The World Series of Poker Circuit has returned to North Carolina to close out the second half of the 2025 season in style. Harrah’s Cherokee is currently hosting its famed 18-ring festival, running now through December 9. This stop is widely considered a staple on the domestic tour. It consistently delivers some of the largest fields in the country and offers life-changing money for a fraction of the usual buy-in costs.
Players at Cherokee have more to play for than just cash and gold rings this week. The series serves as the final gateway to the Caribbean, offering ring winners a last-minute seat at the upcoming WSOP Paradise series in the Bahamas.
The $1.5 Million Guaranteed Headline Event
The centerpiece of the schedule is the $1,700 No-Limit Hold’em Main Event. Harrah’s Cherokee has slapped a massive $1.5 million guarantee on the prize pool.
Action for the Main Event heats up next weekend with two starting flights:
- Day 1A: Friday, December 5
- Day 1B: Saturday, December 6
Survivors will merge for Day 2 on Sunday, December 7, before playing down to a winner on Monday, December 8.
Expectations are high for this tournament. During the circuit’s last trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains in August, the prize pool smashed expectations. That event saw Zachary Fischer navigate a massive field to claim his first circuit ring and a $324,135 payday. If history repeats itself, the prize pool in December could swell well beyond the advertised $1.5 million mark.
Massive Value for $400 Buy-Ins
While the Main Event attracts the pros, Harrah’s Cherokee is famous for its incredible value in lower buy-in tournaments. The schedule features two $400 events that carry guarantees usually seen in major championships.
The $400 Mini Main Event and the $400 Monster Stack both feature a staggering $750,000 guarantee.
These events are a grinder’s dream. They offer a rare opportunity to turn a modest $400 entry fee into a six-figure score. The Mini Main has been running through the opening weekend, while the deep-structured Monster Stack provides plenty of play for those looking to maneuver post-flop.
Last Chance for a Seat in Paradise
The pressure is on for players hunting for jewelry early in the series. The WSOP has added a significant sweetener for anyone who can close out a tournament win during the first week.
Every player who wins a gold ring at Harrah’s Cherokee before Thursday, December 4 secures a complete package to WSOP Paradise 2025.
This is not just a seat. The package includes entry into the $2,500 WSOP Circuit Championship Mystery Bounty plus a hotel stay at the Atlantis Bahamas to cover the trip. With WSOP Paradise running from December 4 to December 18, winners will essentially go straight from the mountains to the beach to compete for millions more.
