By Sean Chaffin
Great weather, a pool scene fit for a rock star, and plenty of great dining options. Players have numerous reasons to head to South Florida April 12-16 for the WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown.
The event is the biggest of the property’s major annual events and features a $3,500 buy-in with a $3 million guarantee. Along with the championship event, the Showdown event schedule features 72 tournaments with 28 trophies awarded for players of every bankroll.
More Than Poker
Since debuting on the Main Tour in Season IX, the stop has become popular because of the property’s great poker scene and lavish amenities.
“The Seminole Hard Rock poker experience starts long before cards go in the air and continues well after the final river card hits the felt,” Seminole Hard Rock tournament director Tony Burns says. “Modern players have a myriad of choices when going through the tournament calendar and it’s important to give them a reason to choose the Seminole Hard Rock and South Florida.”
“Running some of the best events in the world isn’t enough. We pride ourselves on going the extra mile to provide players more than just a great poker experience.”
That includes the 4.5-acre lagoon-style pool and Beach Club. Players can enjoy some relaxation in the heated pool or a nice cocktail at the tropical oasis. For some rejuvenation, visit the Rock Spa for a great massage. There is also Vegas-style gambling and plenty of great dining options. That includes Kuro (pictured below), a stylish Japanese restaurant offering delectable cuisine and cocktails that has become a favorite with players.
“Poker at the Seminole Hard Rock is about a lot more than cards,” Burns says. “Whether it’s a $150 buy-in in the room, or a $50,000 buy-in Super High Roller in the Hard Rock Event Center, poker players can expect a top-notch event run by world-class staff.”
In recent weeks, the casino has been running $390 satellites for the championship event, giving players a shot at playing in a final table in Las Vegas on May 30 at HyperX Esports Arena at the Luxor. For only $390 a player can earn his or her way to a FOX Sports television appearance.
“This all comes back to the player experience,” Burns says. “That’s an experience that only poker the Seminole Hard Rock and the WPT can provide.”
Expansion Plans
Highlighting its rock ‘n’ roll roots even more, the Seminole Hard Rock is undergoing a renovation that will add significantly to its musical motif. Highlighting the expansion is an iconic guitar-shaped hotel expected to be completed in the fall. New additions will also include new restaurants, bars and lounges, expansion of the gaming floor, and a new 6,500-seat Hard Rock Live concert venue.
If the pool area wasn’t great enough, plans also call for 13.5 acres of additional water facilities for swimming and recreational activities.
“Players will be happy to hear that there will be a brand new 45-table poker room in the new casino,” Burns says.
Poker remains a key aspect for any trip to the property. And the Seminole Hard Rock delivers, including these offerings on the Showdown schedule: the $3 million guaranteed WPT championship; a multi-flight $1,100, $2,200 PLO tournament; eight-handed tournaments ($25,000 and $50,000 High Rollers); and a one-day $5,000 buy-in. There’s something for everyone.
“The WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown is historically one of our strongest series of the year and we’re excited about 2019’s installment,” Burns (pictured) says. “We’re eager to get cards in the air and look forward to putting out a product that provides something for every budget.”
For more information on the championship event, click here. For the full main schedule of trophy events, click here. For the complete secondary schedule, click here.
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Sean Chaffin is a freelance writer in Crandall, Texas, and his work appears in numerous websites and publications. Follow him on Twitter @PokerTraditions.