The BSOP, as well as other major events of its kind, brings together thousands of players from all over the world in search of multi-million prizes. In its last edition, in 2019, before the pandemic, the BSOP Millions brought together 4,142 players in its main tournament, setting the record for the biggest poker tournament in Latin America.
In 2021, the BSOP Millions will give away at least R$15 million (US$ 2.75m) in prize money - the exact amount depends on the number of entries in each contest, but this is the minimum amount guaranteed by the organization, which covers the difference if the number of entries is smaller than expected. There will be 12 days of event, with 51 tournaments scheduled. Each of them will award the winners with a cash value, a "real" trophy and a digital one.
"Blockchain technology has brought several innovations. From cryptocurrencies to ways to certify transactions and records, the most diverse blockchain applications provide a decentralized and secure way to store information. One of the uses for the technology was the possibility of creating certifications or digital asset checks with a unique validation of veracity and ownership. This blockchain property brought about the rise of NFTs, which stands for “non-fungible token” or, in other words, a unique and exclusive digital asset," explains the organization of the event, in a statement.
"Basically, an NFT is like creating any item and this item is already 'born' with a certificate of authenticity, without the need for a registry office, for example, to say who it's from or if the item is real. Leonardo da Vinci paintings had already been created with an irrefutable way of proving whether they are true or copies," they added.
"The BSOP has always been attentive to news and trends in the market. We believe that NFTs are not just a fever and can even change the way we deal with unique and exclusive items, such as a champion's trophy. That's why we want to be the first to be bring our champions closer to this fascinating new world created by blockchain technology," said Devanir Campos, director of the BSOP, in a conversation with Exame.
The distribution of NFTs is the result of a partnership between the event and the North American platform NFTZ Labs, which developed the digital assets.
"The NFTZ is looking for successful entrepreneurs to help them innovate alongside the NFTs. The BSOP was one of those companies that has always been working to develop using available technologies. I am sure this is a milestone in terms of competition awards sports and many new modalities will adopt. But we have to congratulate the BSOP for their courage and pioneering spirit in the sector," commented Heitor Miguel, co-founder of NFTZ Labs.
To gain access to the NFT trophy, each of the BSOP winners will be directed to a page containing all the instructions and will receive assistance so that their digital wallet is created and they can receive their token. The BSOP also already plans to offer exclusive promotions to all contestants who have an NFT from the series. In addition, these winners will also have priority in actions involving NFTs from the series in the future.
Source: Exame
