The $10,000 Seniors High Roller event at the 2024 WPT World Championship has turned out to be much more than just another high-stakes poker tournament. With approximately 100 entries at press time, this unique gathering of seasoned players has brought to light a style of play and atmosphere that harkens back to poker’s golden age. Beyond the prize money and prestige, the event offers a compelling snapshot of what makes “old school” poker so cool.
Here are three key observations from the rail that highlight what sets this tournament apart from the rest. Many thanks to Jack McClelland, Chip Jett, Mike Matusow, and Cliff Josephy for kindly sharing their sentiments from the felt.
1. Barely Anyone Was on Their Phones
In a world where the glare of phone screens dominates most poker rooms, the $10K Seniors High Roller felt like stepping into a time machine. At most tables, only one or two players could be seen glancing at their phones—if at all. Instead of endlessly scrolling social media or checking sports scores, these players were fully engaged in the action and, more importantly, with each other.
Jack McClelland, the Poker Hall of Famer pictured above, noted this unique dynamic:
“From my experience, Seniors events are a lot friendlier and more social than when you have all the young kids and geniuses playing in regular open events. I started out with the WPT, so they have a special place in my heart, and I came out to play here because I wanted to support them. I just want to win one, so maybe this will be it!”
The focus and camaraderie among the competitors were palpable. Conversations flowed naturally, bringing an unmistakable sense of community to the felt. It’s a refreshing reminder of how poker used to be in the old days—a social game where players didn’t just battle with chips but also with words, wit, and well-timed banter.
2. A Star-Studded Field of Poker Legends
From the rail, you could practically feel the poker history in the room. This event brought together a remarkable lineup of poker icons, including Eli Elezra, David Benyamine, Minh Ly, Cliff Josephy, Mark Seif, Keith Lehr, Chip Jett, Matt Salsberg, and Mike Matusow.
Each of these players has left an indelible mark on the game, and seeing them compete side by side was a treat. Their presence lent the tournament an air of gravitas and a nostalgic charm.
Jett, who just turned 50 this year, expressed his excitement: “It’s nice to have something good about turning 50; I just turned 50 a couple months ago, so this is my first Seniors high roller event. It’s pretty rare to have a $10K where you only have to beat 125 people or so. I’m excited about it. As a matter of fact, the only two tournaments on the schedule that I played have been this one and the $1,100 Seniors event a couple days ago.”
Matusow, 56, shared his perspective: “I’m more of a cash game player, but it’s important to me to come out and support the big tournament series, like WPT and WSOP, so I’ll always fire a few in the summer and now in the winter. I’ve been looking forward to this tournament in particular as I believe there’s a lot of value in it.”
The @WPT World Championship $10K Seniors High Roller is off & running at @WynnLasVegas, with 85 entries and counting.
They’ve already easily exceeded the $500K guarantee w/ 7.5 hours of registration to go.
In the crowd: @JohnnyBaxPoker, @msalsberg, @themouthmatusow, @chipjett pic.twitter.com/hOpbUmmyCd
— Robbie Strazynski (@cardplayerlife) December 20, 2024
3. Patience as a Virtue
If there’s one trait that sets this group apart from their younger counterparts, it’s patience. While today’s poker strategy emphasizes aggression and constant action, these players have honed a different approach. They understand the value of waiting for the right spot, exercising a measured style that reflects their confidence and experience.
59-year-old Cliff Josephy summed it up perfectly: “I happen to be at a very tough table, but honestly what I like most about Seniors Events is the competition. The level of friendliness at the table – everyone’s talking to each other – is fantastic (provided that we can actually hear one another at our age!). A really friendly attitude and everyone’s having a good time and enjoying themselves. $10K is a lot of money, but not to many of the people sitting in this room.”
This patient, thoughtful approach to the game, coupled with genuine enjoyment, exemplifies the spirit of this event. Watching these players in action is a masterclass in discipline and the long-term mindset needed to succeed at the highest levels of the game.
Conclusion
The $10K Seniors High Roller is more than just a tournament; it’s a celebration of poker’s enduring appeal and the players who helped shape its identity. In an era where poker is constantly evolving, events like this remind us of the timeless qualities that make the game great—focus, camaraderie, and the patience to let the cards and chips fall where they may.
With poker legends leading the way and a refreshing “old school” vibe filling the room, the tournament exemplifies why the WPT World Championship continues to set the gold standard for showcasing the game’s past, present, and future.
Let the younger generation take note—old school is cool, and it’s here to stay.
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