It’s still the WSOP, I guess?
Over the last decade and a half, I have often started these types of articles with something like, “It’s that time of year again,” but this year is not exactly like years past. So while the World Series of Poker starts today, a day that would normally be the most exciting day on the poker calendar, it’s not really “that time of year” and certainly not “again.”
The WSOP was supposed to start over a month ago, but as we all well know, the COVID-19 pandemic forced its postponement and subsequent move to the internet. So today is opening day of the 2020 WSOP, but it does not feel at all the same. Whether it feels good or bad is up to the individual and regardless, the inaugural World Series of Poker Online is upon us.
United States gets things started
Wednesday is the start of “part one” of the WSOP Online, so to speak. From July 1 through July 31, there will be exactly one event per day on WSOP.com. Unfortunately, because USA#1 is still so ass-backward, there are just four states that have active regulated online poker industries and just two states where poker players can compete in WSOP Online events.
The tournaments are being held on WSOP.com, which is available in New Jersey and Nevada. The two states share player liquidity (with Delaware, as well, but Delaware does not have WSOP.com), so everybody competes at the same tables. To play in the World Series of Poker this month, you must be located within the borders of one of those two states. You do not have to be a resident, you just have to be sitting, standing, reclining, or otherwise somewhere in New Jersey or Nevada to play on WSOP.com.
The good news, though, is that all 31 events are official gold bracelet events. So regardless of what my colleague Earl says, you win one of these tournaments, you are a WSOP bracelet owner. How you feel about it is up to you.
Main Event is only $1,000
The kickoff event is coincidentally called the No-Limit Hold’em Kick-Off. It costs just $500 to enter, which is cheap for a World Series of Poker tournament, and permits two re-entries. Odds are that it’s too late for you to enter it if you are reading this, but there is always tomorrow. Speaking of which, Event #2 on Thursday is $1,000 No-Limit Hold’em 8-Handed Deepstack, starting at 3:00pm PT.
The “Main Event” of the WSOP.com portion of WSOP Online is on July 31. The No-Limit Hold’em Championship costs $1,000 to enter, rather than the usual $10,000 for the traditional Main Event.
For those not in the U.S., your chance for a bracelet begins July 19 on GGPoker. Running through September 6, the “international” portion of WSOP Online consists of 54 gold bracelet events. Players in the United States cannot play on GGPoker, so while it might not be a true “World” Series this year, at least lots of people will have an opportunity to play.