The US Poker Open, which launched in 2018, is one of the fine productions of PokerGO, a subscription-based poker app. Subscribers have come to enjoy the heavy-dose of thrilling high stakes poker action during the US Poker Open, which brings out many of the biggest stars in the game. PokerNews extensively covers the series each year, with our world-class live blogs, daily features, and recaps of all the events.
US Poker Open
Finished Tournaments |
Winner | Winning Hand | Prize | Runner-up | Losing Hand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 US Poker Open | Sean Winter | 10♣6♣ | $756,000 | Stephen Chidwick | q♠4♣ |
What is the US Poker Open?
When Poker Central launched its on-demand poker app, PokerGO, in 2017, the company promised further original programming was on the way. They held true to their word with the introduction of new high rollers such as the Poker Masters, and the reboot of popular poker shows like "Poker After Dark" and then "High Stakes Poker" in 2020.
Among the newer original shows on PokerGO is the US Poker Open, an annual series with numerous high roller poker tournaments all taking place at the PokerGO Studio on the Las Vegas Strip. Poker fans enjoy watching their favorite stars compete for massive amounts of money against top competition.
When is the US Poker Open?
In 2018 and 2019, the US Poker was held in the middle of February. Due to the pandemic, the series was canceled in 2020. Play resumed in 2021, but in June this time. Nevada still had a number of COVID-19 restrictions in place in the winter, so PokerGO was unable to hold the event that time of year. Once the restrictions were lifted, the party was back on at the PokerGO Studio, a state-of-the-art facility steps from the luxurious Aria Resort & Casino.
History of the US Poker Open
The US Poker Open is now three years into its existence (four if you count the absent year). In 2018, Justin Bonomo seemingly won just about everything on the high roller circuit. He cashed for over $25 million that year, a single-year record, and he won the first ever US Poker Open Event — $25,500 No-Limit Hold'em for $556,873. But there's one thing "ZeeJustin" didn't win that memorable year, and that is the overall US Poker Open Championship.
Stephen Chidwick, on the other hand, dominated the series, going back to back in the second and third events — $25,000 No-Limit Hold'em for $374,000 and $25,000 Mixed Game Championship for $382,500. The British poker pro also had three additional top five finishes during the eight-tournament series.
In 2019, Chidwick was once again dominant at the US Poker Open, winning two more events — $10,000 No-Limit Hold'em for $216,000 and $25,000 Pot-Limit Omaha for $351,000 — along with two additional small cashes. Despite that impressive run, he didn't win the overall series championship. That is because David Peters came out of nowhere to rip it away at the final table of the $100,000 No-Limit Hold'em Main Event, in which he won for $1,320,000.
At the 2021 US Poker Open, Peters made it back-to-back championships. The Ohio native took down Events #7, #10, and #11 — $10,000 No-Limit Hold'em for $217,800, $10,000 Short Deck for $124,200, and $25,000 No-Limit Hold'em for $465,750. He also earned an extra pair of small cashes. Peters was unstoppable during much of the series and ran away with the overall title.
When is the US Poker Open?
The US Poker Open runs in February, except for 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions. In 2020, the series was canceled altogether because of the pandemic. The following year, it took place in June instead of February due to continued coronavirus restrictions in Nevada.
Where is the US Poker Open held?
The PokerGO Studio on the Las Vegas Strip, just outside the Aria Resort & Casino, and walking steps from the legendary Aria poker room, is the home to the US Poker Open, along with numerous other major events such as the Poker Masters and Super High Roller Bowl.
How much does it cost to enter the US Poker Open?
The US Poker Open features 8-12 tournaments with the buy-ins ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, depending on the year.
How many players compete in the events?
Most tournaments during the series attract anywhere from 25-100 players, with the lowest buy-in events (the $10k's) being on the higher end because there are more players at that level who can afford the admission price.
Who plays in the US Poker Open?
The US Poker Open attracts some of the best tournament grinders in the world. You'll get to watch pros such as Stephen Chidwick, David Peters, and Daniel Negreanu competing for the big bucks and poker glory.