For decades, the live poker calendar followed a predictable rhythm. Summer belonged to Las Vegas. Autumn offered a scattered circuit of prestige events. December was for hibernation. It was the industry’s quiet breath. It was a short stretch where players recharged and families made holiday plans before the new year began.
That era is effectively over.
Since 2022, the final month of the year has transformed from a seasonal lull into the most aggressive battleground in the poker ecosystem. We have entered the era of the “Winter Trinity.” Three major festivals now fight for supremacy in the space of three frantic weeks.
The WPT World Championship in Las Vegas, WSOP Paradise in the Bahamas, and EPT Prague in Europe have reshaped the economy of the game. Together they offer players arguably the highest concentration of value and prize money on the planet.
WPT World Championship: Betting on Experience Over Guarantees
The World Poker Tour started this revolution. In 2022, the WPT partnered with Wynn Las Vegas to launch a season-ending championship that immediately changed player expectations. The debut event carried a bold $15 million guarantee. The community crushed it. The prize pool swelled to over $29 million, and Eliot Hudon took the top prize of $4.1 million.
Emboldened by that success, the WPT took a massive swing in 2023 with a $40 million guarantee. It was an ambitious figure that grabbed headlines but ultimately resulted in a $2.4 million overlay. While the value was incredible for players like winner Dan Sepiol, the financial hit forced a strategic pivot.
By 2024, the WPT adjusted its approach. They removed the published guarantee to let the event stand on the strength of the “Wynn Experience” and brand loyalty. The numbers stabilized. Scott Stewart topped a field of 2,392 entries to claim the title. While the field was smaller than the previous year, the event proved it could thrive without the safety net of a headline figure.
Now in 2025, the WPT World Championship runs from December 2 to 22. It has settled into its role as the premium choice for players who value structure, location, and the luxury of Las Vegas.
WSOP Paradise: The $60 Million Power Play
If the WPT represents the luxury experience, WSOP Paradise represents brute force value.
Backed by GGPoker, the World Series of Poker launched its winter series in the Bahamas to challenge the WPT directly. The 2023 debut was successful, with Stanislav Zegal winning the Main Event. However, the real disruption arrived in 2024.
Organizers introduced the $25,000 Super Main Event with a towering $50 million guarantee. It was a clear signal that they intended to buy the market. The aggressive move worked. The tournament drew 1,978 entries, and China’s Yinan Zhou walked away with $6 million.
The strategy for December 2025 is even bolder. The Super Main Event (December 10–18) now features a $60 million guarantee, the largest single prize pool promise in poker history.
Despite the travel logistics of the Bahamas, the sheer amount of money on the table has made this an unmissable stop for high rollers and satellite qualifiers. With ambassadors like Daniel Negreanu and Phil Hellmuth driving the marketing, WSOP Paradise has firmly established itself as the home of the record-breaking score.
EPT Prague: The Unshakable European Fortress
While the American giants trade blows, EPT Prague remains the consistent heartbeat of European poker.
Dating back to 2007, EPT Prague holds a unique advantage. It does not need eight-figure guarantees to fill seats. It relies on history, the festive atmosphere of the Czech capital, and perfect scheduling.
The numbers prove its resilience. The 2023 Main Event saw Padraig O’Neill navigate a record field of 1,285 runners. The growth continued in 2024, with Portugal’s Pedro Marques besting 1,458 entries to win nearly €1 million.
For European pros, Prague serves as a tactical hub. The schedule runs from December 3 to 14, 2025. This allows players to compete for a prestigious EPT title and still travel to Vegas or the Bahamas for the tail end of the other major series. This logistical flexibility has kept Prague relevant despite the noise coming from North America.
The 2026 Horizon: A New Scheduling Conflict
The battle for the calendar is expanding beyond December. Industry insiders are already looking ahead to a major shift in 2026 regarding WSOP Europe.
Historically held in the autumn, WSOP Europe is set to move its 2026 festival to Prague in the spring. The proposed dates place it in direct competition with the Irish Open.
This is a significant development. The Irish Open is one of the most culturally beloved festivals in the world with fierce player loyalty. By placing a bracelet series head-to-head against it, GGPoker and the WSOP are setting up a test of brand power versus tradition.
The Verdict
Competition is good for the players. That is the clear lesson of December 2025.
The industry has moved from a model of scarcity to one of abundance. Whether you are chasing the $60 million promise in the Bahamas, enjoying the lifestyle of the Wynn, or soaking in the history of Prague, there has never been a better time to be a live tournament player.
December no longer closes the season. It defines it.
