2016 Big One for One Drop - 3 Things Different

After successful runs in 2012 and ’14, the $1 million buy-in Big One for One Drop tournament didn’t take place at the 2016 WSOP. Many poker players were surprised by this, wondering if we’d ever see the world’s most-expensive tournament again.

One Drop founder Guy Laliberté has eased these worries, though, announcing that the €1 Big One for One Drop will take place from October 13-17. The most-notable change is that the tournament will happen at Casino de Monte-Carlo. But there are some other interesting changes for the 2016 Big One for One Drop too, which we’ll discuss below.

1. The Buy-in is Less Expensive

It might seem like a technicality that the Big One for One Drop buy-in is €1 million, but this is actually less expensive than the events at the 2012 and ’14 WSOPs. In terms of US dollars, the buy-in is currently $900,000, which will only further encourage people who are already thinking of paying €1 million to enter.

Players will especially appreciate the less-expensive buy-in when considering the prizes that past champions have won. In 2012, Antonio Esfandiari earned $18,346,673 after topping the WSOP Big One for One Drop field. In 2014, Dan Colman collected $15,306,668 after winning the prestigious tournament.

2. This is an Invitational Event and No Pros Are Allowed

The biggest surprise announcement for the One Drop tournament is that no poker pros will be invited. This is an invitational tournament only, and Laliberté wants to keep the field strictly recreational players.

“The first One Drop was about a 50-50 ratio of pros to recreational players,” said Laliberté. “The second one had even more professionals, with some of the business people and recreational players staking pros because they thought it would give them a better chance. We wanted to change that dynamic, and after talking with several of the more recreational players, we found they were less interested in playing in a more pro-heavy and difficult field.”

The former Cirque du Soleil owner finished by saying that his top priority is making as much money for the One Drop foundation as possible. As you may be aware, the One Drop foundation helps provide clean drinking water to impoverished countries.

3. The One Drop Extravaganza Will Include Side Events

While the primary draw to Casino de Monte-Carlo will be the €1 million buy-in Big One for One Drop, there’ll also be side tournaments and cash games happening. Dubbed the ‘One Drop Extravaganza,’ this event will be more than a single high roller. Laliberté has invited pros to play in these side events and cash games as long as none of the celebrities, philanthropists, or businessmen in attendance object.

“We're very happy about [the $111,111 High Roller field] and that a lot of pros have shown support for One Drop,” said Laliberté. “We don't think anyone is really upset or feeling disrespected. Clearly not since they are still supporting One Drop and this event.”
Once again, the One Drop Extravaganza takes place from October 13-17 and will offer multiple events, including the €1 million buy-in Big One tourney.

Note: The articles featured image is sourced from www.onedropextravaganza.com