As the 2024 PokerStars North American Poker Tour (NAPT) Las Vegas festival unfolds, the poker community buzzes with anticipation and enthusiasm. Occurring at the lavish Resorts World Las Vegas, the festival promises an array of thrilling events, eye-popping prize pools, and the return of familiar faces that fans love. Let’s delve into the details of this year’s festival, highlighting some of the key tournaments, player stories, and what we can expect moving forward.
Kickoff Success: The $550 Mystery Bounty Event
The excitement crossed its first milestone with the $550 Mystery Bounty tournament, which boasted a remarkable $300,000 guaranteed prize pool. Launching on November 1, the event quickly attracted over 700 entrants through its initial flights, eclipsing the guaranteed prize pool even before the final Day 1e flight commenced. This successful kickoff is a potent indicator of the overall turnout and energy at the festival.
A Star-Studded Return
Among the players gracing the tables was Eric Molina, a name known to those who followed the poker scene back in the mid-2000s. Having made waves during the 2006 World Series of Poker (WSOP), Molina returned to the spotlight, albeit quieter this time. While he was less brash compared to his younger days, he still made an impression, notably busting on the bubble with a formidable hand of aces against an opponent’s straight. It was a nod to both his experience and the unpredictability of poker, showing that while players evolve, the game remains as thrilling as ever.
Pro Poker Players in Action
The festival also saw well-known professional players like Michael Wang, Christina Gollins, and Chris Moorman entering the fields of Day 1c. Their presence not only raises the competitive stakes but also adds a layer of excitement for fans who enjoy watching their favorite players battle it out on a grand stage.
With another starting flight, Day 1e, expected to be the largest of the Mystery Bounty event, projections suggest a potential prize pool exceeding $500,000. This kind of atmosphere is what festival poker is all about—a combination of strategy, skill, and a healthy dose of luck.
Upcoming Highlights at the NAPT
The festival runs through November 10, with 31 tournaments scheduled, ensuring plenty of action for participants and spectators alike. Notable events on the roster include the $1,100 RunGood Poker Open with a $400,000 guarantee kicking off on November 4, and the much-anticipated $5,300 Main Event beginning on November 5, which promises at least $3 million in the pot.
Here’s a quick overview of the remaining schedule for the NAPT:
| Date | Time | Event | Buy-in | Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun, Nov 03 | 12:00 PM | Mystery Bounty Day 1E | $550 | $300,000 |
| Mon, Nov 04 | 11:00 AM | RunGood Poker Open 1A | $1,100 | $400,000 |
| Tue, Nov 05 | 12:00 PM | Main Event Day 1A | $5,300 | $3,000,000 |
| Fri, Nov 08 | 12:00 PM | NAPT Cup Day 1A | $550 | $300,000 |
| Sun, Nov 10 | 1:30 PM | Main Event Day 5 | $5,300 | $3,000,000 |
Conclusion: A Festival to Remember
The NAPT Las Vegas is shaping up to be one of the most exciting events of the poker calendar. With a mix of new talents and seasoned pros, a rich variety of tournament formats, and breathtaking prize pools, there’s something for everyone—from casual onlookers to serious contenders.
For those wanting to keep a close watch on action as it unfolds, be sure to follow the live coverage over at PokerNews. Whether you’re there to compete, support a loved one, or simply enjoy the atmosphere, the 2024 North American Poker Tour has something special in store for everyone.
Stay Updated
As the festival progresses, the excitement is only expected to grow, particularly as we approach the milestones of the Main Event and other marquee tournaments. With tales of triumph and heartbreak expected around every corner, these ten days in Las Vegas will undoubtedly carve out more memorable moments in the annals of poker history.
