, which resulted in Daniel Weinman winning $12,100,000 in first place. And in 2024, the prize pool was worth an astounding $94,041,600, leaving bracelet winner Jonathan Tamayo with a $10,000,000 prize as well. If this prestigious tournament remains on the same track next year, the prize pool might reach new heights in 2025!
- Poker legend suspended from online poker platform for alleged cheating – Kevin Ruscitti, also known as "GR4ND THEFT" in the online poker world, was suspended from online poker play after allegedly using RTA (real-time assistance) to make a profit. Apparently, multiple players have been suspecting Ruscitti of using RTA for weeks, and they've submitted solver checks for the online poker platform to review. Ruscitti, on his part, denied the allegations made against him and claimed that he was submitting his own evidence to get his online account reinstated.
- A new documentary sheds light on the poker world – "The Ultimate Stack", the latest poker documentary that is now available on YouTube, was directed and produced by a renowned poker documentarian Michael Bailey. The new documentary shows an entire poker tournament from start to finish, following the chips as they pass from one player to another until only one player is left standing. The 90-minute movie features poker pros like Tony Dunst, Mike Holtz, Brad Owen, and more. It shows the ins and outs of a poker tournament in a fun and original way, which is bound to appeal to poker enthusiasts and veteran players alike.
- Trump elected as president – The tumultuous elections were a source of a lot of drama this year. With Trump's assassination attempt, Harris replacing Biden, and so much more – no one could predict what the results of this year's election season might turn out to be. But while the elections were filled with negativity, Trump's reign might be good for the poker industry. In the past, the former businessman owned multiple gambling venues in Las Vegas, which means he has a positive approach toward national legalization of online gambling in the states. Let's see what the future might bring!
Let the End-of-Year Celebrations Begin!
A lot has happened in 2024. From major wins to scandalous elections, the poker community had a lot to discuss in the passing months! It seems as if the poker industry never rests, and if everything works out well, 2025 might be even more exciting for all poker lovers!