Turning Stone Resort Casino Hosts Record-Breaking 12-Day Poker Tournament with Over $6.2 Million in Winnings Awarded

The recent 12-day tournament at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York, was a huge success. With record-breaking numbers of entries, money won, and visitors to the region, the event saw $6.2 million in winnings awarded, double the minimum guarantee and an increase from the $5.4 million awarded last year. The Oneida Indian Nation, which operates the casino, shared this news in a press release.

The 2024 Turning Stone event sent 18 “Gold Ring” winning players to the World Series of Poker Tournament of Champions main event in Las Vegas. Players from 38 states and four Canadian provinces participated in the event, totaling more than 16,000 entries. The tournament concluded with Ethan Bennett of Brooklyn being crowned the WSOP Main Event Champion, winning $298,546 and his first-ever Gold Ring.

Among the winners were players from Central and Western New York, including Edward Lupinski of Ilion, Budwey Salhab of Getzville, Leonid Kaplin of East Amherst, Travell Thomas of Orchard Park, Michael Rellinger of Tonawanda, and Shane Friedlander of Kerhonkson. The total payout for the Turning Stone Main Event was $1.8 million.

The tournament was held from March 14 to March 25 at Turning Stone’s Events Center. Turning Stone is owned by the Oneida Indian Nation and is the only casino in New York state to host a World Series of Poker circuit event. It is one of fewer than 20 casinos in the country that host such events