Players have competed in 27 completed tournaments outside the main championship
The World Poker Tour (WPT) World Championship festival at Wynn Las Vegas is moving into its busiest stretch, and the action has extended well beyond the headline events. While the WPT Prime Championship and the $10,400 World Championship draw most of the attention, the side events have quietly delivered massive payouts of their own.
So far, players have competed in 27 completed tournaments outside the main championship, awarding more than $20 million in total prize money. Several additional side events are still on the schedule, meaning that figure is expected to climb even higher before the festival wraps up.
One of the early highlights came from Justin Arnwine, who captured a $1,600 no-limit hold’em mystery bounty title. Arnwine topped a field of more than 1,200 entries, earning a career-best score worth over $250,000. The win continued his rise from daily tournament regular to a serious force on larger stages.
Antonio Alvarado Vargas also made headlines with a strong showing in another $1,600 no-limit hold’em event. He outlasted a field of roughly 1,300 players to secure a first-place payout north of $300,000. The victory marked another major step forward for Vargas after earlier success on the regional circuit.
The WPT Ladies Championship was another key moment of the series. The event attracted more than 400 entries, creating one of the largest fields in recent years. Lily Lotfy emerged on top, earning the title and the biggest live tournament score of her career.
With marquee events still underway and more side tournaments yet to be decided, the WPT World Championship continues to show its depth. The results so far underline just how much opportunity exists beyond the main spotlight at Wynn Las Vegas.
