Photo Credit: Great Canadian Entertainment

🏨🃏 Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto Hosts Inaugural World Series of Poker® Circuit Event in Partnership with GGPoker, Setting New Standard for Poker in Toronto 🃏

Friday, 12 April 2024 06:31.PM
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- Over $5.5M in Winnings Distributed at the Largest International WSOP Circuit Main Event this Season Burlington, Ontario Resident Crowned Winner of the Main Event -

Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto played host to Toronto's inaugural World Series of Poker® (WSOP) Circuit Event in partnership with GGPoker, the largest International WSOP Circuit Main Event this season, marking an historic milestone in Toronto's poker scene. Beginning March 22, poker enthusiasts from across North America descended upon Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto to participate in what turned out to be an unforgettable series of tournaments.

Over 11 days, and with an impressive turnout of over 6000 entries, including 324 Main Event online qualifiers from GGPoker, the WSOP Tournament shattered projections, boasting a total tournament prize pool of $5.5 million in total winnings. This exceeded the initial estimate of $3.9 million, showcasing the immense popularity and success of the event.

Great Canadian Rewards Member, Khaled Aljoma, emerged victorious, claiming a coveted WSOP Championship Ring in the Main Event and a staggering $427,191 in winnings. Hailing from Burlington, Ontario, an elated Aljoma revealed his intention to have his championship ring engraved with the heartfelt message, "We did it for the kids." The 50 year-old also plans to use a portion of his earnings to upgrade his home. Despite his impressive poker skills, Aljoma, who works as a mechanic Monday through Friday, considers poker a hobby.

"Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto hosted the largest International Circuit Main Event this season, proving that they have the potential to become one of the premier stops on the International Circuit schedule," said Gregory Chochon, Vice President, World Series of Poker. "We'd like to thank the players for coming out but also the Great Canadian staff and GGPoker for their hard work in making this an impressive WSOP Circuit debut."

Eight coveted WSOP Rings were awarded throughout the event. All eight winners from the WSOP Circuit Toronto will have the opportunity to showcase their skills on an even grander stage as they compete in the $1 million Tournament of Champions at Commerce Casino in Los Angeles from May 22nd to 24th.

Toronto native and GGPoker Global Ambassador, Daniel Negreanu, who participated in the Main Event said prior to the event, "I have been playing WSOP events around the world for over 25 years and there is something quite special about being able to finally compete in one in my hometown." Negreanu, who finished in the money in 230th place commended the event's remarkable turnout on X (Formerly Twitter) and praised Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto as an ideal host for large-scale poker tournaments. Negreanu's sentiments echoed the sentiments of many participants who relished the opportunity to engage in the very first WSOP tournament held in Ontario surrounded by a diverse and enthusiastic community of players.

"I am immensely proud of the resounding success of our inaugural World Series of Poker® tournament in partnership with GGPoker," said Robert Katsavelos, General Manager, Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto. "The overwhelming turnout from both players and spectators underscores the passion and enthusiasm for poker within our community. We are thrilled to have hosted players from across Canada and beyond at our brand new resort, and look forward to continuing to deliver one-of-a-kind experiences at Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto."

The various tournaments included the $2,000 Main Event with a prize pool of $2.8 million and the $3,500 High Roller event with a $1 million prize pool.

SOURCE: Great Canadian Entertainment

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