World Series of Poker Colossus Event Draws Record Field Of 22,374

The $565 buy-in Colossus Event at the 2015 World Series of Poker shattered all expectations by drawing a total field of 22,374, by far the largest field in poker history. With four starting flights and the ability to enter four times, the players created a prize pool of $11,187,000 which is the largest prize pool ever for a tournament with a buy-in under $5,000.

When all is said and done, a record 2,241 players will make the money, earning a minimum payday of $1,096. A total of 4,480 decks of cards were used by 982 dealers in the event. The winner, which expected to be determined Tuesday or Wednesday of this week, will take home $638,880.

“Wow,” said WSOP Executive Director Ty Stewart. “When you see a crowd that could fill many sports venues, there’s not much else you can say. We want to thank everyone who traveled from near and far to be part of this historic event, particularly the first timers. Just like the sign says, ‘We Hope You Come Back Soon’. We love to bring poker enthusiasts together and help build positive momentum for the game.”

Not everyone was happy with the prize pool announcements, however. With a field size of nearly twice that of the 2014 Millionaire Maker event, many players were under the impression that the winner of Colossus would make at least seven figures.

Colossus paying 600k for first, and I actually thought the event was a huge success for a minute. What an epic fail by @WSOP

— Darryll Fish (@DarryllFish) June 1, 2015

So @WSOP is making more than 2x first place in rake. $638k is a complete joke

— Daniel Strelitz (@dDeoxyribo) June 1, 2015

Over 22k entries creating a prize pool of over $11Mil and 1st prize is only $630k?? Don't think I've ever seen 5% for 1st #colossus #wsop

— Eugene Katchalov (@EugeneKatchalov) June 1, 2015

Disgrace only 638k out of 11million for 1st I colossus pa more players rake more players#sadwsop

— Mike Matusow (@themouthmatusow) June 1, 2015

Very disappointing payout structure for the Colossus!!! How could you win the biggest poker tournament in history and not make1 mill for it!

— Will Failla (@WILLFAILLA) June 1, 2015

Of course, it’s important to point out that the reason for the flatter payout structure is because of that fact that so many players, a little more than 10 percent of the field, need to be paid. In fact, the eventual Colossus winner will have an ROI of a whopping 112,976 percent or 1,130 times their buy-in, assuming they got through on only one bullet.

It's the principle of what goes up, must come down The more you pay (a record 2,241) the less for top. Winner gets 1,130 ROI, Highest ever

— WSOP (@WSOP) June 1, 2015

We like getting praise but sometimes u have to do right thing. Going top heavy for PR value + short changing thousands would have been worse

— Ty Stewart (@wsopSUITd) June 1, 2015

Regardless of the payout, the WSOP clearly succeeded in attracting more new players to the game. At this time, it is unknown whether or not the Colossus will return in 2016.

Check out a video update on the event from Card Player TV featuring a quick interview of WSOP VP of Corporate Communications Seth Palansky:

For more coverage from the summer series, visit the 2015 WSOP landing page complete with a full schedule, news, player interviews and event recaps.

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