By Sean Chaffin
Open that calendar app and make sure the dates are marked for the World Poker Tour’s next stop in Choctaw. The Season XVII WPT Choctaw $3,700 Championship is just more than one week away. The event runs August 3-7 at the luxurious Choctaw Casino & Resort in Durant, Oklahoma, and it’s an event that players do not want to miss.
The second event on the Season XVII schedule, WPT Choctaw offers a bit of the Southwest to the tournament poker scene. It also brings in huge fields and big payouts, allowing WPT Choctaw to become one of the most popular stops on the World Poker Tour and a festival with a great atmosphere.
Four-time WPT champion Darren Elias (pictured below) plans on packing his bags for the event, as he seeks to secure another addition to his trophy collection. A WPT Choctaw title would certainly be a nice addition, and Elias has some history at the event. A few years ago, Elias placed third in the event for $303,593. He told WPT.com that he really likes the buy-in structure and the field the event attracts.
“The WPT at Choctaw is a great event that gets a good draw of local players from the surrounding area,” Elias said. “I like that it’s unlimited reentry because that makes it more feasible for me to travel to play, as I’ll have multiple shots at it if things go wrong.”
READ: Southwest Flavor: WPT Heads Back to Choctaw for Season XVII
Elias also mentioned what others have echoed, that the field at the WPT Choctaw event is unique and differs than most stops on tour. Many players come from the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, but also from Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and elsewhere across the country. It is this collection of players that creates a true melting pot of diversity in the field.
“I think the field is so great because you get a lot of satellite players and locals who may be taking a shot at their biggest tournament of the year,” Elias said. “Poker in the south has always been great, in my experience.”
It is the southern charm that extends to the great amenities at the casino. While the poker may be great, the suites, spa, and restaurants also make for a great vacation getaway. Some great dining options abound including delectable steaks and chops at the 1832 Steakhouse. For some south-of-the-border flavor, head to La Cantina for live music, smooth tequila samplings, tasty tacos, fajitas, and more. Numerous other dining options are also available.
Another thing really stands out at Choctaw is the Oasis Pool. More specifically, the Oasis Pool represents multiple indoor and outdoor pools. The pool scene at Choctaw goes well beyond a pool and a few lounge chairs. As the name implies, the scene is an oasis of relaxation and escape, with pools for adults and families, palm trees and pristinely manicured grounds, private cabanas, food and drink options, and much more. The Oasis Pool was certainly popular with Elias and helps set the property apart.
“I like what the hotel has done with their pool area,” Elias said. “They have a swim-up bar and I always enjoy my time out there if I get a day off during the event.”
The pool scene made quite an impression with players as the venue last season’s welcome party. WPT commentator Vince Van Patten was joined by Royal Flush Crew member Ivy Teves at the party, and even World Series of Poker Main Event champion Scott Blumstein mingled with players and shared a few cocktails as a live band kept the fun going.
Choctaw Casino & Resort may be most known as a casino, but it is also the perfect place to bring the family. The District, as it is called, is an entertainment venue that offers plenty of fun for kids and adults alike. The entertainment center features a movie theater, bowling alley, video arcade, food court, and more.
READ: A Special Look Into the History of the Choctaw Durant Property
All in all, players and guests that visit Choctaw Casino & Resort can expect a great atmosphere, a vacation getaway, and some juicy action at the tables. Unlike some venues on tour, Choctaw stresses that there are no resorts fees and the venue offers free parking for those making the drive. The property is also home to more than just the WPT Choctaw $3,700 Championship, with a full festival of events running now through August 7. The schedule calls for more than 80 events total, ranging in buy-in from $65 to $3,700.
So gather your bankroll and book your flight. There’s plenty of poker going on at Choctaw Casino & Resort and the WPT Choctaw $3,700 Championship kicks off August 3.
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