“We are beyond excited to be announcing the resurgence of our most iconic charity event,” said Alexandre Meunier, One Drop Foundation’s Chief Marketing and Events Officer. He added, “It is an incredible feeling to be able to have the support of WPT and the Wynn to run our fifth edition of the Big One. There is always a palpable buzz in the air during the lead-up to the one-million-dollar affair. The magnitude of the buy-in, of the prize pool, and also of the funds that are directed to the crucial cause of access to safe water makes the Big One the event of all superlatives.”

As part of the new partnership, there will be three charity events taking place over the coming months that will raise funds for the One Drop Foundation:

The WPT World Championship at the Wynn Casino will be a spectacular setting for the return of the Big One For One Drop, which will distribute millions of dollars in prizes and raise money so that areas most in need can have sustainable access to water.

“The Big One for One Drop is such an iconic tournament in the world of poker. We are honored to put on this incredible event in conjunction with the One Drop Foundation and Wynn Las Vegas,” said WPT CEO Adam Pliska. “The $1 million buy-in is a testament to the heights this industry can reach and the continuous evolution of the World Poker Tour.”

The Story of the Big One For One Drop

The million-dollar event made its debut in 2012 during the WSOP. That year 48 people took part, creating a prize pool of $42.6M. The nine finalists were awarded and among them were Mike Sexton (ninth), Brian Rast (sixth), Phil Hellmuth (fourth) and Sam Trickett (second).

The champion was Antonio Esfandiari, achieving the highest prize for a poker player up to that moment: $18.3M. Antonio celebrated by standing on top of the table and them jumping off directly on to his rail cheering him on. After that, he hugged his father with tears in his eyes and gave him the newly-won bracelet.

In 2014 the tournament returned. This time there were 42 players, with a prize pool of $37.3M. Daniel Colman defeated Canadian Daniel Negreanu in the heads-up final to become champion, earning $15.3M. The Canadian had to settle for an $8.2M for second place prize.

During that tournament an incredible bad beat happened where two pairs of aces met pre-flop and Cary Katz hit a flush eliminating Connor Drinan from the tournament. You can see the hand here:

In 2016 the Big One for One Drop left the United States and was instead played in Monte Carlo, with 28 people paying the €1M buy-in and playing for a €24.8M prize pool. Elton Tsang from Hong Kong was the winner and accepted a huge prize of €11.1M ($12.2M).

The last edition of the Big One for One Drop was held in 2018 during the WSOP in Las Vegas. It garnered 27 players, distributing $24.8M in prizes. Justin Bonomo was having the best year of his career and confirmed it by winning this tournament, earning $10M. Fedor Holz placed second and Dan Smith finished on the podium in third.

In December we will learn whether the new venue of the Wynn and the framework of the World Poker Tour World Championship will result in the largest field yet of Big One For One Drop players. Will we have a new record prize in poker history? We can’t wait to find out.

But then I got to thinking… perhaps there’s more to the story than meets the eye. Maybe the news is an indication that much like the World Poker Tour has upped its overall game over the last year, charitable fundraising could really be taken to the next level as part of this partnership, too.

The likelihood of this was confirmed when I reached out for comment from WPT CEO Adam Pliska, who said “We think when all is said and done, the poker community will be very excited by what this partnership leads to and ultimately that will lead to even more funds being raised for One Drop’s mission of ensuring access to safe water for people across the globe.”

The wheels in my head have been spinning for a little while and I’ve come up with a list of a few things that would really be great for the poker world to see result from this new partnership.

1. Return of the Big One for One Drop

This is a no brainer. Getting players to pony up $1 million apiece for a seat in a poker tournament is just as amazing a feat in 2023 as it was when the Big One for One Drop first debuted in 2012. The event has been staged eight times, with four of those featuring a $1 million buy-in and the other four featuring a $111,111 buy-in. It would stand to reason that the World Poker Tour would aim to bring back this special event at the higher $1 million price point.

