2021 World Series of Poker set to start in September
The World Series of Poker, or WSOP, is an annual series of poker tournaments held in Las Vegas, recognized as the largest and most prestigious poker event in the world, with its origins dating back to 1970. Currently, the WSOP consists of over 100 events, featuring most of the major poker variants, but especially Texas hold ‘em tournaments. In 2019, the WSOP broke several records, accounting for 187,298 participants from 118 countries, and awarding almost $300 million in prize money.
In June, the World Series of Poker finally announced its schedule for 2021, disclosing the return of live, in-person competitions and events, including the renowned Main Event, which is the $10,000 No-Limit Hold ‘em World Championship. The 2021 WSOP is scheduled to start on September 30, in Las Vegas, Nevada, with a number of bracelet events. The series will conclude with the Main Event, which is projected to be held on November 4 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino.
Last year, with the COVID-19 pandemic, cities under lockdowns, land-based venues closed, and social distancing measures in place, the WSOP was forced to adjust to a hybrid format, and several tournaments and bracelet events were held online. Record-breaking audiences in these online tournaments led the WSOP to introduce a number of Gold Bracelet online tournaments in the 2021 season.
Last year, the WSOP online domestic series featured 31 events, and its main event broke the Guinness Book world record for largest online poker tournament, with a $27.5 million prize pool. It also marked the largest online tournament series in the history of American regulated poker.
In 2021, as the partnership with GGPoker continues to improve, the WSOP announced a comprehensive schedule of online events, which includes the WSOP Online 2021 International tournament on the GGPoker app, from August 1 through September 12. Online satellite tournaments and bracelet events awarding entries to the live Main Event will be held on GGPoker as well as WSOP.com online platform.
“With over $100 million in guarantees during the WSOPC Super Series and more than $134 million in awarded prizes, it’s clear that GGPoker and the WSOP make a good pair,” said Steve Preiss, Head of Poker Operations for GGPoker. “We’re excited to introduce bracelet events that the worldwide poker community will embrace, as well as innovative programming with PokerGo.”
Unfortunately, one of the most successful players in poker history and an exponent of online poker, Chris Moneymaker has announced that he won’t be attending the 2021 World Series of Poker. He referred to his nine-year-old child being unable to be vaccinated as the main reason for his decision.
Curiously, the first player to qualify for the 2021 Main Event was former NBA star and San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker, who, after retiring from the NBA in 2019, turned his focus to professional poker.
After one year of playing in the best poker sites, players and poker enthusiasts can finally celebrate the return of live, in-person action in 2021. The season is scheduled to begin on September 30, with the opening weekend featuring several charity events to aid frontline health workers, including a $5 million GTD No-Limit Hold’em.
The Main Event is set to begin on November 4, with the final table expected to take place on November 17. Players will be allowed to choose from for starting dates, and the WSOP expects all play to be concluded on November 23. There will be several COVID-19 safety and health protocols in place, and the WSOP already stated that it will comply with any directives issued by the state of Nevada, including capacity limits.
“It wouldn’t be summer without WSOP,” said Ty Stewart, Executive Director of the World Series of Poker. “We are thrilled to be reopening our venues and optimistic about future offline events. […] In 2021, the theme is get vaccinated and get back to Vegas.
How to verify proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter 2021 WSOP
Five minutes of free time, a mobile device, an ID, and a COVID-19 vaccination card is all you need to prove eligibility to compete in or visit the 2021 World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, which begins September 30 at the Rio. Proof of vaccination starts by simply downloading the free CLEAR mobile app (find it in the App Store or Google Play Store) and then following the simple instructions in this article.
The WSOP announced last week all players and spectators at the fall series will be required to prove vaccination against COVID-19. As expected, this caused an uproar on social media among many poker players.
But no matter how loud the players scream, the rules are the rules. So, if you want to chase gold bracelets this fall, your only option is the vaccine. And then once you do, you have to prove it to the WSOP staff, which is quick and easy with the CLEAR mobile app and Health Pass feature.
Step 1: Verify your identity
Once you’ve downloaded the app, open it up and begin the process of verifying your identity. The app is easy to use even for the most technologically challenged poker players as it walks you through every step.
First things first, enter your email address and then you’ll be asked to provide your phone number. A verification code will be text to your mobile device to continue within the app. Next, you’ll be asked to take a picture of the front (first) and back (second) of your ID. After that, the app will have you snap a photo of your lovely face. Assuming your ID and the camera photo you took match, you’ll see a green checkmark pop up letting you know that your identity is verified.
Step 2: Prove vaccination status
The second step is to prove you’re fully vaccinated against COVID-19, a requirement to compete in this year’s World Series of Poker. Fully vaccinated means you’re at least 14 days removed from the second dose for the Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Moderna shots, or from the first dose of the Johnson & Johnson shot.
To prove to the CLEAR app you are fully vaxxed, you’ll snap a pic of your vaccination card, and then enter details about where and when you received each dose. That’s all there is to it. Once you’ve completed this step, there’s nothing left to do until you arrive at the Rio. The enrollment process on the app takes no longer than 5-10 minutes.
Step 3: Registering for 2021 WSOP Events
When you’re ready to register for a tournament, head to the registration office inside the Rio Convention Center. Along with your ID and money for the buy-in, prove to the cashier that you’ve verified your info via the CLEAR app. Simply open the app and pull up the Home tab, click on the red “+” symbol. This will bring you to your Health Pass screen, which includes a bar code. The WSOP staff member will scan that bar code to verify you’ve been vaccinated.
You’re all set now and will no longer be required to prove your vaccination status when registering for a WSOP event the rest of the series. All your info will be stored in the WSOP’s database.
For those who are unable to access the CLEAR app or don’t want to use it, according to the WSOP.com website, “WSOP will also provide an on-site center to verify alternate documentation including physical vaccination cards, and state or country.”
Source: pokernews.com & bizbash.com
