WSOP is Back with a Bang and Will Return to Las Vegas in the Fall

April 5th, 2021 | by Greg Shaun

There will be a live World Series of Poker (WSOP) this year. With COVID-19 restrictions easing and vaccinations helping life return to normal, the festival will return to Las Vegas.

The WSOP will return to Las Vegas in the fall after an enforced hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions (Image: 888poker/The Sun)

However, in a change to proceedings, WSOP 2021 will take place inside the Rio from September 30 until November 23. The plans are subject to change but the hope is that restrictions will be minimal by the fall.

In lieu of its live tournaments returning, there will be an online festival similar to last year. Full details will be published in the coming weeks, but we already know that US residents will be able to play for bracelets from July 1 onwards.

Las Vegas to Welcome WSOP with Open Arms

The WSOP returning to Las Vegas has been welcomed by everyone, not least the Rio Casino. Sin City and its famous strip have been badly affected by COVID-19 restrictions.

Official data shows that annual income was down more than 31% last year. However, with things returning to normal and a WSOP penciled in, Vegas should have a strong finish to 2021.

Predicting whether or not facemasks and other restrictions will be necessary in the fall is almost impossible.

Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak has given local authorities the power to determine their own restrictions from May 1. This, combined with a successful vaccination effort, should mean Vegas is back to business as usual by September.

If that’s the case, the WSOP will play out as normal. If not, there may be social distancing provisions in place. Whichever way it plays out, the WSOP is back after a year under lockdown.

The schedule it yet to be finalized but a recent press release confirmed that the Main Event will likely get underway on November 4.

There will be four starting flights and the final nine will fight for WSOP glory on November 17.

WSOP organizers are also planning a special “reunion” tournament. The plan is to host a $25,000 HORSE event with a $5 million guarantee.

Given the size of the buy-in, it won’t be a reunion for everyone. However, there is still plenty of time to create something for low stakes players.

WSOP Bracelet Events Online, in Las Vegas, and Europe

To make the recent announcement even sweeter, the WSOP has said it will host a European event in November and December.

The WSOPE will take place inside the Czech Republic’s King’s Casino. There will be 15 bracelet events on offer between November 19 and December 8, including a main event and a high roller.

Again, the festival will be subject to local restrictions. However, at this stage, the hope is that European players and anyone else able to travel will be able to play ante up without any issues.

“We hope and anticipate travel restrictions will ease by the fall. It’s important to us that we have an excellent tournament schedule available to our European players,” Ty Stewart, WSOP Executive Director, said in a recent press release.

Live poker may not be out of the woods, but things are looking up. Tournaments are taking place across the US and, in the coming months, things should be moving again in Europe.

The WSOP will look to build on this in the fall with two live events offering bracelets, prize money, and the welcome return of riffling poker chips.