Time is Right as WPT Launches Inaugural Online Series

March 16th, 2020 | by Jason Reynolds

The success of the WSOP’s online bracelet events has inspired the World Poker Tour (WPT) to launch its own virtual series.

The first WPT Online Series will feature 10 headline events and a $30 million guarantee. (Image: WPT)

Announced on March 13, the WPT Online Series will take place on Partypoker and boast a $30 million guarantee.

Action will get underway on May 10 and run through until May 26, 2020. In addition to a selection of side events hosted in conjunction with Partypoker, the online series will feature 10 WPT-branded MTTs.

Championship Events Go Digital

Topping the bill will be the $3,200 WPT Online Championship. Offering a $5 million guarantee, the tournament will feature five starting days starting on May 10.

Entrants will start with 100,000 chips and blinds will increase every 20 minutes, except for Day 1E which will feature 8-minute levels. Following the conclusion of Day 1E, Day 2 will commence on May 25 before the final table plays out on May 26.

As the WPT Online Main Event moves towards a conclusion, nine additional tentpole MTTs will take place. In essence, the WPT is taking its most popular live tournaments and tailoring them for online players.

May 10 to May 18 – $530 WPT500
May 12 – $5,200 WPT Bounty Hunter
May 14 – $5,200 WPT PLO
May 18 – $1,100 WPT 6-Max
May 19 to May 20 – $5,200 WPT Mix-Max
May 21 – $25,500 WPT Super High Roller
May 21 – $2,100 WPT Turbo (Progressive Knockout)
May 24 to May 25 – $10,300 WPT High Roller
May 10 to May 26 – $1,600 WPTDeepStacks

The WPT Online Series events will carry a total guarantee of $15 million. Alongside these MTTs, a selection of side events will add another $15 million to the overall guarantee.

Positive Omens As WPT Launches Online Series

For the World Poker Tour, the time is right for an online series. With the new coronavirus putting a stop to live events around the world and the WSOP enjoying success in the virtual arena, players should be receptive to the innovation.

“WPT and Partypoker are proud to break new ground for both of our brands with the first WPT Online festival. Players from around the globe can look forward to the opportunity to play in World Poker Tour events from the comfort of their homes at all buy-in levels,” Adam Pliska, CEO of the World Poker Tour, said on March 13.

In addition to outside forces working in the WPT’s favor, Partypoker’s position in the MTT world will help.

As well as success with Partypoker Live, products such as Millions Online have helped the company become a leading MTT provider This, combined with a lack of live action, should make the inaugural WPT Online Series a hit.