WinStar to Host $1,500,000 GTD 2019 Labor Day River Series Main Event this Weekend
Since the beginning of the month, WinStar Casino has been hosting satellites for its 2019 Labor Day River Series, which kicked off this past weekend and will culminate this Friday with a $1,500 buy-in, $1,500,000 guarantee Main Event. PokerNews will be on hand to offer live updates from that tournament.
The WinStar River Poker Series has a long history dating back to 2012, which is when Aaron Massey topped a 1,396-entry field to win the title and $651,559 first-place prize. Others to win the title include Jason Helder (2014 for $1,000,000), Maxx Coleman (2015 for $775,000), Gordon Vayo (2016 for $587,120), and Ben Zamani (2017 for $347,134).
Most recently, 20-year-old Will Pengelly bested an 807-entry field to win what was a $2,500 Main Event for $249,310 as part of a five-way deal. This year, the buy-in has been lowered to $1,500, which along with the full slate of satellite qualifiers, is expected to draw a massive field.
Things kicked off this past weekend with Event #1: $500 NLH Flighted Ultimate, which attracted 827 runners over five starting flights. The tournament ended in a deal that saw Jonathan Bloyen win $55,000 (plus $2,000 as a multi-bag bonus) and the title, while Wei Zhang took second for $52,000.
Others to cash that tournament were Eduardo Contreras (3rd - $32,718), William Hesser (4th - $28,000), Peter Lockwood (5th - $28,000), La Sengphet (6th - $20,207), Kathryn Chen (15th - $5,241), Pengelly (30th - $1,801), Keith Copp (38th - $1,549), and Seneca Easley (45th - $1,549).
Also playing to a winner was Event #2: $300 NLH Bounty, a tournament that drew 235 entrants. The top seven struck a deal that resulted in Jalal Shamroukh being deemed the champ for $5,250.
In addition to the 2019 Labor Day River Series Main Event, WinStar has been hosting a series of side events with more still to come.
Remaining 2019 Labor Day River Series Schedule
| Date | Time | Tournament | Stack | Levels | Late Reg | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, August 27 | Noon | $300 NLH | 10,000 | 30 minutes | 6 levels | - |
| Tuesday, August 27 | 7 p.m. | $200 NLH Bounty | 7,000 | 20 minutes | 8 levels | $100 Bounty |
| Wednesday, August 28 | Noon | $500 NLH Monster Stack | 25,000 | 30 minutes | 6 levels | $50K GTD |
| Thursday, August 29 | Noon & 7 p.m. | $330 Mega Satellite | 7,000 | 30 minutes | 6 levels | 10 seats added |
| Friday, August 30 | Noon | $1,500 Main Event Day 1a | 25,000 | 40 minutes | 9 levels | $1.5M GTD |
| Saturday, August 31 | Noon | $1,500 Main Event Day 1b | 25,000 | 40 minutes | 9 levels | $1.5M GTD |
| Sunday, September 1 | Noon | $1,500 Main Event Day 1c | 25,000 | 40 minutes | 9 levels | $1.5M GTD |
| Monday, September 2 | Noon | $1,500 Main Event Day 2 | 25,000 | 60 minutes | 9 levels | $1.5M GTD |
| Tuesday, September 3 | Noon | $1,500 Main Event Finale | 25,000 | 60 minutes | - | $1.5M GTD |
About the World’s Biggest Casino
With nearly 400,000 square feet, WinStar World Casino and Resort, owned and operated by the Chickasaw Nation, is the world’s biggest casino. There are nine city-themed gaming plazas with over 8,400 electronic games. Toss in 100 table games, a 55-table poker room, off-track betting, bingo, and more, and WinStar is a true gaming destination.
Additionally, they’ve established themselves as a go-to place for dining and entertainment. Regarding the former, they have the upscale Kirby’s Steakhouse as well as the 500-seat Gran Via Buffet. Toss in eateries like Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill, Panda Express, and El Fenix, and there’s really something for everyone.
For those looking to take in the nightlife, check out the jazzy Rotunda Bar in the hotel lobby, as well as hotspots like MIST Nightclub and Skyline Lounge. There’s also shopping, an 18-hole championship golf course, and a three-tower hotel with nearly 1,400 rooms.
For more information visit Winstar.com.
PR & Media Manager for PokerNews, Podcast host & 2013 WSOP Bracelet Winner.
