
In the 21st century, the gambling industry is thriving. In the USA alone, gaming is a multi-billion-dollar industry. Worldwide, gambling produces over $100 billion annually. Online casinos, especially, are receiving a lot of notoriety. After all, since their inception in the 1990s, they have become a lot safer, more fun, and more convenient.
Another reason for the success of the gambling industry is, simply put, blackjack. The main appeal is that blackjack is the most player-friendly gambling game. The player odds are high, and the house edge is the lowest of any other game. On top of that, the game is simple to learn, engaging, and fun. So, it is unsurprising that land-based and online blackjack tournaments are incredibly popular. But what are the most popular ones? In this article, we look at the top 10 blackjack tournaments.
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World Series of Blackjack
Without a doubt the most popular blackjack tournament in the world. The World Series of Blackjack takes place annually in Sin City, adding another reason to visit one of America’s biggest attractions. Some of the best blackjack players in the world participate in this tournament, hoping to earn wealth and glory. Observing this event is a must if you are interested in the game.
Ultimate Blackjack Tour
In 2006, Poker G.O.A.T. Phil Helmuth produced the Ultimate Blackjack Tour television series. The series was a sudden elimination blackjack tournament in which the winner of each game returned for the final “Tournament of Champions” event. The television show starred many famous blackjack players and some very notable celebrities. Indeed, it deserves a spot on a top 10 blackjack tournaments list.
Las Vegas Hilton Million Dollar Blackjack Tournament
Held every year at the Las Vegas Hilton, the event attracts some of the top gamblers worldwide. Usually, the tournament takes place in May, and as the name suggests, the winner can win a million-dollar prize. Understandably, gamblers try their best to win a considerable sum.
The Blackjack World Championship
Another annual tournament held at the Las Vegas Hilton, the Blackjack World Championship, is one of the most prestigious events in gambling. Dozens of gamblers gather in Las Vegas every year, hoping to get a shot at the $100,000 prize. And while it isn’t as notable as the $1 million award of the Million Dollar Blackjack Tournament, it is still a huge draw.
The Blackjack Ball
Thus far, we have only talked about the open events. The Blackjack Ball’s popularity comes from its exclusivity. The invitation-only event hosts a tournament for top-tier gamblers and blackjack players. They compete for a hefty monetary prize and a trophy. The ball also doubles as a fundraiser, so the world’s best gamblers can give back a bit of their fortune to those who need it.
The Monte Carlo Blackjack Battle
Held at the Monte Carlo casino, the Blackjack Battle is worth checking out. With a buy-in fee as low as $50, the tournament gives players precisely one hour to accumulate as many chips as possible, with the most successful players moving up to the next round. Each table hosts up to five players, all of which are competing for the prize. Held at the famous Monte Carlo casino, which may not be the tallest building in the world but is undoubtedly one of the grandest, this tournament is worth experiencing at least once.
Atlantic City Blackjack Championship
For this one, we are heading back to America, but not to Las Vegas. Atlantic City is Las Vegas’ biggest competition, at least in the USA. And while the AC does not have as many notable tournaments as Sin City, it does have the Blackjack Championship. With a $50,000 prize, the Blackjack Championship brings in gamblers from all over the East Coast and the rest of the country.
Arizona State Blackjack Championship
Arizona has its own Blackjack Championship, which has garnered much esteem in the gambling world. Like the Atlantic City tournament, Arizona’s championship also offers a $50,000 prize. Gamblers from all over the country gather for a chance to win the 50Gs.
The Blackjack Masters
Returning to Las Vegas, we are now looking at the Golden Nugget Resort’s Blackjack Masters tournament. Another competition with a $50,000 cash prize, the Blackjack Masters, attracts a vast international player base. Some greats have sat at the Golden Nugget tables, hoping to get a slice of the pie.
Macau Tournaments
Unlike in the west, Macau is all about baccarat. Meaning the blackjack tables are often empty except during notable blackjack tournaments. During these events, the house edge drops as low as 0.02%. Not to mention, Macau casinos and resorts treat their customers with the utmost respect. So, any visitor will be happy with a trip.
Online Blackjack Tournaments
Last on this list, we want to spotlight the online casino tournaments which have swept the gambling world. Like the land-based games, online blackjack tournaments are incredibly popular, especially since live blackjack’s introduction. So, these events are perfect if you want to test your luck and not leave your house.