As for what else would make this event’s return super special, the potential entry of all-time poker greats such as WPT ambassadors Doyle Brunson and Phil Ivey, coupled with the reemergence of One Drop Foundation founder Guy Laliberte to the poker world alone makes such an event that much more headline-grabbing.

Top it all off with the WPT’s state-of-the-art production and storytelling flair, and you’ll have an event that won’t just be excellently staged in real time, but that will live on as a visual on-screen spectacle for ages.

2. Return of the Little One for One Drop

Another no brainer, staging a $1,111 event allows folks with more modest bankrolls to also partake in the charitable poker giving. To further enhance the event’s prestige, perhaps the WPT could consider producing a final table broadcast for this one, too.

Beyond the inherent added value of having $111 of each buy-in donated to a very worthy cause, the players could also receive some added value if all those players who’d make the (televised or live streamed) final table would also be rewarded with seats to…

3. All-New $11,111 High Roller for One Drop

Here’s an idea for the WPT and One Drop Foundation to chew on. A 5-figure buy-in level has thus far been absent as a special event in the One Drop repertoire.

Plenty of folks from poker’s high roller circuit would likely jump into this one without having the stress of risking (or putting together a staking package for) a 6-figure sum.

Collecting $1,111 for charity from each entrant naturally would add far more than just another drop in the proverbial bucket to the joint WPT-One Drop Foundation fundraising efforts.

While we’re shining the spotlighting on this partnership, let’s also be sure that the final table of this event gets TV/broadcast treatment, too.

And if it’s possible for there to be a seat added for the event’s winner to the Big One for One Drop, well then that would just be brilliant.

4. One Drop in the MUG

Much ado was rightfully made of the incredible, one-of-a-kind WPT Premier Meet Up Game (MUG) that kicked off last year’s WPT World Championship festivities.

Surely reproducing it would be awesome, but how do you top it? Maybe by adding a charity component.

I would love to see the Wynn get on board with this initiative by agreeing, just during the WPT Premier MUG, to (the admittedly tongue-in-cheek) “No Drop for the House” and having the cash game rake donated to the One Drop Foundation. This would be a beautiful gesture that’s by definition a win for all parties involved, including the players.

And for the value adds? What could be more appropriate than awarding to participants randomly drawn special prizes of a 1% piece of a WPT ambassador’s action to any One Drop tournaments they compete in?

Conclusion

The fact of the matter is that pretty much anything done in the poker world that would help increase charitable fundraising is by definition a good thing. The World Poker Tour has proven time and again that when it puts its full organizational weight and effort into an idea, amazing things can happen.

Further per Pliska, “The WPT Foundation has been a tremendous success for WPT charitable initiatives and by partnering with the One Drop Foundation, we think we have demonstrated a commitment to working with them to continue their great work and elevate charity poker.”

Whether it’s via any of the ideas I came up with, or something else unexpected out of left field, it will be great to see the WPT propel charitable fundraising for the One Drop Foundation to the next level in the coming years.

Source: Screenshot from PokerListings.com video

Though he didn’t emerge the victor, Negreanu’s fame meant that he’d receive the lion’s share of attention from the assembled media (for numerous other reasons as well). There are lots of other great poker sites out there that you ought to check out to read more about how the event went down, but I’d like to shine a light on something that transcends the poker aspects of what just unfolded. The way Daniel handled himself throughout the proceedings is something we can all learn a lot from and exemplifies everything it means when we say that he is the #1 ambassador for the game. Positive virtues and noble character traits like the ones Daniel has exhibited are something worth emulating both at and away from the poker table. Here, then, are five life lessons we can learn from Daniel Negreanu’s 2nd place finish at the 2014 Big One for One Drop:

1. Don’t Bite Off More Than You Can Chew

It costs $1 million to enter the Big One for One Drop, a fortune by any standards. It’s been said numerous times that perhaps only a handful of professional poker players have the requisite bankroll to be able to have all their own action in a $1 million buy-in event. Without knowing specifics of course, Daniel Negreanu is probably one of those players. After all, we’re talking about someone who bought in five times to a $100K event. Nonetheless, even the great “Kid Poker” understands that it’s silly to take on too much risk if it makes you uncomfortable.

