Jason Koon, Aleksejs Ponakovs Among Latest Confirmed For Big One For One Drop

November 16, 2023

Connor Richards Editor & Live Reporter U.S.

The field for the $1 million buy-in Big One for One Drop that will take place in December at the World Poker Tour (WPT) World Championship at Wynn Las Vegas keeps growing as five more players confirmed their participation in the seven-figure event.

High-stakes veteran Jason Koon will once again be taking part in the Big One For One Drop, while newer high-stakes grinders Aleksejs Ponakovs, Artur Martirosian, Orpen Kisacikoglu and Santhosh Suvarna will all make their Big One debuts.

“The Big One is just over one month away, and exceptional entries continue to fill the seats of this one-of-a-kind event,” WPT CEO Adam Pliska said in a press release. “Jason is a well-respected member of the high-stakes community. We were honored to hear of his commitment.”

Six More Players Confirmed For $1M WPT Big One for One Drop

The new players bring the total number of entries to 13 as they join Phil Ivey, Rick Salomon, Nick Petrangelo, Chris Brewer, Dan "Jungleman" Cates, David Einhorn, Talal Shakerchi and Mikita Badziakouski.

Koon, who sits fourth on the all-time money list with $52.6 million in live earnings, played the 2018 One Drop but failed to cash.

While they are all making their Big One debuts, Ponakovs, Martirosian, Kisacikoglu and Suvarna will prove tough opponents as each player boasts seven-plus figures in live earnings.

“Our excitement grows each day as more entries come forward,” said Alexandre Meunier, One Drop Foundation’s Chief Marketing and Events Officer. “It is amazing to welcome Aleksejs Ponakovs, Artur Martirosyan, Orpen Kisacikoglu and Santhosh Suvarna as first-time participants in the Big One playing a crucial role in supporting One Drop Foundation’s water mission. The best of luck to all.”

Confirmed Big One Players: