The Orleans has just unveiled the highly anticipated schedule for their Summer Open series, creating yet more buzz in Las Vegas poker scene. Running from May 22 through July 12, this festival boasts more than $4.7 million guaranteed prize pools – making it one of the largest alternative series alongside World Series of Poker (WSOP).
Regular World Series of Poker players often opt for the Orleans Summer Open because it offers soft fields, diverse formats and great value just off The Strip.
A Safe Alternative to WSOP Action
Each summer, when the World Series of Poker dominates headlines, venues like The Orleans offer players additional chances to compete without massive crowds and high buy-ins that characterize WSOP events. This “counter-programming” approach gives them additional chances to compete without all of the pressure associated with flagship WSOP events.
One of the standout highlights this year has been a massive focus on mixed games, with over $1.5 million guaranteed in non-Hold’em formats; an event which continues to draw veteran players seeking variety and edge.
Super Sunday Specials Are Back Bigger and Better
One of the major highlights of this season is the return of popular Super Sunday Special events.
These tournaments will span seven Sundays during the series and include:
- $300 Buy-in and an optional $100 Add-On for extra starting chips ====> Guaranteed Prize Pool per event: $100,000
Last year, these events gained massive traction, regularly surpassing guarantees and drawing large fields. Now expectations are even greater – making these key dates on both recreational and professional players’ calendars.
Mixed Games Take Center Stage
Mixed game enthusiasts have much to look forward to at the Orleans, as their focus remains on variety.
The schedule includes various formats such as:
Omaha8 (Omaha8), Torse (Torse), Triple Draw Mix and Triple Stud Mix, Razz, Dramaha and Razz (a rare variant now entering tournament play) are among the many variants now entering tournament play.
With mixed game events running almost daily, this series targets experienced players looking for deeper strategic gameplay than typical No-Limit Hold’em.
Championship Events and New Additions
We Have recently added many events and new initiatives for 2019 in this list.
Beginning the festival off right, week one features several $600 championship events that set the scene for what lies ahead.
As the series unfolds, players can expect an assortment of:
- Reviving fan-favorite tournaments
- New experimental formats
- Affordable buy-ins with strong guarantees
This balanced structure ensures accessibility while simultaneously offering substantial prize pool potential.
Orleans Summer Open Main Event
This series builds toward its signature tournament–the Summer Open Main Event.
Key Details:
- Buy-In Cost is $600
- Guaranteed Prize Pool Amount Is $5,000,000
- Opening Flights on July 1-4th
- Day Two on July 5th
Our Main Event has continued to gain in popularity year-after-year.
- Last year’s $800 buy-in event attracted 1,653 entries
- 2024 edition with $600 buy-in saw 2,726 participants
- Total prize pool exceeded $1.4 Million
With lower buy-in and increased participation expected at this year’s Main Event, records may well be broken once again.
Timeline of Key Events at an Expo (Example Below)
May 22 – Series Kickoff
- Opening events get underway
- Early mixed game tournaments
- First wave of championship events slated
Late May to Early June
- Daily Mixed Game Schedule Increases
- Multiple $600 Championship Events
- Increasing Field Sizes
June (Peak Series Action)
- Weekly mixed game tournaments anchored by Super Sunday Specials for maximum participation across all formats
July 1 – July 4
- Start Date of Main Event Starting Flights
July 5
- Main Event Day 2
July 6 – July 12
- Final Events and Series Conclude
- Remaining Championship and Mixed Game Events
Competition Between Las Vegas Poker Rooms Is Rising
The Orleans is among the many Las Vegas venues releasing summer schedules.
Other major poker rooms participating include:
- Venetian Poker Room
- Wynn Las Vegas Poker Room
- Aria Poker Room (schedules to be posted shortly)
This creates an extremely competitive summer environment, providing players with an array of stakes and formats to choose from.
Why This Series Matters for Poker Players
The Orleans Summer Open stands out for various reasons, including:
- Lower buy-ins than at WSOP
- Strong guarantees and value-driven structures
- Broad selection of mixed games
- Less crowded environment
Many players find the ideal balance between profit and experience in playing this way.
Final Thoughts
With the announcement of the Orleans Summer Open schedule comes another exciting summer of poker in Las Vegas.
With $4.7 million in guarantees and an emphasis on mixed games as well as fan favorites such as Super Sunday Specials, this series continues to expand as an alternative to WSOP action.
No matter whether you specialize in mixed game or pursue value in tournaments, our extensive collection of mixed game cards provides something to meet all your needs.
