Here we go again. The PokerStars World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP) is just about upon us. Running August 30 through September 23, it features 75 triple-tiered events an $80 million in guaranteed prize pools, the most the WCOOP has even guaranteed.
The three Main Events will take place on September 20 with buy-ins of $55 (Low), $530 (Medium), and $5,200 (High). Their respective guarantees are $1.25 million, $2 million, and $10 million.
The WCOOP normally has fantastic turnout, but during the ongoing pandemic, expect jam-packed tournaments. Sure, the major live tournaments have moved online and we have seen loads of internet-based events in the last few months. And sure, the world is seemingly “OPEN FOR BUSINESS” now, but large, live, multi-table poker tournaments are still missing – and for good reason – so online poker is still the only viable outlet for those who want good tourney action.
“WCOOP is a prestigious staple in the poker calendar and this year we are excited to bring players our biggest WCOOP ever, as well as adding extra excitement and value into the mix,” said Managing Director and Commercial Officer of Poker at PokerStars, Severin Rasset in Monday’s announcement. “We want to give players of all levels the opportunity to become a champion, so there will be lots of ways to get in on the action. Plus we’re particularly excited about setting poker fans up for the coming year with our new Slam Packages.”
Yes, the Slam Packages. 15 of the WCOOP events are called “Sunday Slam” tournaments. In addition to the regular prize money, the winners of these tournaments receive entries in the high buy-in tier of the 2021 WCOOP, Spring Championship of Online Poker (SCOOP), and Stadium Series.
Everyone who participates in a WCOOP tournament, regardless of whether or not they win, will receive entries into the WCOOP Sweepstakes, running August 30 through September 20. The more tournaments and the higher the buy-in, the more Sweepstakes entries are earned. A total of $1.5 million in WCOOP tickets will be awarded through the WCOOP Sweepstakes, with a minimum of three $5,200 Main Event tickets each day.
And like my kids with their virtual learning that is now underway, PokerStars is giving players a day off during the week. There will be no WCOOP events on Friday, allowing players a chance to unwind. PokerStars specifically mentions the benefit for those who grind for the leaderboard championship, people who cold really use a break while playing tourney after tourney.
World Championship of Online Poker events will be streamed via Twitch. Poker fans can also win free WCOOP tickets simply by watching PokerStars live streams on Twitch.
The complete WCOOP schedule will be published at a later date.