Selling 50% of my action for One Drop. Email [email protected] for details if interested in having a piece of me.

— Daniel Negreanu (@RealKidPoker) May 14, 2014

2. Keep Your Eye On The Prize

It’s no secret that Daniel has taken on a new life attitude primarily as a result of his having attended the Choice Center. Among the noticeable public changes is his openly following the dictum of “Dream. Declare. Deliver.” and making his “intentions” known to all. Specifically as regards the Big One for One Drop, Daniel stated:

My intention for today is to end the day with 5 million in chips (start with 3) make the final table tomorrow and win it Tuesday night.

— Daniel Negreanu (@RealKidPoker) June 29, 2014

Throughout the event, he maintained focus on trying to achieve the specific and overall goals he set for himself. Perhaps a second source of inspiration comes from Daniel’s love for the Rocky movies – he re-watches them all in a marathon every summer in preparation for the WSOP. In Rocky-speak then, the “eye of the tiger” is clearly something that’s “burning in his heart”.

While I’m honestly indifferent as to the motivation and source of Daniel’s newfound attitude, there’s no doubt that it’s the correct one and one worth trying to emulate.

3. Be Humble in Defeat

So often when a poker player busts out of a tournament, among the first things we hear them talking about is how they played, what they could’ve done better, etc. Daniel has been the quintessential sportsman about his runner-up finish, purposely going out of his way to compliment Colman on his great play and say what a great challenge it was to play against him. At times, he completely takes the focus off himself and redirects it at Colman.

Had a blast battling Daniel Coleman! Actually joyful and amazing experience. What a great player and great kid. Congrats to him.

— Daniel Negreanu (@RealKidPoker) July 2, 2014

Furthermore, just missing out on an additional $7 million in winnings plus a WSOP bracelet would be tough for any poker player, much less one of the game’s top competitors. Nonetheless, any sort of disappointment Daniel may be feeling was practically absent. That’s truly incredible to have witnessed.

In interview after interview, both written and on-camera, Negreanu’s remarks remind me of how tennis’ Roger Federer spoke a few times upon losing in Grand Slam Finals to Rafael Nadal. If that’s not class, I don’t know what is.

4. Love What You Do

With tens of millions of people playing the game of poker worldwide, there’s plenty to love about the game. Thousands of players are professionals and make their living at the game. At its core, however, the game of poker is just something that’s fun and enjoyable. Sometimes professional players can forget that.

At the Big One for One Drop, regardless of whether it was when he was giving interviews to the poker media, chatting it up with fans on the rail, or often right even in the middle of hand, it seems as though a smile never left Daniel’s face. While I wasn’t there to see so with my own eyes and can only gauge via the pictures and videos posted on the big name poker sites, the fact is that none of the shots were “posed”. Negreanu doesn’t “smile for the camera”; he smiles because he’s happy.

Source: Pokernews.com

While playing in one of the poker’s most prestigious events, for unprecedented earnings and glory, the overriding sentiment coursing through Daniel’s veins was that of excitement and appreciation for the opportunity. It’s almost as if the bracelet and the money somehow played second fiddle to the thrill. Now THAT’S passion.

I am having an absolute blast this summer “grinding” the WSOP and am partially sad it’s half over! Cherishing every moment doing what I love

— Daniel Negreanu (@RealKidPoker) June 19, 2014

5. Keep On Grinding

After someone goes through three days of intense play, a full round of media interviews, and pocketing over $8 million (well, half of that… see #1 above), you’d think that a little R&R would be the order of the day. Not so for Daniel Negreanu, who immediately upon his exit from the main stage jumped in to play the $10K 7-Card Stud Championship event. I’m positive that Daniel would’ve done precisely the same even if he had ended up the winner of the Big One for One Drop (although the interviews might’ve lasted a bit longer).

