The World Series Of Poker is doing something unprecedented this summer, in the announcement of an upcoming tournament this week with a $1 million buy-in this July.

The game will generate the richest top prize in poker history at more than $12 million … and potentially more if additional players get in.

Officials for WSOP announced plans on Thursday (April 12), and revealed that 30 players are committed to participate in the “Big One for One Drop”, which takes place on July 1 through July 3 at Las Vegas’ Rio Hotel & Casino.

With 30 players, the total top prize would be $12.3 million, more than the $12 million Jamie Gold won in 2006 for beating more than 8,700 players at no-limit Texas Hold ‘em in the $10,000 buy-in main event.

“It is an exciting moment and it is wonderful to see the poker community’s generosity, where organizations, players and fans are all coming together to support One Drop,” said One Drop chair and Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté. “Whether entering the BIG ONE for ONE DROP, becoming a poker ambassador, making a donation, or simply changing their water consumption habits, everyone can get involved and everyone should be concerned, because a child dies every 20 seconds from a water related disease and that together we can beat the odds.”

Additionally, the winner will get a specially-designed platinum bracelet.

Eight-time gold bracelet winner Erik Seidel is on board, along with several wealthy businessmen. In all, there are just 10 pros commited to playing so far.

Laliberte organized the tournament with WSOP officials to raise money for One Drop, a non-governmental organization he founded that pushes for access to water in poor countries. Roughly 11% goes to the charity.

ESPN will air the final table of the tourney. For more info, visit WSOP.com.

As reported by BallerStatus

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