The World Series of Poker has announced a $1 million buy-in tournament to benefit One Drop. One Drop, an initiative started by Guy Laliberte, founder of Cirque Du Soleil, focuses on supporting access to clean water worldwide. One Drop uses a distinctive approach based on social arts and popular education to raise awareness of water issues. The BIG ONE for ONE DROP poker tournament will raise awareness and funds to provide access to safe water to fight poverty around the world.
The Big One for One Drop will be the largest buy-in and the most significant charity initiative in poker history. The event takes place July 1-3, 2012, at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. If at least 22 players register, the event will be an official bracelet event of the 2012 WSOP, and the winner will be awarded the first-ever platinum WSOP bracelet. Of the $1 million tournament buy-in, 11.11 percent of each entry will be withheld for One Drop.
Players scheduled to participate include Guy Laliberte, president of the board of directors, ONE DROP and founder of Cirque du Soleil, Bobby Baldwin, CEO of MGM-Mirage Resorts, and Phil Ruffin, owner of Treasure Island in Las Vegas. Professional poker players committed to playing the Big One for One Drop include Doyle Brunson, Andy Beal, Patrik Antonius, Gus Hansen, and Tony Guoga.
"We are proud to align the planet’s premiere poker event with the foundation created by one of our generation’s most creative entrepreneurs, Guy Laliberte, to help make the world a healthier place," said Gary Loveman, Caesar Entertainment Corporation’s chairman, president and chief executive officer.
In addition to playing, PokerNews founder Tony G is dedicated to bringing attention to the One Drop organization by encouraging the PokerNews readers to donate with a series of banners that will be visible during the 2011 WSOP.
"One Drop is an extremely intelligent, important charity organization and I’m honored to play a part in giving back. This is a perfect partnership for the WSOP and for poker in general," Tony G said.
Players will begin with three million in starting chips, playing 60-minute levels, with a registration cap of 48 players. If the cap is reached, the prize pool would be over $40 million, and first place would take home a whopping $17 million. The tournament is scheduled to be broadcast on ESPN.
For those players interested — and with a big enough bankroll to play — a $50,000 deposit is required to reserve a spot at the table. Final funds will be due 14 days before the event begins on July 1, 2012. Anyone who is 21 or older and has enough to cover the $1 million buy-in is welcome to play.
One Drop’s mission is to fight poverty by providing access to clean water sources around the world. To learn more about their values on water as a human right, sharing the wealth, creativity, and transparency and integrity check them out at www.onedrop.org.
