In tournament poker, the term “Main Event” has historically represented the ultimate test of skill, endurance, and decision-making. It implies that every participant competes on equal footing with one opportunity to succeed or fail.

However, the growing trend of allowing re-entries in events marketed as “Main Events” shifts the competition away from survival-based skill and toward bankroll-based resilience. Players with greater financial backing gain structural advantages through multiple attempts, undermining the spirit of a championship-level tournament.

We are not advocating for the removal of re-entry formats from poker. Re-entries have a place in side events, high rollers, and preliminary tournaments. But the flagship tournament — the event that represents the identity of a series — should remain a pure contest.

A Main Event should mean:

• One entry per player
• Equal opportunity for all participants
• A true test of tournament survival

This standard preserves prestige, enhances fairness, and strengthens the narrative integrity of the game for both players and fans.We respectfully urge mid-level poker tours — including regional and national series — to adopt a clear policy:Any tournament marketed as a “Main Event” should be structured as a freezeout (single-entry) event.

Poker’s most iconic moments were built on the principle of one shot at glory. Maintaining that standard protects the competitive meaning of the Main Event for future generations of players.

Sign below to support competitive integrity in tournament poker.

Please join me in urging major US poker tours to take this important step to fortify the foundation of poker as a respected, competitive sport. Sign the petition today!