After a year of pandemic disruptions, the World Series of Poker on Thursday said it expects to return to the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas for its 2021 events – pending approvals by health and governmental authorities.
In-person events are scheduled to begin on September 30 and play through November 23.
Because last summer’s online poker tournaments drew large numbers of participants, WSOP said it will host numerous WSOP Gold Bracelet online events in 2021.
WSOP.com will hold tournaments for US players on its All-American Poker Network beginning July 1, closing with a $1,000 championship. Qualification will be available for as little as $1.
Officials said the in-person opening weekend is expected to feature a special charity event to benefit frontline health workers, a $25,000 H.O.R.S.E. and a $5 million GTD No-Limit Hold'em event billed as “The Reunion.”
The ESPN staple popularly known as “The Main Event” is scheduled to get cards in the air beginning November 4 and run through November 17.
Ty Stewart, WSOP Executive Director, said specifics on the complete schedule will be released this summer.
According to Stewart, Covid-19 safety protocols and other 2021 tournament policies will be reviewed with gaming regulators prior to the event. He said the tournament will be compliant with all directives from the state of Nevada regarding social distancing and capacity limits.
“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. In 2021, the theme is, ‘get vaccinated and get back to Vegas,’” Stewart said in a statement.
