World Poker Tour: 2024 event to be played at Star Gold Coast

The event dubbed “the Olympics of poker” is back on the Gold Coast, with more than 7000 people expected to try their hand at an astonishing amount of money.

The event dubbed “the Olympics of poker” is back on the Gold Coast for another fortnight of high-stakes action.

The top local and international players will take their seats at the table at The Star Gold Coast from Thursday for the 2024 World Poker Tour’s (WPT) Australia Festival.

The event, which last year attracted more than 6700 players, will have a record $13m prize money pool, and will have 23 separate events.

Top players can win up to $5m each.

Star Gold Coast Dealer Sean Elliott and poker players Skye Fagan and Mark Ting cant wait for play to begin for the Mike Sextons Champion Cup. Picture Glenn Hampson

Organisers say they expect more than 7000 entries during the festival, which runs until September 25.

Naomi Richard, Star’s acting general manager of gaming, said the event was a boost to the economy.

“Our commitment to bringing major events like the World Poker Tour to The Star Gold Coast reflects our dedication to positioning the Gold Coast as a premier entertainment destination and showcasing our beautiful city to a global audience,” she said.

“The festival not only offers intense competition and high-stakes excitement, but also showcases the glamour and allure of the Gold Coast, making it a must-attend event for poker players and fans alike.”