World Series of Poker has announced an extended online circuit for 2021, which begins on January 14 with the Winter Online Super Circuit.
Throughout the year, a total of 180 WSOP gold rings will be available from 13 events. The four ‘Super Circuits’ have expanded to 18 events while 12 gold rings will be on offer in eight monthly Circuit series.
The shared player pool allows entrants from New Jersey and Nevada to take in the online circuit. However, WSOP hinted at an additional 13th event for 2021, which depends on whether WSOP.com launches in a newly regulated market.
This suggests players from a new state could be joining those in New Jersey and Nevada later in the year. But it is still unclear about what state this might be.
WSOP Provide Additional $600,000 in Prize Money for 2021
In addition to the championship model and an expanded 2021 circuit, WSOP will include several big bonuses and rewards for players throughout 2021. $600,000 in added prize money across a variety of promotions and events.
Prize money will be distributed to players through the monthly events rather than at the end of year tournaments. For instance, a $25,000 WSOP Circuit Stars Monthly Freeroll will reward the top-performing players with entry to exclusive tournaments.
Further rewards include the $10,000 WSOP.COM Circuit Player of the Month, where players in the top 10 Circuit Series leaderboard win a share of $10,000 in tournament tickets, with the chance to participate in the $25,000 Monthly Freeroll.
A Monthly Second Chance Fast Forward will also be available for players entering at least four WSOP.com online circuit series tournaments, but who do not qualify for a Championship Event. These players will get a second chance through a “winner take all” freeroll with an opportunity to win a seat to the year-end WSOP Online Circuit Series Championship.
WSOP Bring Good News to Online Poker Players
With the live poker scene facing an uncertain future, WSOP has reacted by adding extra value for players with this year’s online circuit. A championship structure, which will mirror the live WSOP model, adds excitement and the additional rewards will provide plenty of competition for online poker players.
Ty Stewart, WSOP Executive Director, is excited about the 2021 season expansion and highlighted how player value is at the forefront of this year’s WSOP.com online circuit.
Speaking after WSOP’s announcement, Steward explained: “Players deserve great tournaments and great value year-round, and that’s what we aim to do with the 2021 WSOP Online Circuit Series.
“We’ve been thrilled with the big prize pools for WSOP.COM events in 2020, and we only expect to see that grow with this new model.”
As the online poker market grew throughout 2020, WSOP has been proactive with its offering for online players in the 2021 online circuit. As a result, more players will be enticed with greater rewards and chances to succeed in WSOP.com events. However, while this is positive for online players, it remains to be seen how the future of live WSOP events will take shape in 2021.
