WSOP’s ‘Colossus II’ falls shy of record

The “Colossus II” didn’t quite match up to the original.

But for a sequel, it wasn’t exactly “The Hangover Part II” either.

World Series of Poker officials announced Saturday night that the “Colossus II” No-limit Hold ‘em tournament drew 21,613 entrants to the Rio Convention Center, making it the second-largest live poker tournament in history.

Last year’s inaugural $565 buy-in “Colossus” event, the lowest of any during the WSOP, drew 22,374 entrants. The previous mark of 8,773 was set during the 2006 Main Event.

“There was a time when the World Series of Poker was just about the professionals, and the modern World Series of Poker really embraces everybody who loves the game,” WSOP executive director Ty Stewart said. “That’s what this Colossus has really cemented to us is that we want everybody that enjoys the game of poker from anywhere in the world to come here each summer, and this event is going to be here to stay.”

The winner of the “Colossus II” is guaranteed a $1 million payout, and the prize pool is in excess of $10.8 million. A total of 3,245 players will cash in the event, the largest number of players in the money ever for a live tournament, according to the WSOP.

“Generally, in year one, we had some growing pains, but we made sure to correct those errors here for year two,” Stewart said. “This was a big turning point that our operations can match our vision for what the modern World Series of Poker can become. We’re going to be ready for even larger crowds in years to come.”

After several complaints from players following the first “Colossus” event, WSOP officials said this year’s revamped tournament went much smoother and have received mostly positive feedback.

Players were able to register online, which Stewart called “a watershed moment for the gaming industry.” And the six starting flights played into the money each day in order to alleviate many of the long lines that players faced after busting out last year.

“I think in 10 years, we don’t expect to get a lot of praise from the players, but it’s a wonderful thing when they acknowledge that you’re doing your job,” Stewart said. “I think that this year we’ve done our job.”

Flight E concluded Saturday night, and the final starting flight was set to finish play early Sunday. Action in the “Colossus II” continues Sunday afternoon as Norman Michalek of Westfield, New Jersey, has the overall lead with 531,000 tournament chips.

The 846 remaining players from the six starting flights are combined for Day 2. All the players still alive in the tournament are guaranteed a minimum of $2,155.

The final table is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. Tuesday.

Final “Colossus II” registration figures:

* Flight A — 3,249 entrants

* Flight B — 2,153

* Flight C — 3,770

* Flight D — 3,099

* Flight E — 4,855

* Flight F — 4,487

* Total — 21,613