Cue Boston’s “Foreplay/Long Time” and get ready for the first live version of the World Series of Poker since 2019. Last year’s installment was postponed and delayed before it was moved online, which caused a bit of controversy. The 2021 WSOP started late this year but it will occupy most of this fall and running through October and late November.
If you’re unaware, all participants at the 2021 WSOP must show proof of vaccination, otherwise they will not be able to participate in any bracelet events, cash games, daily tournaments, or satellites.
The WSOP at the Rio’s convention center has always been a fan-friendly event, but spectators will be limited at the 2021 WSOP. If you want to gawk on the rail, spectators will only permitted into the WSOP if they have a spectator pass. All spectators must show proof of vaccination, so if you’re unvaxxed and want to watch your friend play, you’re out of luck.
The 2021 WSOP schedule includes 88 live events plus 11 online events at WSOP.com. The first live event begins on September 30 with a trio of events. The first event is typically the Casino Employees Event which is a big deal for anyone in the industry. Event #1 is a $500 buy-in affair, yet not an open event.
The first major High Roller affair at the 2021 WSOP will be Event #2 $25,000 HORSE. This will be a single re-entry event, so high ballas can fire away twice. The starting stack is 150,000, so buckle up.
There’s also a charity event on deck for the opening day of the 2021 WSOP to get your feet wet and help out a good cause. Event #3 COVID-19 Relied NL Charity Event is a two-day affair that will assist frontline workers.
Over the weekend, the crowds will show up in full force for Event #4 The Reunion, which is a$500 NL buy-in donkament with a $5 million guaranteed prize pool. There’s three flights… Event #4A on Friday, Event #4B on Saturday, and Event #4C on Sunday. That should be a good test and gauge on whether or not the WSOP will be a massive success, or if they’ll struggle to fill seats due to the vax requirement.
Also on Friday, there’s Event #5 $1,500 Omaha 8 which should attract a lot of Omaha Hi/Lo enthusiasts and older locals.
On Saturday, there’s Event #6 $25,000 NL High Roller with a single re-entry and a 150,000 starting stack. Between the 25K HORSE and 25K High Roller, a lot of noteworthy sharks should be in attendances.
Also keep an eye out on Sunday for Event #7 $1,5000 Dealers Choice (6-Handed), which is a three-day event.
The first two online bracelet events at the 2021 WSOP will take place next Sunday during the Sunday grind with 2021 WSOP OB #1 $5,300 NL freezeout and OB #2 Big 500, which has a $500 buy-in for a triple re-entry event.
Word on the street that this will be the final WSOP hosted at the Rio Casino, but you never know with rumors. It could be the swan song finale, or they could host one more in summer of 2022 for old time’s sake. Regardless, enjoy the fact that the live version of the WSOP returns and enjoy live poker while you can.