Shuffle Up & Deal

The World Series of Poker returns with online and in-person tournaments.

Photo courtesy of Time Weavers Photography and Design

The explosion of interest in the World Series of Poker (WSOP) dates to 2003 when Chris Moneymaker went from online player to Main Event champion. In besting 838 players to win that year’s $2.5 million prize, he gave hope to the everyman. The following year the field grew to 2,576 players, and by 2019 there were 8,569 participants.

And this fall, with the 2021 WSOP moving back to in-person games after a year of online tournaments, officials are expecting huge interest and record attendance.

Returning to Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, WSOP tournament games will begin September 30 and run through November 23. The opening weekend will feature a special charity event to benefit frontline health workers, a $25,000 H.O.R.S.E. tournament and a $5 million guaranteed prize pool No-Limit Hold’em event billed as “The Reunion.” The $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em World Championship (aka The Main Event) is scheduled to begin November 4 and run through November 17.

The CBS Sports Network will televise 15 hours of Main Event coverage and 36 hours of 18 additional Gold Bracelet events. “This year, more than ever,” says WSOP Executive Director Ty Stewart, “we embrace our role at the WSOP to deliver memorable experiences and bring this community of poker lovers back together.”

In addition, Stewart says the WSOP Europe (November 19-December 8) will round out the tournament year at King’s Casino in Rozvadov, Czech Republic. Fifteen gold bracelet events, including a 10,000 euro buy-in WSOP Europe Main Event and a 50,000-euro High Roller event, are planned.