MGM National Harbor in Oxen Hill, MD will host the Potomac Winter Poker Open from Jan. 25 through Feb. 6. The last two years’ tournaments were canceled due to COVID-19.
Potomac Winter Poker Open returns to MGM National Harbor
Maryland casinos have been a top destination for poker players since casino table games were legalized a decade ago. Online poker is still prohibited in The Old Line State, making the return of this tournament even more anticipated.
This year’s Potomac Winter Poker Open (PWPO) features 16 events. Buy-ins range from $200 on the low side to $2,700 for the Main Event, which offers a $500,000 guaranteed prize. Three of these events will feature mixed games, with the rest being No-Limit Texas Hold ’em.
There are also two seniors events for players 50 years of age or older, as well as a rookie event for those with less than $25,000 in Hendon Mob cash.
The defending champion from the 2020 Potomac Winter Poker Open Main Event is Matthew Sesso. He topped a field of 294 entries to take home $189,965 — his largest career victory to date.
Potomac Winter Poker Open schedule
Jan. 25 – Jan. 29
Play kicks off at MGM National Harbor on Jan. 25 with the popular Mystery Bounty multi-flight — a $400 buy-in. The format includes six Mystery Bounty starting flights across four days.
Given the delay of the casino’s previous Potomac Winter Poker Open, players are especially eager for the onset of this year’s event, and the prize pools match that enthusiasm. In all, this PWPO features over $1 million in guarantees
The Mystery Bounty opening series alone boasts a $500,000 guaranteed prize pool.
Mystery Bounty Schedule
- Day 1A: Jan. 25 at 5 p.m.
- Day 1B: Jan. 26 at 5 p.m.
- Day 1C: Jan. 27 at 11 a.m.
- Day 1D: Jan. 27 at 5 p.m.
- Day 1E: Jan. 28 at 11 a.m.
- Day 1F: Jan 28 at 5 p.m.
- Day 2: Jan. 29 at noon
Jan. 29
Mystery Bounty competition restarts for Day 2 at noon and will play down to a winner.
Meanwhile, the tournament’s first seniors event begins at 9 a.m. Anyone 50 years of age or older is able to enter this one-day event.
Then at 1 p.m. comes a $400 event with $50,000 guaranteed — also a one-day event. Finally, the fourth tournament of the day starts at 4 p.m. — a $500 5-Card Pot Limit Omaha event featuring $300 rebuys.
Jan. 30
The Cakes Classic Bounty begins at noon with a $300 buy-in and is a one-day event.
Jan. 31
At 11 a.m., the Monster Triple Stack kicks off with a $400 buy-in and a deep stack with 75,000 in chips.
Feb. 1
There are two events on this day beginning at 11 a.m. with the $400 No-Limit Texas Hold ’em event featuring a guarantee of $50,000. At 4 p.m. is the Super Turbo Black Chip Bounty with a $400 buy-in and $100 per knockout.
Feb. 2
Another two events are scheduled for this day beginning with the $1,200 No-Limit Freezeout with $50,000 guaranteed at 11 a.m. The afternoon event is at 4 p.m. featuring a $400 No-Limit Hold’em and 4-Card Pot-Limit Omaha Mix.
Feb. 3
Day 1A of the highly anticipated $2,700 Main Event kicks off at 11 a.m. with the first of two starting flights. This event guarantees a massive $500,000 in the prize pool.
Feb. 4
Another seniors event begins at 9 a.m. Day 1B of the Main Event is at 11 a.m. It is the last chance to find a bag for Day 2. The final event of the day is at 7 p.m. with the rookie’s event. The buy-in is $200.
Feb. 5
Day 2 of the Main Event restarts at noon and will play down to a final table. There is a $400 No-Limit Hold ’em event at 1 p.m. with a $50,000 guarantee. Then starting at 5 p.m. comes the $1,200 5-Card Pot-Limit Omaha Championship.
Feb. 6
The final day of the PWPO series features the Main Event Final Table at 1 p.m. The last side event will be at 11 a.m. with the $400 Double Stack No Limit.
This series also offers a variety of satellites into the $2,700 Main Event.
Here is a look at that schedule:
- Jan. 29, 7 p.m. — 5 seats guaranteed; $200 Super with $100 rebuys
- Jan. 3, 7 p.m. — 5 seats guaranteed; $200 Super with $100 rebuys
- Jan. 31, 7 p.m. — 5 seats guaranteed; $200 Super with $100 rebuys
- Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. — 5 seats guaranteed; $200 Super with $100 rebuys
- Feb. 3 at 8 p.m. — 5 seats guaranteed; $600 Mega
- Feb. 4 at 10 a.m. — 5 seats guaranteed; $600 Mega
- Feb. 4 at 2 p.m. — 5 seats guaranteed; $600 Last Chance Mega
