It’s difficult to follow the success of the annual WSOP series of tournament, but one organization has managed to make a name for itself. The River Poker Series is an annual festival held at the 
WinStar World Casino and Resort in Thackersville, Oklahoma, and offers a range of tournaments plus additional satellites. The series culminates in the $2,500 River Poker Series Main Event, which will offer a guaranteed prize pool of at least $2 million.
Last year, the series only offered eight different tournaments. The festival’s popularity has caused organizers to reconsider the lineup and ultimately pushed the number of activities up to 11. Event buy-ins range from $230 to $1,100, with the exception of the main event, and there are also a number of additional $550 “Mega” tournaments that could provide the winner with entry into the main event.
The festival kicks off today and runs through September 4. While most tournaments are open only to players who are at least 21 years old, the River Poker Series has the distinction of being able to accept anyone 18 years old or older.
The complete lineup is as follows:
| Aug. 22 | 12 p.m. | $340 | Turbo Bounty |
| Aug. 23 | 12 p.m. | $450 | NLHE Monster Stack Day 1a |
| Aug. 24 | 12 p.m. | $450 | NLHE Monster Stack Day 1b |
| Aug. 25 | 12 p.m. | $450 | NLHE Monster Stack Day 1c |
| Aug. 26 | 1 p.m. | $450 | $450 NLHE Monster Stack Day 2 |
| Aug. 27 | 12 p.m. | $450 | PLO |
| Aug. 27 | 7 p.m. | $230 | Super Turbo Bounty |
| Aug. 28 | 12 p.m. | $340 | NLH |
| Aug. 28 | 7 p.m. | $230 | Super Turbo Bounty |
| Aug. 29 | 12 p.m. | $560 | NLH Deep Stack Day 1 |
| Aug. 29 | 7 p.m. | $230 | Super Turbo Bounty |
| Aug. 30 | 12 p.m. | $560 | NLH Deep Stack Final Day |
| Aug. 31 | 12 p.m. | $1,100 | Turbo Bounty Survivor |
| Sept. 1 | 12 p.m. | $2,500 | Main Event Day 1a |
| Sept. 2 | 12 p.m. | $2,500 | Main Event Day 1b |
| Sept. 3 | 12 p.m. | $2,500 | Main Event Day 2 |
| Sept. 3 | 3 p.m. | $1,100 | Turbo Bounty |
| Sept. 4 | 12 p.m. | $2,500 | Main Event Final Day |
Last year, the main event turned into an international affair as players from as far away as India, China and Germany descended on the WinStar. There were a total of 926 entries which helped to push the $2-million guarantee up to $2.17 million. Ben Zamani, who has won two WSOP bracelets and is last year’s WPT Player of the Year, took down the event for $347,134.