In life, we set goals for ourselves. If we work hard enough towards them and are fortunate, sometimes we will achieve those goals. But what after that? Sit complacently? Rest on our laurels? As Daniel illustrated so powerfully with his actions, life’s grind never really ends. You’ve got to keep on setting more goals for yourself and climbing ever higher mountains.

A role model if there ever was one, I wish Daniel continued success in being so inspirational to so many. You may have been the runner up in this event, but you’re the winner in our book.

Group photo of all One Drop participants

Day 1 and Day 2 Eliminations

Over three days, one by one, they fell. Poker Player’s Champion Michael the Grinder Mizrachi, eight-time WSOP bracelet winner Erik Seidel, former WSOP Main Event Champion Jonathan Duhamel – all gone by the end of Day 1, and each out a million bucks. Day 2 saw the demise of 2012 WSOP Player of the Year frontrunner Phil Ivey, fan favorite Daniel Negreanu, $25,000 Mega Satellite winner Gus Hansen, and a host of other pro poker players and billionaire businessmen, until a final table was reached. Russian tycoon Ilya Bulychev became the biggest “bubble boy” in tournament poker history when he busted in 10th place, leaving the tournament empty-handed. Pro player and WPT lead commentator Mike Sexton made the money, cashing for over $1.1 million, but finished in ninth place, just missing the official Day 3 final table.

The Final Table

Four poker pros and four businessmen assembled around the final table, each assured of at least $1.2 million in winnings. The payout structure, however, was incredibly skewed towards the winners, as fifth through eight places were all guaranteed under $2 million apiece, with about $2.6 million going to fourth,  $4.3 million for third, $10.1 million for second, and $18.3 million for first. With prize differentials like that, combat at the felt was assured to be intense until the very last hand.

Antonio Esfandiari held the chip lead going into Day 3, with Sam Trickett close behind. The two would control the table until heads up play, which Esfandiari entered with a 3:1 chip lead. It took just 16 hands for poker’s magician to make Trickett disappear.

Charity is the Big Winner

Notable final tableists included Cirque du Soleil and One Drop Foundation founder Guy Laliberte, the fifth place finisher, who was eliminated by Esfandiari in a classic QQ vs AK race. According to Laliberte, Esfandiari told him “I really need this one; I need this more than you do,” to which Laliberte replied “Listen, we’ll see what the gods of cards decide.'” Esfandiari spiked a king on the river to take an overwhelming chip lead, and he never looked back.

For his part, Laliberte was given a standing ovation for his performance as well as for his tremendous efforts to make the event happen and raise millions of dollars for charity. Regarding whether the Big One for One Drop would ever take place again in the future, Laliberte was quoted as saying “So good for ‘One Drop,’ so good for poker … I think this is where poker is now. It’s a question of working together as a community to make it happen.”

The third place finisher, tops among the businessmen, was hedge fund manager David Einhorn, who at the tournament’s outset made the incredible move of pledging to donate any winnings to City Year. The education-focused nonprofit organization will be receiving a huge check for $4,352,000!

As mentioned in our Big One for One Drop preview article, many of the top pros had to gather money from investors to be able to afford the buy-in. These included fourth-place finisher Phil Hellmuth, who acknowledged that he only put up 15% of the buy-in on his own.

Esfandiari Takes His Place in Poker History

With almost $5 million in career poker tournament earnings before the Big One for One Drop started, Antonio Esfandiari was already a top pro and household name among poker fans. After his monumental win, Esfandiari rocketed up to the top spot in career poker winnings (by a very large margin) and will forever be remembered in poker lore aside the game’s all-time greats.

