Impact of U.S. Political Climate on Projected 2025 World Series of Poker Participants
Las Vegas' Poker Fest Expected to Take a Hit in 2025
Prepare for a possibly smaller World Series of Poker (WSOP) crowd in Las Vegas next year. Surging international tensions and the U.S.'s unfriendly policies towards certain countries could lead to shrinking attendance numbers.
Tipping the Political Scales
With the increased political tension worldwide, the WSOP may witness less international competition due to the USA's grudges with Canada, China, and the EU. Former President Donald Trump has stirred many controversies, unfriendly decisions, and unilateral actions that haven't found favor with these nations.
Trump has made headlines by proposing controversial ideas such as annexing Canada, taking Greenland, and igniting a trade war with China. Additionally, tighter U.S. visa requirements could impact WSOP participant numbers.
The Canadian boycott is already in full swing, and there's little sign of it easing, regardless of any policy reversals. However, Trump's offhand comments leave doubt about how international travel to the U.S. might unfold. In recent statements, he joked about putting an end to war in Ukraine, but his unpredictable decisions have some wondering if things might get worse before improving.
Canadians have been vocal about their disapproval for U.S. policies, with 67% of citizens reportedly reducing their U.S.-made purchases and pledging to continue supporting Canadian goods even after tariffs are lifted. Online communities, such as Reddit's r/BuyCanadian and international subreddits like r/Europe, are amplifying the movement, sharing tips for alternatives to U.S. products. This wave of dissatisfaction with U.S. goods, services, and politics may soon extend to travel and entertainment events, like the WSOP.
Vegas Under the Strain?
MGM Resorts International has shuttered concierge services at six of its Vegas Strip properties, affecting 34 employees. The move, billed as "streamlining," comes as many Vegas influencers question the company's budget cuts and suggest falling tourism numbers as causes for the outsourcing.
Since the pandemic, WSOP has broken record after record, but the tide may be turning. Last year's WSOP Main Event saw 10,112 entrants, breaking the 2023 record by 69 players. Notably, advanced air bookings between Canada and the U.S. have seen a 70% drop for summer 2025, according to OAG aviation data. The question is, what impact will this decline in travel have on the 2025 WSOP events?
- Read more: 2025 World Series of Poker Schedule Unveiled
Canadians make up nearly 30% of all international travelers to Vegas, with Mexico a close second at 23%. The current sentiment online suggests that Canadian players won't stand for current U.S. policies, which could result in a more profound reduction in WSOP entries than anticipated.
Elite Pros Remain Committed
While Phil Hellmuth has declared he won't attend the 2025 WSOP Main Event, it's not due to the Canadian boycott or political tensions. Instead, the 17-time bracelet winner feels he's too old for the grueling seven-day marathon that the Main Event has become.
Still, hell-bent on chasing records and big winnings, Canadian pros like Alex Foxen and Kristen Foxen plan to dominate the tournament. However, it's the absence of casual players — those who viewed the WSOP as a poker-filled vacation — that could have a significant impact on overall attendance. Casual players make up a large portion of the field, outnumbering elite pros.
Despite the uncertainty around international travel, top pros and enthusiastic poker players like Daniel Negreanu will remain undeterred. The Canadian superstar, a brand ambassador for our website, is expected to shine as brightly as ever during the summer festivities. This year marks the first WSOP in Las Vegas under our website's ownership, acquired from Caesars Entertainment in August 2024 for a reported $500 million.
Despite the impending challenges, our website is leaving no stone unturned to attract attendees to the 2025 WSOP. Through their "Road to Vegas" promotion, they plan to send over 1,000 players to the Main Event. As an added incentive, any player who wins the Main Event after qualifying through our website will receive an extra $1,000,000 bonus from the prize pool.
As the poker world eagerly awaits another epic summer at the WSOP, external factors such as international travel restrictions and political tensions could shape the event like never before. Only time will reveal the true extent of these impacts.
We'll keep you informed as the world's biggest poker festival unfolds. Stay tuned for all the latest news and updates on poker.pro.
- The increased political tension worldwide, particularly with Canada, China, and the EU, may lead to a fewer number of international competitors at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) due to the USA's unfriendly policies.
- The Canadian boycott against U.S. goods and services is already ongoing, with 67% of citizens reportedly reducing their U.S-made purchases, and this discontent may soon affect travel and entertainment events, such as the WSOP.
- MGM Resorts International has shut down concierge services at six of its Vegas Strip properties, affecting 34 employees, and some Vegas influencers suspect this may be related to falling tourism numbers.
- Canadians make up nearly 30% of all international travelers to Vegas, and the current sentiment online suggests that Canadian players won't stand for current U.S. policies, which could result in a more pronounced reduction in WSOP entries than anticipated.
- While some top poker players, like Phil Hellmuth, might not attend the 2025 WSOP Main Event, others like Alex Foxen, Kristen Foxen, and Daniel Negreanu, a brand ambassador for poker.pro, remain committed to participating and shaping the event, even amid external challenges such as international travel restrictions and political tensions.
