Registration for the popular Circa Sports NFL survivor pool is now open. This year, the prize guarantee is $20 million, a $5 million increase after last year’s 18,718 entrants easily surpassed it. That means the casino is confident that it will collect more than 20,000 $1,000 tickets.
Two professional poker players, Galen Hall and Jason Somerville, made it across the finish line to cash last year. Only five entries got there, and Hall held two of them. Each ticket was worth $3,743,600.
The game is simple, yet so damn hard. Each week, players choose one team that they think will win. If their right, the entry is still alive. But here’s the thing: Players can only pick a team one time. Do it 20 times in a row, and you’ll end up at the Survival party in Las Vegas sweating the final week.
Last season, six entries made it to that day, but one of them was eliminated when Cleveland hit a game-winning field goal to beat Cincinnati with zeroes on the clock. That kick cost the people behind that entry nearly $4 million, which ended up in the pockets of the five who made it.
“Circa Sports was built on creating contests that are bigger, bolder and more player-friendly than anything else in the industry,” said Derek Stevens, CEO of Circa Sports. “This year’s $30 million guaranteed prize pool reflects the incredible momentum these contests have built over the years. We’re grateful for the passionate community that continues to support Circa Sports, and we’re excited to welcome both returning contestants and first-time players for what will be our most thrilling season yet.”
The survivor pool is the largest of three pick-em contests Circa holds each year. There’s also a high-roller contest called the Circa Grandissimo that cost $100,000 per entry and carries a $4 million guarantee, as well as the $1,000 Circa Million VIII, a weekly pick-em contest that awards points throughout the season. It has a $6 million guarantee.
Here’s how that one works: Each player will make five professional football picks against the spread each week via the Circa Sports Nevada mobile app. One point will be awarded for each correct selection and one-half point for each push.
The winner gets at least $1 million, with the rest of the $3.65 million given amongst places two through 100. Each quarter of the season, $300,000 of prizes will be awarded. The entry to finish last wins $100,000 and the second-to-last place “booby prize” winner wins $50,000.
All the contests are capped at 10 entries per person, but if they lose the first week, they can jump back in. Players can register for the contests at any of the Circa casinos in Las Vegas and Sparks, which are Circa Resort and Casino, the D Las Vegas, Silverton Casino Lodge, and Tuscany Suites and Casino.
Players outside of Nevada can use a proxy, like vegasfootballproxy.com. All contests will run through Jan. 10, 2027. For more information, visit circasports.com.
