'Something seems wrong' – Long lines mark the start of the 2025 WSOP

Posted on: May 27, 2025 16:05 PDT

The 2025 World Series of Poker kicked off today with the $1,000 Mystery Millions and the $500 Industry Employees Events.

And there's a new tech player in town. The new WSOP+ app has been hailed as a game-changer by Daniel Negreanu.

It promises to end the long lines that plagued the WSOP, but there's one problem — that's right, you need to line up to get verified.

We're on the ground at Paris Las Vegas today and witnessed hundreds of players waiting to get themselves on the approved list.

Some players we spoke to estimate that by the time they reach the cage and complete the 2-3 minute verification, it will have taken them three to four hours.

But there's good news ahead. Once you’re verified and ready to use the WSOP+ app to register, you'll never have to wait again.

Here's how to minimize that one-time pain.

Platt: Don't come in peak hours

As luck would have it, we ran into the always-helpful Jeff Platt, the newest member of the PokerOrg Player Advisory Board. Platt was interviewing the newly crowned WSOP Czar, Kevin Mathers, when we walked up.

“This first long line of the series might be frustrating and annoying,” said Platt over the buzz of the crowds. “But the good news is with the WSOP+ app, this is most likely the only line that you will have to wait in all summer.”

Jeff waved us in closer.

“This is between me and you. Don't tell anybody else, okay? Don't come during peak hours. Don't come right before an event starts. Bad idea. They’re open 24/7 at the Paris, so feel free to come late at night. And again, this line sucks, but it’s the only line of the series, so not bad overall.”

Jeff Platt will be roaming the floor interviewing players and playing himself this summer.

[Matthew Berglund]

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Bracelet winners and patient players chime in

Niall Farrell won the $25K High Roller event at the WSOPE in 2017 for a score of €745,287, and he thinks he's up for another this summer. He's ready and verified.

“It’s not so bad,” said Farrell. “I did it yesterday at the main cage in Paris. It took an hour. I feel like I’m going to win another bracelet this year. I don’t know why. But I’m very confident and looking forward to the series.”

“I was lucky two days ago,” said 2022 WSOP Colossus winner Paul Hizer. “I went over at 10.45pm; it took five minutes. I deposited my funds, and away we go. The process is very simple. I’m excited about the whole summer. It's all in the good spirit of fun as well, so good luck to everyone.”

If you want to know something about the WSOP, the man you ask is Kevin Mathers.

“My best advice is to make sure you’ve downloaded the WSOP+ app on your phone,” said Mathers. “Many people don’t have social media accounts and show up not knowing how to get verified. The process is a big surprise for a lot of people.”

Andrew Hulsey is a regular at the WSOP every summer. He's less happy about the lines.

“I’ve been in line for two hours,” said Hulsey. “I don't know what I would do to improve the process, but something seems wrong. It takes approximately one minute per person to verify once you reach the cage. I have about 78 players in front of me now. There’s still a wait for me. But I am looking forward to the 11 events I will play this year."

Niall Farrell knows how to win a WSOP bracelet.

KISS — Keep it simple and straightforward

PokerOrg spoke with WSOP+ staff member Carly, who patiently answers questions and guides people in the long lines.

“One line is for depositing cash and getting verified,” shared Carly. “The line that seems to be moving faster is the second line, where players can use credit cards and other forms of payment to be verified.”

Carly outlined four points to simplify and expedite the process. Take note and be ready!