Who’s Playing?

Current all-time money leaders Daniel Negreanu, Erik Seidel, Phil Ivey, and two-time Poker Player’s Champion Michael “the Grinder” Mizrachi have all entered, bidding to win this ultra-prestigious event as well as the special platinum WSOP Championship bracelet that accompanies the top prize. Sam Trickett, another successful poker pro who regularly plays for nosebleed stakes, is actually freerolling, as he was lucky enough to get sponsored into the tournament by Matchbook.com. The final player to post his buy-in for the tournament, as confirmed just a few short hours ago by tournament officials, was Phil Hellmuth, the all-time leader in WSOP bracelets won.

A total of 29 seats in the field will be filled by professional poker players, many of whom have sold pieces of themselves to round up enough money to post the buy in. Nineteen players in the Big One for One Drop are incredibly wealthy businessmen. These include billionaires like Treasure Island owner Phil Ruffin and Asian businessman Paul Phua, who have plenty of experience playing in high stakes cash games in Las Vegas and Macau, respectively.

Of the 48 players to enter, only 9 will make the money. In other words, it will represent the biggest final table bubble in World Series of Poker history. In other words, you can make the money by finishing in ninth place (for over $1 million) or get eliminated in tenth place and go home with nothing.

Other big names competing include Mike Sexton, Ben Lamb, Antonio Esfandiari, Tom Dwan, Jonathan Duhamel, Bobby Baldwin (a former WSOP Main Event Champion and current MGM Executive) as well as other, somewhat lesser-known pros.

Who Isn’t Playing

Noticeably absent from the list of participants are Doyle Brunson and Johnny Chan, two players with 10 WSOP bracelets apiece. Patrik Antonius and Tony G., two players who originally confirmed their participation, also won’t be playing. Moreover, there’s been a major last-minute dropout: Andy Beal, the billionaire banker who took on the Corporation in the Biggest Cash Game Ever. Finally, there isn’t a single woman in the 48-player field.

Gus Hansen Wins His Seat via $25,000 Mega Satellite

One seat into the Big One for One Drop was reserved for the winner of a special $25,000 satellite event. Almost 100 players ponied up the cash to try and win a seat, among them players who already confirmed their participation such as Phil Ivey, Jason Mercier, Sam Trickett, and Bertrand “ElkY” Grospelier.

The “story” of the satellite tournament was Steve Meling, a recreational poker player from Nebraska, who was trying to win a seat that started with a $65 investment. He won the first tournament, got a seat in a $765 satellite event, and won than to get a seat in the $25,000 mega satellite. The 36-years old, on his first trip to Las Vegas, eventually finished in sixth place.

The top three finishers were Jason Somerville, who received a cash payout of $400,000, Shaun Deeb, who cashed in 2nd place for $1,000,000 (only one actual seat was awarded into the Big One for One Drop), and Gus Hansen, who won the seat.

Millions Raised for Charity

Not to be forgotten, the Big One for One Drop is also the richest charity poker tournament in history, as $111,111 from each buy-in will be donated to One Drop, a charity that focuses on global awareness for clean drinking water. The One Drop Foundation is run by Guy Laliberte, the billionaire founder of Cirque du Soleil, who will also be competing in the poker tournament. That’s a total of over $5.5 million raised for charity. Because of the charity poker element of this special tournament, with 11.1% of the prize pool being “withheld”, there won’t be any rake.

The Future of This Event

According to Mitch Garber, CEO of Caesars Interactive Entertainment, the company wants to make the Big One for One Drop an annual event. Honestly, while it would be pretty cool, I wonder if this is actually feasible, given the state of the general and poker economies. Even the biggest names and winningest poker pros are selling pieces of themselves to be able to afford the buy in. Then again, the event did sell out, raise millions for charity, and is piquing the interest of even the most casual poker fans. So here’s hoping this poker tournament is here to stay.