WPT Australia 2025: What to Expect

The World Poker Tour is setting up camp in Sydney next week, and it’s shaping up to be the most ambitious WPT Australia yet. After several years on the Gold Coast, the festival is making its Sydney debut at The Star, bringing with it a bigger prize pool, more events, and the kind of international buzz you normally only see in Vegas.

Dates: 18 September – 1 October 2025
Venue: The Star Sydney
Details: 32 trophy events, with an estimated $10 million total prize pool
Main Event Buy-in: $5,500

That last point is worth pausing on. This isn’t just another poker series – this is a Main Tour stop, meaning the winner doesn’t just get the cash and the glory, they also get their name etched onto the Mike Sexton WPT Champions Cup, plus a ticket into the prestigious WPT World Championship in Las Vegas later in the year.

The Main Event

The $5,500 buy-in WPT Australia Championship kicks off on Thursday 25 September with Day 1A and runs multiple starting flights through the weekend. Survivors will merge into Day 2 on Monday 29 September, with the final table set for Wednesday 1 October.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Deep stacks & long levels, giving skilled players a proper edge.
• A stacked local field – Australia’s best grinders will be out in force.
• An international invasion – with Sydney on the calendar, big names from Asia, Europe, and North America are expected.

Side Events You’ll Want to Circle

This isn’t just about the Championship. If you’re looking for other ways to make noise, here are the side events that stand out:

• $20K Super High Roller (26 Sept): For those who like nosebleeds and six-figure swings.
• Mini Championship (28 Sept, $2,000): Same prestige, lower buy-in, and a chance for ambitious amateurs to take a shot.
• Australian PLO Championship (30 Sept, $5,000): Four-card fans finally get a proper stage.
• Mystery Bounty (20–21 Sept, $1,350): The festival’s dopamine machine. Nothing gets a room buzzing like someone pulling a monster bounty envelope.
• Sydney Monster Stack (24 Sept, $1,250): Slower structure, deeper play, and a great middle ground if you want bang for your buck.
• Themed events like “Croc Hunter,” “Bonza Bounty,” and “Outback Survivor”: Fun branding, serious poker, and a chance to collect a quirky trophy.

Satellites & Bankroll Management

Not everyone is bankrolled for a $5.5k shot, but WPT Australia is making sure there’s a ladder to climb. Daily qualifiers and “step” satellites start from just $150, with direct satellites at $600 giving a one-in-ten shot at the Main Event. There are even hyper-turbo versions for players who don’t want to grind a whole day.

Pro tip: if you’re serious about playing the Championship but short on funds, plan your satellite schedule before the festival begins. The most affordable options fill fast.

Why the Move to Sydney Is a Big Deal

This year marks the first time WPT Australia leaves the Gold Coast for Sydney. That’s a shift with real consequences:

• Higher visibility: Sydney is a global city with better international flight connections, making it easier for overseas players to join.
• Bigger fields: Expect Championship numbers to rise past Gold Coast peaks.
• Tourism appeal: For players travelling in, Sydney offers iconic downtime options – from the Harbour Bridge climb to beach days at Bondi, count us in!

Last year, Aussie pro James Obst claimed the Championship title on the Gold Coast. His win added to an already colourful history of WPT Australia champions, and with the move to Sydney, the stage is set for either a repeat Aussie triumph or an international upset. Either way, the rail is going to be lively.

Logistics: Things You’ll Thank Yourself For Later

Accommodation
The Star has partnered hotels with player rates. If you want to roll out of bed and into your seat, book early (to be honest, if you’re only looking at this now, you’re way too late).

Funds & buy-ins
NSW gaming regs mean you’ll want to familiarise yourself with The Star’s funds process. Get verified before the festival so you don’t miss your seat.

Travel & transport
Sydney traffic is no joke. If you’re not staying on-site, factor in rush hour and parking time.

Let The Games Begin!

With 32 events, an estimated $10 million prize pool, and the prestige of being a WPT Main Tour stop, WPT Australia 2025 is set to be the biggest poker festival the country has ever hosted. Whether you’re buying directly into the Championship, satelliteing your way in, or just here for the Mystery Bounty chaos, Sydney is where the action will be this September.

Keep your eyes peeled – we’ll be bringing the best of the WPT Australia straight to your social media feeds. Make sure to follow us if you haven’t already!