The Most Profitable Poker Tournaments in the World: Top 10 Events

Poker tournaments attract players from across the globe, offering massive prize pools and intense competition. Some events stand out as the most profitable, drawing professional and amateur players eager to claim their share of millions. In this article, we explore the ten most lucrative poker tournaments in 2025, based on prize money, prestige, and participation.

World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event is the most iconic poker tournament globally, held annually in Las Vegas. Established in 1970, it has consistently offered one of the largest prize pools in the industry. In 2024, the WSOP Main Event recorded a staggering $12.1 million first-place prize, demonstrating its enduring appeal.

With a buy-in of $10,000, the WSOP Main Event attracts thousands of players, including professionals and aspiring champions. Its structure ensures deep-stacked gameplay, rewarding skill and endurance over several days. The event has crowned legendary players such as Phil Hellmuth and Johnny Chan.

WSOP continues to evolve, incorporating online satellites that allow players to qualify at a fraction of the cost. The combination of history, prestige, and life-changing prize money makes the Main Event a top-tier competition.

WSOP Europe (WSOPE)

WSOP Europe is the international counterpart to the Las Vegas series, offering significant prize pools and a chance to win a coveted WSOP bracelet. The event takes place in various European locations, with King’s Casino in Rozvadov, Czech Republic, being a frequent host.

Despite a smaller field than the main WSOP in Las Vegas, WSOPE provides high-stakes poker action. The Main Event buy-in is €10,350, attracting top professionals from Europe and beyond. In 2024, the event boasted a total prize pool exceeding €5 million.

WSOPE is crucial for players who want to compete for a WSOP bracelet outside the United States, making it a highly anticipated stop on the international poker circuit.

Triton Super High Roller Series

The Triton Super High Roller Series is synonymous with elite poker, offering buy-ins ranging from $100,000 to over $1 million. These tournaments cater to the wealthiest poker players and businessmen, creating massive prize pools and intense competition.

In 2024, the Triton Million for Charity tournament featured a record-breaking buy-in of £1,050,000 ($1.3 million), generating a prize pool exceeding $40 million. Players such as Phil Ivey and Bryn Kenney regularly participate, showcasing world-class skills in deep-stacked structures.

The Triton Series is unique due to its mix of high-net-worth individuals and poker legends, creating an unparalleled level of play. Its exclusive nature and eye-watering stakes cement its place among the most profitable poker events.

Super High Roller Bowl

The Super High Roller Bowl (SHRB) is a premier high-stakes event held in Las Vegas, with occasional international editions. With a $300,000 buy-in, SHRB attracts the best poker minds, creating intense competition for massive prizes.

SHRB 2024 crowned Isaac Haxton as its champion, with the event boasting a $15 million prize pool. The tournament’s strict entry cap ensures a select field, increasing its prestige and competitive nature.

Live-streamed with in-depth analysis, the SHRB is a fan favourite, providing thrilling poker action while offering professionals an opportunity to showcase their skills on a global stage.

European Poker Tour (EPT) Barcelona

The European Poker Tour (EPT) Barcelona is one of the most popular poker tournaments in Europe, known for its massive turnouts and lucrative prize pools. The event’s Main Event features a €5,300 buy-in, drawing thousands of competitors yearly.

In 2024, EPT Barcelona set new records with a total prize pool of €10 million. The combination of a picturesque location, outstanding organisation, and a deep-stacked structure makes it a must-play tournament.

EPT Barcelona continues to thrive due to its appeal to a diverse player base, ranging from recreational enthusiasts to seasoned pros.

Monte-Carlo Millions

Monte-Carlo Millions is an exclusive high-stakes poker event held in Monaco, known for its luxury and prestige. This invitation-only tournament caters to high rollers and poker elites, offering a multi-million-dollar prize pool.

Its combination of high buy-ins, an elite player pool, and the extravagant Monte Carlo setting makes it one of the most sought-after tournaments for professional players.

With prize pools often exceeding €10 million, Monte-Carlo Millions maintains its reputation as one of the most profitable and exclusive poker events globally.