The update every poker player is waiting for around the globe has finally been given. the prestigious 51st running of the World Series of Poker (WSOP), which was set to begin Tuesday, May 26 from the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas is officially being postponed as a result of the public health emergency involving COVID-19. It is now targeted for the fall of 2020, with exact dates and events to be determined.
The WSOP joins dozens of other major events worldwide in shutting down operations rather than risk being a vehicle for the continued spread of the virus.
WSOP Executive Director Ty Stewart had this to say
“We are committed to running the World Series of Poker this year but need additional time to proceed on our traditional scale while prioritizing guest and staff well-being,”
He also added
“In the interim, official WSOP competitions are expected to be played online this summer, and we will soon announce details of an expanded series of tournaments to be played on WSOP.com and through partnership with international operators, which will allow players to chase WSOP glory from their homes.”
Unsurprising Turn of events
Organizers at the WSOP had said as early as January that they were “monitoring” the development of COVID-19. When things escalated in the ensuing months, poker tournaments across the world were canceled by the dozens.
A huge number of poker events were being canceled and speculation mounted that there was no way the WSOP could happen.
A poker table provides a prime opportunity for the spread of any contagion.
Observers were in agreement that it seemed unlikely the WSOP would run after the news of the pandemic hitting the United States hard, despite the fact that WSOP officials continued to maintain that it was still scheduled to go “as planned” starting May 26.
The announcement finally gave closure to the debate and players can now start to begin planning their next several months knowing the WSOP has been postponed.
The next live event on the WSOP calendar remains the Global Casino Championship, is still scheduled for August 11-13, 2020 at Harrah’s Cherokee in North Carolina. This is an invitation-only event, open to those who have qualified.
WSOP Europe, hosted at King’s Resort in Rozvadov, Czech Republic, remains on the calendar for the Fall of 2020.
All announced dates, times and events are subject to change.
