The 2017 Seneca Niagara Summer Slam Main Event Starts Now!

It has been a rather wet summer living in the shadow of the eighth wonder of the world.

But the massive cloud of mist ever rising out Niagara Falls isn't the only thing keeping Western New York damp. Heavy rains, humidity, flash floods, severe storms and tornadoes have plagued the area this year.

The usual barbecues and ball games have been rained out. In fact, it seems the only thing you can count on this summer is poker. This game is always going, rain or shine.

And now, after a week of keeping players dry and crushing guarantees in the prelims, the Niagara Falls Poker Room inside the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino will host the first of two starting flights for the $100,000 Guaranteed 2017 Seneca Niagara Summer Slam Main Event Friday.

A 42-year-old Chiropractor from Rochester, NY won the 2016 Seneca Niagara Falls Summer Slam Main Event, beating a field of 475 entries that created a $252,106 prize pool.

Russ Campanella will likely return to defend his title and he will be joined by some of the best poker players from Western New York and beyond.

The $600 Summer Slam Main Event is always a big draw in Niagara Falls, and with registration and unlimited reentry available through the start of the eleventh level in Friday's first starting flight, and a second one Saturday, there should be another massive field.

Players begin the starting flights with 30,000 in chips and plans to play 15 40-minute levels or until 12 percent of the field remains.

There is a 45-minute dinner break at the end of Level 10, through which registration and reentry remains open.

It's a true Main Event structure giving players plenty of wiggle room and the opportunity to stay patient. However, if past incarnations of the Summer Slam Main Event are any indication, there should still be plenty of action worth following from start to finish.

Play will begin at 11 a.m. local time and you are welcome to follow along right here on PokerNews.