The World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit Event returned to Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, once again delivering an unforgettable poker experience in partnership with GGPoker. This year’s event shattered expectations, breaking records in entries, prize pools, and overall player engagement.
As the exclusive Ontario destination for WSOP tournaments—including coveted ring and bracelet events—Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto continues to elevate the game.
Record-Breaking Turnout & Prizes
From 10-22 April 2025, the WSOP Circuit saw an astonishing 8,203 total entries across 11 WSOP Circuit Ring Events—a 35.9% increase from 2024.
💰 Total Prize Pool: $7.56 million (up 35.4% YoY)
🏆 WSOP Rings Awarded: 11
👥 Unique Players: 3,150
For the first time, Great Canadian Rewards members were able to purchase event tickets online, leading to 2,123 entries via the digital platform.
Highlights of the Series
🏆 $2,000 Main Event
✅ Entries: 2,139
✅ Total Prize Pool: $3.74 million (up from $2.8 million in 2024)
✅ GGPoker Online Qualifiers: 413
In a storybook moment, Pengxiang Ruan, a Great Canadian Rewards member and restaurant worker from Thornhill, Ontario, captured the Main Event title and a life-changing $510,245 first-place prize. A passionate poker player for a decade, Ruan plans to use his winnings to fulfill his dream of opening a restaurant.
A Statement from Great Canadian Entertainment
“This event proves that Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto is the home of world-class poker in Canada,” said Michael Kim, Executive Vice President, Great Canadian Entertainment.
“The record-breaking turnout, intense competition, and incredible stories—like Pengxiang Ruan’s—define the WSOP Circuit experience. We’re proud to exclusively bring the magic of WSOP to Toronto and look forward to building on this momentum.”
Notable Events & Expanding Tournament Offerings
⭐ $3,500 High Roller Event
📊 Entries: 291
💰 Prize Pool: $906,465
⭐ $1,000 No Limit Hold’em
📊 Entries: 847
💰 Prize Pool: $719,950
🆕 New Additions for 2025
👩🎤 Ladies Event – Prize Pool: $59,280
👴 Seniors Event – Prize Pool: $172,800
🎭 Mystery Bounty Event – Prize Pool: $585,420
Great Canadian Rewards: Elevating Player Experience
Great Canadian Rewards members enjoy exclusive perks, enriching their poker experience at Toronto’s premier entertainment destination and across all Great Canadian properties in Ontario. Membership is free and provides access to added benefits year-round.
