‘Big One for One Drop’ will return to the WSOP in 2014

The $1 million buy-in "Big One for One Drop" will return to the World Series of Poker in 2014, but a smaller version will be held next year.

During the ESPN telecast tonight of the World Series of Poker’s Main Event, Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté announced the second event, again establishing a $1 million buy-in that will include a charitable contribution and a limited number of seats.

Laliberte said having almost two years to plan will give organizers the ability to increase corporate participation and activate a comprehensive satellite program around the event.

Last summer’s Big One for One Drop was sold out and raised $10 million for charity, including $5.3 million for the One Drop water awareness charity.

The tournament paid out the largest prize in poker history, $18.346 million, which was won by Antonio Esfandiari.

For next summer’s World Series of Poker, the tournament will host the “Little One for One Drop,” which will have a $1,111 buy-in benefitting One Drop. The official bracelet event will offer an unlimited re-entry over two starting days, giving it potential to be the biggest event in terms of entrants at the 2013 World Series of Poker.

“We look forward to collaborating with Guy and One Drop to continue to find fun and exciting ways to make a positive and lasting contribution through the vehicle that is the great game of poker,” said Caesars Interactive Entertainment CEO Mitch Garber.