The return of World Poker Tour to Australia isn’t a surprise to many with its 2019 debut in the country well met with success. Held in The Star Gold Coast, the inaugural WPT Australia exceeded expectations having garnered more than 3,000 entries across its 10-day event schedule. Over AUD 3.1 million (~USD 2.09 million) in prizes were awarded with Melbourne-based Hari Varma walking away with the most impressive title of all. The previous Main Event alone generated a record prize pool of AUD 1,480,500 (~USD 1,002,447), AUD 274,247 (~USD 185,693) of which went to Varma having outlasted the 658-player field.
Dubbed as the most successful poker event in Queensland history, the major brand is back this time with its WPTDeepStacks Gold Coast leg happening this coming May. While a smaller field is expected given the limitations on international travel, the world renowned operator remains positive to see a decent number of players in the anticipated games.
WPTDeepStacks Gold Coast reveals final dates
While the WPT’s other scheduled festivals in the Asia-Pacific region have been postponed for a later date, the premier brand is keen on pushing through with its Gold Coast events with a final date settled for this year’s May. Having solidified its partnership with The Star Gold Coast, the exciting festival will once again be held in the respective venue with over AUD 1.8 million in estimated prizes.
“The relationship between WPT and The Star Gold Coast continues to blossom, and the upcoming WPTDeepStacks Gold Coast series will be another phenomenal opportunity for Australian players to compete at one of the finest resorts in the world”, stated WPT’s VP of Global Tour Management, Angelica Hael.
The 11-day event is set to run from May 21st up until the end of the month, featuring a total of 10 events with buy-ins ranging from USD 330 to as high as USD 5,000 for the High Roller tournament. While the line up poses no guarantees, a pool of 2,700 players is expected to participate, 50% of which are assumed to travel from interstate. The USD 1,500 Main Event remains to be the star of the series with three starting flights beginning on May 27th. Live satellites for a more affordable USD 175 will be available as early as the first day, allowing fortunate players to cut on buy-in expenses. The biggest winners of the festival will be crowned on the last day with both the Main Event and 5K Challenge event concluding on May 31st.
“While prestigious international tournaments like WPT Australia may not be on the cards just at the moment, securing WPTDeepStacks for the city is a really exciting step forward and a promising sign of brighter times to come” said The Star Gold Coast Chief Operating Officer, Jess Mellor.
“May is a particularly stunning time of year on the Gold Coast – we are famed for being the go-to destination as southerners escape the chill for the warmth of our sub-tropical weather, so this tournament is more than just a competition, it’s a chance for poker fans to stay, play and holiday in paradise”, Mellor added.
Given the limited seating available, registrations for the 2021 WPTDeepStacks Gold Coast events are now open. Interested players are encouraged to register prior to booking flights and accommodations to avoid unexpected problems. More information can be found on https://www.star.com.au/goldcoast/whats-on/poker/wptdeepstacks as well as the full schedule of events shown below for reference.
2021 WPTDeepStacks Gold Coast Schedule of Events
| Date | Time | Event | Buy-in (USD) | Re-entry |
| May 21, 2021 (Friday) | 4:30 PM | #1 WPTDeepStacks Gold Coast Opening Event Day 1A | 750 (675+75) | Single re-entry per day 1 |
| May 22, 2021 (Saturday) | 11:30 AM | #1 WPTDeepStacks Gold Coast Opening Event Day 1B | 750 (675+75) | Single re-entry per day 1 |
| May 23, 2021 (Sunday) | 11:30 AM | #1 WPTDeepStacks Gold Coast Opening Event Final Day | ||
| 2:30 PM | #2 WPTDeepStacks Gold Coast One Day 2K Event | 2,000 (1,850+150) | 1 Re-entry | |
| May 24, 2021 (Monday) | 4:30 PM | #3 WPTDeepStacks Gold Coast Freezeout | 330 (300+30) | |
| May 25, 2021 (Tuesday) | 4:30 PM | #4 WPTDeepStacks Gold Coast $330 PLO Event | 330 (300+30) | 1 Re-entry |
| May 26, 2021 (Wednesday) | 4:30 PM | #5 WPTDeepStacks Gold Coast Big Bounty | 440 (400+40) | 1 Re-entry |
| May 27, 2021 (Thursday) | 4:30 PM | #6 WPTDeepStacks Gold Coast Main Event Day 1A | 1,500 (1,350+150) | Single re-entry per day 1 |
| May 28, 2021 (Friday) | 11:30 AM | #7 WPTDeepStacks Gold Coast Mega Stack Super Turbo Freezeout | 440 (400+40) | |
| 4:30 PM | #6 WPTDeepStacks Gold Coast Main Event Day 1B | 1,500 (1,350+150) | Single re-entry per day 1 | |
| May 29, 2021 (Saturday) | 11:30 AM | #6 WPTDeepStacks Gold Coast Main Event Day 1C | 1,500 (1,350+150) | Single re-entry per day 1 |
| May 30, 2021 (Sunday) | 11:30 AM | #6 WPTDeepStacks Gold Coast Main Event Day 2 | ||
| 3:30 PM | #8 WPTDeepStacks Gold Coast $550 PLO | 550 (500+50) | 1 Re-entry | |
| 6:15 PM | #9 WPTDeepStacks Gold Coast 5K Challenge | 5,000 (4,700+300) | Multiple re-entry | |
| May 31, 2021 (Monday) | 11:30 AM | #6 WPTDeepStacks Gold Coast Main Event Final Day | ||
| 12:30 PM | #9 WPTDeepStacks Gold Coast 5K Challenge Day 2 | |||
| 1:30 PM | #10 WPTDeepStacks Gold Coast Mega Stack Freezeout | 440 (400+40) |
