Aria Resort & Casino, Poker Productions, and Poker Central have issued a press release announcing their collaboration for the third consecutive year to present the Super High Roller Bowl to the poker world. [toc]
The SHRB, despite its brief existence, has quickly become one of the most esteemed and discussed tournaments in poker, drawing attention before, during, and after the event.
The tournament is surrounded by anticipation and speculations about the players and potential winners. It features extensive live coverage and is a professional event. Hence, you can watch the professionally edited episodes that are aired on TV.
“Poker Central President Joe Kakaty announced in a press release that the Super High Roller Bowl is the world championship of high stakes poker. He added that fans can now watch the action live from beginning to end.”
Aria’s Director of Poker Operations, Sean McCormack, added:
The Super High Roller Bowl from last year sold out in just two weeks, long before the tournament play commenced. The event was thrilling for both the participants and spectators who came to watch. We are expecting another triumphant High Roller Bowl this year as well.
A look at the 2017 Super High Roller Bowl
The SHRB tournament is set to return to Aria in Las Vegas. Similar to 2016, it will coincide with the beginning of the World Series of Poker and will run from May 28-31 (further details on the 2017 WSOP schedule can be found here).
There is no guarantee for the tournament. However, judging from past versions, it’s probable that it will hit the 50-player limit, which would generate a total prize pool of $15 million. Out of this, $5 million is earmarked for the champion.
For the second consecutive year, the tournament entry fee remains at $300,000, a reduction from the hefty $500,000 buy-in in 2015. The event will not have a rake; the entire $300,000 entry fee from each player will contribute directly to the prize pool.
It should be noted that the player limit is set at 50, an increase from last year’s 49. Fifteen positions are allocated for non-professionals chosen from Aria’s extensive selection of high rollers. The seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Players can secure their spot in the tournament with a deposit of $30,000.
A look back at the 2015 Super High Roller Bowl
As mentioned earlier, the inaugural Super High Roller Bowl required a $500,000 buy-in. Given the high buy-in and the event being in its early stages, the organizers were extremely pleased when 43 players registered.
Three-time WSOP bracelet winner, Brian Rast, known well to poker fans, emerged victorious in the tournament. He clinched the title of SHRB Champion and won over $7.5 million in prize money.
Besides Rast, the tournament’s money winners included seven players who were essentially the high-rollers of the poker world:
- Brian Rast earned $7,525,000, Scott Seiver earned $5,160,000, Connor Drinan earned $3,225,000, Timofey Kuznetsov earned $2,150,000, David Peters earned $1,505,000, Tom Marchese earned $1,075,000, and Erik Seidel earned $860,000.
A look back at the 2016 Super High Roller Bowl
The 2016 SHRB easily reached its player cap of 49, thanks to a lowered buy-in, an additional $300,000 in the prize pool, and 14 seats reserved for non-professional players.
Similar to 2015, the final table of the 2016 Super High Roller Bowl appeared as if it was a Player of the Year race for high-roller events.
- Rainer Kempe – $5,000,000
- Fedor Holz – $3,500,000
- Erik Seidel – $2,400,000
- Phil Hellmuth – $1,600,000
- Matt Berkey – $1,100,000
- Bryn Kenney – $800,000
- Dan Shak – $600,000
Final thoughts
The Super High Roller Bowl has not only met but surpassed the expectations set by the hype, standing out as one of the few successful poker initiatives introduced in recent years.
I anticipate that the 2017 event will further strengthen the foundation laid in 2015 and 2016, solidifying the SHRB’s status as one of the most prestigious poker tournaments.
