Canada will play host to brand-name poker tournaments old and new this spring.

Firstly, the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit Event will return to Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto for a second year, taking place in the recently expanded poker room at the resort from April 10-22.

WSOP owner GGPoker became the official sponsor of the poker room in January after the resort hosted Toronto’s first-ever WSOP Circuit event last spring. The sponsorship deal made Great Canadian Toronto the exclusive home of WSOP events in Ontario.

Last year’s edition stretched across 11 days with more than 6,000 entries and a total prize pool of $5.5 million, exceeding the initial estimate of $3.9 million. This year will have an expanded schedule, including new Ladies and Seniors events and a Pot Limit Omaha tournament as well as 11 WSOP Circuit Ring Events, and will offer even more prize money.

“The demand for this tournament continues to grow, attracting top talent from around the world,” said Great Canadian EVP Michael Kim. “This year’s event promises even higher stakes and excitement.”

“By combining the best of live and online poker, we’re ensuring players have unparalleled access to the WSOP Circuit in Ontario,” added Sarne Lightman, managing director of GGPoker.

GGPoker is also hosting an online WSOP Super Circuit series from now until April 1 featuring 18 tournaments and a minimum of $5 million in prizes.

Moneymaker Tour comes to Canada for first time ever

Meanwhile, 2003 WSOP Main Event champion and Poker Hall of Famer Chris Moneymaker is bringing his Moneymaker Tour to Canada for the first time ever.

Hosted at Playground in the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake south of downtown Montreal from May 7-20, poker players from Canada, the U.S. and beyond will compete for a $1.4 million guaranteed prize pool.

“I’m thrilled to finally play at Playground and meet the passionate poker community in Montreal,” said Moneymaker. “This festival promises great action, and I can’t wait to see new faces at the tables.”

Playground’s VP of Gaming Operations Ryan Bevens said the venue hopes the collaboration is “an incredible first step in what we hope will be a long-term partnership.”

Moneymaker founded the toor in 2023 and it has hosted events in Florida, Cincinnati, Houston and Ohio, as well as internationally in Aruba and now Canada.