VERONA — The legendary World Series of Poker Circuit Tournament series returns to New York at Turning Stone Resort Casino this month, kicking off on Thursday, March 16.

The most prestigious poker tournament in the world, the 12-days of non-stop poker action attracts several thousand people from all around the Northeast to Central New York to compete for more than $1 million in guaranteed payouts, 16 WSOP Gold Rings and a seat in the $1 million Tournament of Champions in Las Vegas this summer.

Last year’s WSOP Circuit Event was overwhelmingly successful and exceeded all expectations with nearly 11,000 entries including players traveling from 26 states and Canada and more than 1,600 people taking cash winnings home.

In 2022, $4.4 million was paid out to winners throughout the WSOP tournament - four times more than the guaranteed prize pool. In response to overwhelming interest in participating in this year’s WSOP tournament, Turning Stone is adding 20 additional poker tables this year, for a total of 70 tables.

The iconic trophy of the WSOP Circuit Event is the coveted Gold Ring and this year’s event at Turning Stone will give players 16 different opportunities to take one home. The WSOP Gold Rings are designed by the same company that makes the Super Bowl and NBA Championship rings, establishing the caliber of these legendary pieces of jewelry. Last year, Joe Rice from Waterford, NY took home two Gold Rings, plus more than $274,000. Also, Chad Roederscheimer from Cincinnati, Ohio took home his first-ever WSOP Gold Ring and nearly $103,000, while Central New Yorkers Tom Frank from Ilion and Frank Gentile from Utica each won their first Gold Rings and nearly $60,000 combined.

Turning Stone is among a very selective group of gaming destinations with fewer than 20 casinos in the world to host a WSOP Circuit Event, distinguishing Turning Stone as the only WSOP Circuit Event in the entire Northeast. Throughout the WSOP Tournament, poker players will also be able to participate in live poker action in the Turning Stone Poker Room with additional opportunities to win big payouts.

New this year will be the addition of a Ladies WSOP No Limit Hold’em Tournament, the first-ever in the state, to be held on Friday, March 24. Also new this year, the Monster Stack event, the most popular event of last year’s WSOP at Turning Stone, will return as a special two-day event on March 21 and 22.