The Rio will be jam-packed on weekends this summer as every accountant, barista and teacher takes their shot at WSOP glory.

The World Series of Poker plans the bulk of its events around the schedules of the thousands of recreational players who fly in every summer. Low buy-in events with millions in the prize pool along with some gimmicky names bring in the “Weekend Warriors.”

Names like Millionaire Maker and Monster Stack are on the schedule once again with a few other brands mixed in. No matter when John Smith (No, not THAT John Smith) gets a weekend away for some tournaments, there are major ones to be played.

The Colossus III (June 2-June 7)

The largest field of the summer can be expected again for this $565 behemoth. There is no set guarantee on the event in 2018, but the $1 million guaranteed first-place prize remains. Two flights play out on June 2, 3, and 4 each day at 10:00 am and 5:00 pm, respectively.

The 15% payouts for each flight along with the three percent advancement rate equals a lot of re-entries and a large prize pool.

PocketFiver Thomas ‘pompyouup’ Pomponio conquered 18,054 runners on his way to becoming the first seven-figure prize winner of the 2018 WSOP.

Who follows in his footsteps this summer? The answer is just over a month from discovery.

Millionaire Maker (June 9-14)

The godfather of WSOP novelty events is back for a sixth summer. Another field of over 7,000 hopefuls expects to fill all of the Rio’s playing space in pursuit of the elusive million dollar first-place prize.

The 7,761 entries in 2017 set one of the highest marks yet for Millionaire Maker and was won by Canadian Pablo Mariz.

Players have four chances to gain Day 1 traction with two re-entries permitted for each starting flight. The two Day 1 sessions take place on June 9 and June 10 before the field combines on June 11.

Min-cash or bust early? The Marathon starts on Monday, June 11 with registration open until midway through Day 2.

Seniors Weekend (June 15-19)

A full five days of poker devoted to the older crowd fits right in the middle of the summer hub. The $1,000 Seniors event starts on June 15 for players 50 and older and is followed by the $1,000 Super Seniors on June 17. Players are required to be at least 60 years of age to play the Super Seniors.

Other properties have caught on to the popularity of the Seniors events at the WSOP. The Venetian, ARIA, and Golden Nugget all have the weekend of June 15 crossed off.

Players interested in low buy-ins and four cards can play the Pot Limit Omaha Giant if they are eliminated from their Seniors events.

The PLO Giant opens on Friday, June 3 and there is a flight on the books for June 17.

Monster Stack (June 23-27)

Another small buy-in, large reward event comes with you the fourth year of Monster Stack. $1,500 to buy-in and at least $1 million to first-place is enough to draw thousands upon thousands.

A starting day on June 23 and 24 carries the balance of the event. Unlike Millionaire Maker, Monster Stack does not permit re-entries. Nonetheless, top pros and amateurs alike collide in the sprint to collect $1 million.

Crazy Eights (June 30-July 3)

The $888,888 guaranteed first-place prize in Crazy Eights was enough to draw 8,120 players last year. That number is the second-largest of the year and offers plenty of bang for the $888 buy-in.

Two starting flights on June 30 and July 1 combined with unlimited re-entries place last year’s number under surveillance.

The final ‘Weekend Warrior’ prelim to the WSOP is a lock to be in contention to top 8,120 for 2018.