The World Series of Poker announced the return to live action on Thursday, only now moving events to the fall. The series also announced an expanded summer online poker schedule and the return of WSOP Europe.
Many poker fans will be pleased to see the return of a live series. The summer poker festival now runs from Sept. 30 to Nov. 23 at the Rio in Las Vegas. A complete schedule hasn’t been released yet, but is expected to be available this summer.
“This year, more than ever, we embrace our role at the WSOP to deliver memorable experiences and bring this community of poker lovers back together,” WSOP Executive Director Ty Stewart said in a news release.
“In 2021, the theme is ‘get vaccinated and get back to Vegas.’”
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Details on the live WSOP this fall
While a complete schedule isn’t available, there are a few events that WSOP officials released. That includes the $10,000 Main Event and here are some details:
- Dates: Nov. 4-17
- Starting flights: Nov. 4-7
- Day 2 dates: Nov. 8 for players in first two starting flights (Nov. 4-5). Nov. 9 for players in final two starting flights (6-7)
- Day 3 and beyond: Players combine into one field on Nov. 10.
A few other events for the first weekend were also outlined on Thursday. A charity event benefiting frontline healthcare workers helps kick off the series.
That same weekend, a $25,000 HORSE event offers some action for high rollers. A No Limit Hold‘em event billed as “The Reunion” also promises a $5 million guarantee.
WSOP officials plan extensive COVID-19 safety measures and to comply with all Nevada regulations. That includes social distancing and limits on player capacity.
WSOP Online returns this summer
After huge numbers in the WSOP Online bracelet events last summer, the series promised more at WSOP.com. In 2020, the series also ran international bracelet events at GGPoker.
The American side of the series awarded $27 million in 31 events. That made it the biggest series in US regulated online poker history.
At GG, the Main Event became the largest online tournament in history, paying out $27.5 million. The entire festival awarded $150 million with 45 events paying out more than $1 million.
This year, the WSOP confirmed to PokerScout that an international series is again in the works. Details on those plans haven’t been released yet however.
At WSOP.com this summer, players can again expect numerous WSOP Online bracelet events. All tournaments will be held on the site’s All-American Poker Network beginning July 1 for players in Nevada and New Jersey.
WSOP officials released a few details of what to expect. A $1,000 championship closes the series and qualifiers will run for as little as $1.
A complete WSOP Online schedule is expected to be available on April 15.
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WSOP Europe also in the works
Along with the live series and online plans, players in Europe are also in luck. WSOP Europe is back at King’s Casino in Rozvadov, Czech Republic, from Nov. 19 to Dec. 8.
The series is subject to regulatory approval, but WSOP officials are pleased to return to Europe.
“We hope and anticipate travel restrictions will ease by the fall,” Stewart said. “It’s important to us that we have an excellent tournament schedule available to our European players.”
Only a few details have been released, but here’s a look at what is known so far:
- 15 gold bracelet events
- €10,000 Main Event
- €50,000 High Roller
PokerScout will offer more details when they become available.
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