The New Year is already four months in, and online poker players have been anxiously awaiting to hear news from the World Series of Poker. Will the WSOP be back online, or will the land-based series be back at the Rio? Last year was not a good one for live poker as many events had to be canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year though, it seems things have changed. The WSOP has just announced new details on 2021 plans including the return of the WSOP live series and online gaming options.
Online Series Details
First, let’s talk about the online series. Last year, the WSOP decided to launch a domestic and international online gaming series with bracelets and gold rings up for grabs. During the domestic series, almost $27 million in total prize money was awarded via 31 events.
This year, the online series is back with the All-American Poker Network hosting events starting on July 1. The full schedule for the series will be available online starting on April 15. The WSOP is putting finishing touches on the schedule before details are revealed.
The WSOP Europe can expect another series as well. Starting in November, King’s Casino will host the WSOP with events running through December 8. The hope is that travel will be easier in the fall after more people will be vaccinated for COVID-19.
World Series of Poker
The World Series of Poker will be back in action at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino this fall. Of course, this will be pending state as well as any regulatory approvals. The schedule is tentatively set for September 30 through November 23.
The opening weekend is expected to include a charity event that will benefit health care workers who were on the frontlines during the pandemic. The schedule will also include a H.O.R.S.E. event with a $25,000 buy-in as well as an NLH event with a $5 million prize pool.
The Main Event is set for November 4 and will run through the 17. There will be four starting days for the event. Players can go ahead, and book hotel stays now with Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas properties. The Rio will also play host to travelers. Hotel stays start as low as $60.
The full schedule of events should be revealed sometime this summer. Changes may need to be made up until then or even after due to how the COVID-19 pandemic changes from here. As the series draws near, any COVID-19 safety protocols will be reviewed and provided to the public.
The WSOP will be compliant with all directives that the state issues involving capacity limits and social distancing requirements. The overall hope is that the virus will be under control so that life can go on as normal, including the popular WSOP series. Only time will tell if the series can take place as normal or will have certain protocols in place or even limits on player participation due to the pandemic if it is still an issue in the fall.
