A million dollar-entry poker tournament does not come around often. In fact, it’s the first ‘Big One for One Drop’ has taken place since 2018. This December, as part of the WPT World Championship, the ‘Big One’ is back and this time, it’s happening at the Wynn Las Vegas. Last month, Phil Ivey confirmed that he’ll be playing the event in a video that went viral on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Now we known six more names that will be joining him in the million-dollar mix. One of them is a first-timer, but no less feared by his fellow peers after winning not one but two WSOP bracelets in the summer. Chris Brewer can’t wait for the action to begin.
Who Else Is Confirmed as Attending?
“IT WILL BE COOL TO PLAY SUCH A LARGE BUY-IN.”
~ CHRIS BREWER, DOUBLE WSOP CHAMPION
Joining the 10-time WSOP winner Ivey in the ring for the Big One for One Drop at Wynn Las Vegas are some absolute poker behemoths. Hedge Fund manager and high roller Talal Shakerchi, business and poker behemoths Rick Salomon and David Einhorn and Brewer’s fellow elite pro Nick Petrangelo.
“The Big One is what high stakes is all about,” Ivey said in a press release when the event was announced. “Everyone’s game elevates when they play in the biggest buy-in event in WPT history.”
Chris Brewer couldn’t agree more.
“I am very excited for it,” Chris told us. “I’m hoping the turnout is good, but it will be cool to play such a large buy-in.”
One of the first questions that poker fans always ask about these events is ‘How much of their own money do players put into a million-dollar game?’ It turns out Chris isn’t entirely sure about this yet.
“I honestly have not decided yet,” he says. “I usually just make some decision the week before and go from there.
Obviously the pressure is pretty huge in any million-dollar-entry super high roller tournament. Chris has had a year to remember, however, winning his first two World Series of Poker bracelets and as such could be one to watch in the rarefied atmosphere of such an intense event. He doesn’t believe the pressure is in any way off, though.
“Not really! I mean, it is nice to have won, but I am always very hard on myself. I have a standard of play I expect from myself and feel anxious if I do not live up to it. I assume the anxiety is true for most people in their work; no-one wants to do things badly.”
The Importance of Table Draw
The field in super high roller events is often quite evenly spread between seriously rich business owners or high achievers and poker players Chris will likely know very well. That creates a unique dynamic upon which table draw is highly influential.
“The table dynamics can be wild,” Chris agrees. “It really depends on who you get. Sometimes everyone is very cautious and other times it feels like everyone has a hot date to catch before Level 3!”
Chris is all too aware of his opponents’ many strengths. He knows fellow ARIA high roller Nick Petrangelo very well. Phil Ivey, Rick Solomon, Talal Shakerchi and David Einhorn are all tough opponent and box office gold, making it sound pretty amazing as a fan. Chris has to keep a level mind about the quality of those he faces across the felt.
“I play with most of the guys besides Rick regularly. I mostly just try to concern myself with what I am doing and not worry much about who will play.”
Chris has already demonstrated that at the really high stakes, he knows exactly what he is doing, as you can see here in this Super High Roller Bowl slice of TV poker gold.
From the WSOP to the WPT
“FOR ME IT DOESN’T MATTER WHO IS SPONSORING THE EVENT.”
The Big One for One Drop used to be part of the World Series of Poker, but now it forms part of the WPT World Championships festival. Chris doesn’t expect there to be much if any impact with the brand change.
“I never played the WSOP one,” he says. “For me it doesn’t matter who is sponsoring the event. A million dollars is a huge dollar amount and no matter where it is played, I would expect the room to have a high level of tension and drama.”
That’s guaranteed. Finally, we wanted to ask Chris exactly what a top professional does after a big win. We all know that the biggest names in poker can cope with the pressure of defeat and refocusing their attention after losses, but what about after a seismic seven-figure win, which this event would guarantee too.
“It may sound boring, but I’d go to bed with a few more dollars in my pocket and then wake up to the same life I am already living.” He tells us. “I am not a big celebration guy; I just enjoy playing and trying to improve at poker. Most days I either do that or spend time with my beautiful fiancée.”
With the iconic Big One for One Drop making its World Poker Tour debut between December 18th and 20th at the 2023 WPT World Championship festival at the Wynn in Las Vegas, Chris Brewer could be a great pick for the eventual champion. In a year where his success has seen him take major steps forward, there seems to be nothing that this exciting poker star doesn’t take in his stride.
This article originally appeared on PokerStake.com
