The World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit made a much-anticipated return to Harrah’s Cherokee in North Carolina, drawing some of the most talented players from across the country. Known for its scenic location in the Smoky Mountains, the WSOP Cherokee stop has become one of the most popular and well-attended events on the circuit. Over several days of intense competition, players battled it out across multiple events, with the Main Event highlighting the schedule. As cards hit the felt and chips clashed, incredible stories unfolded—some of triumph, some of heartbreak, all part of poker’s unyielding allure.
WSOP Cherokee: A Popular Circuit Stop
Harrah’s Cherokee is no stranger to the WSOP Circuit calendar. Year after year, the venue hosts thousands of poker enthusiasts in a picturesque setting combined with the thrilling tension of high-stakes play. There’s something about this particular stop that creates electric energy—perhaps it’s the regional rivalry, the community bond among regulars, or the pure excitement of poker returning to a location steeped in tradition.
This year’s Cherokee stop did not disappoint, featuring multiple side events, a successful Main Event turnout, and breakout performances from both familiar faces and relative unknowns. With over a dozen Circuit Rings awarded, players had plenty of opportunity to grab prestigious titles and earn points toward the season-ending WSOP Global Casino Championship.
Main Event Results: A New Champion Emerges
The hallmark of every WSOP Circuit stop is its Main Event, and the Cherokee leg was spectacular. The tournament featured a $1,700 buy-in and attracted more than 1,100 entries, creating a prize pool that exceeded expectations. After days of grueling play, it was Jordan Baker, a local hero and tour regular, who emerged victorious, clinching his first WSOP Circuit Ring and a hefty first-place prize of $270,000.
Baker, known in poker circles for his sharp instincts and aggressive style, fought off a tough final table loaded with talent. The final showdown saw him heads-up against Samuel Chartier, a seasoned circuit pro with multiple deep finishes. After a back-and-forth exchange of big pots, Baker sealed the win with a dramatic all-in call holding top pair on the river, a decision that sent the rail into a frenzy.
Top 5 Main Event Payouts:
- 1. Jordan Baker</strong – $270,000
- 2. Samuel Chartier – $167,000
- 3. Lisa Goodman – $123,500
- 4. Chris Barnes – $91,200
- 5. Nathan O’Malley – $69,800
Baker’s win not only nets him a career-changing payday but also qualifies him for the 2024 WSOP Global Casino Championship, an invitation-only event with a guaranteed $1 million prize pool.
Other Notable Highlights
While the Main Event garnered most of the attention, several side events added flavor to the festivities and featured impressive performances. Cherokee regulars dominated low and mid-stakes tournaments, while out-of-state players also made their presence known.
Here are a few standout moments from the series:
- Sydney Walden claimed her third career Circuit Ring in Event #7, a $400 No-Limit Hold’em tournament, showing her consistency and dominance in the field.
- Ryan Pham, a college student from Tennessee, shocked the crowd by taking down Event #5 for $32,000 and his first WSOP Ring in only his second live event.
- The Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better tournament saw fierce competition, with Art Martinez prevailing after a six-hour final table grind, confirming the growing popularity of mixed games on the circuit.
Player of the Series: Who Stood Out?
While many grabbed individual headlines, Lisa Goodman, with three final-table finishes including a third-place finish in the Main Event, was likely the most consistent performer of the series. Her cumulative points could secure her a spot in the WSOP standings leaderboard, positioning her for a potential at-large entry into the Global Casino Championship.
Meanwhile, crowd favorite and longtime Circuit grinder James Onslow cashed in five different events, showcasing both versatility and endurance. Although he didn’t secure a ring this time, his volume of ITMs (In the Money Finishes) demonstrated his deep understanding of Circuit structures and field dynamics.
Impact on the Circuit Leaderboard
Every Circuit stop reshuffles the leaderboard for the season-long WSOP Circuit standings. With over 15 rings awarded and major point hauls grabbed, the Cherokee stop made significant waves. Jordan Baker now joins the exclusive group of Main Event winners with a guaranteed spot in the year-end championship tournament, further solidifying the tournament’s influence on a player’s season.
This performance jostled some of the leaderboard’s familiar names, nudging them further down and raising the possibilities for new faces to qualify. For grinders chasing the elusive leaderboard top spot, the race just intensified.
Cherokee: A Community That Loves Poker
One of the most compelling aspects of the Cherokee stop is the palpable energy from the crowd and player base. Many attendees are return visitors drawn not just by the prize pools, but by the tight-knit poker community the region fosters. Professionals, semi-pros, and recreational players mingle freely between hands, discussing strategy, recounting bust-outs, and often cheering each other on at final tables.
Harrah’s has continually invested in maintaining a player-first experience, offering seamless registration, timely events, and well-run structures. These advantages earn repeat visits and growing popularity every year.
What’s Next?
As the WSOP Circuit rolls on, attention now turns to upcoming stops in cities like Hammond, Biloxi, and Thunder Valley. Each will feature its own packed schedule of ring events, culminating in another Main Event that provides a direct path to the invitation-only Global Casino Championship.
For players hoping to ride the momentum from Cherokee, the tour serves as a chance for redemption or reinforcement. With the season approaching its halfway point, each Circuit stop becomes increasingly vital for those chasing leaderboard dominance or aiming to qualify through point accumulation.
Final Thoughts
WSOP Cherokee once again delivered everything fans and players have come to expect: high-quality poker action, record-breaking fields, dramatic final tables, and unforgettable stories. The mix of seasoned veterans, rising stars, and hungry newcomers painted a vibrant picture of the state of live poker in 2024.
Whether you’re a poker enthusiast watching from afar or a committed grinder gearing up for the next stop, Cherokee served as a reminder of what makes live tournament poker so exhilarating. With more events on the horizon and the Global Casino Championship looming on the calendar, the road to WSOP glory is more alive than ever.
Stay tuned for more updates and get ready for the next chapter in this thrilling poker saga.