The World Series of Poker (WSOP) has announced changes to the formula for its prestigious Player of the Year race in 2018.
Responding to player feedback, the WSOP said it has adjusted the formula to better reward WSOP bracelet winners and players who run deep, while still rewarding consistency.
The most significant difference between 2017 and 2018 will be the ratio of points awarded for a win versus points awarded for a min-cash. In 2017, the points ratio range for a win versus a min-cash varied from 3.25-1 to 8.16-1 depending on the event. In 2018, that ratio will always be roughly 20-1.
The WSOP added that, under the new formula, last year’s WSOP Player of the Year winner – former main event champion Chris Ferguson – would still have won the Player of the Year race based on 23 cashes, one bracelet win, a runner-up finish and another final table.
A points calculator will be available on the WSOP website throughout the year so that players can see an approximation for how many points they’ll receive for any given event, based on the number of total entries and finishing place. Points will also be shown on the individual event results and prize pool tabs.
The formula is loosely based on the points system that has been used on the WSOP Circuit for many years. That scale will be used for each bracelet event, with modifiers based on the buy-in and number of entries.