The 53rd edition of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) is underway, in what will be the event’s first foray onto the famous Las Vegas Strip after many years at Binion’s Horseshoe and The Rio. This year’s event will be held at both Bally’s and Paris Las Vegas. Bally’s is being re-branded as a Horseshoe casino, which will bring the tournament full circle since it was founded by Benny Binion at the Horseshoe casino in Downtown Las Vegas, now known as Binion’s.
According to WSOP Vice President Jack Effel, over 1,000 dealers and just under 600 tables will be utilized between the two venues. A definitive player count is a little difficult to determine due to the range of different events, but officials are confident that interest will be high, thanks to the new venues as well as the loosening of Covid travel restrictions.
WSOP Executive Director Ty Stewart told US Bets that “ there’s no reason for us not to break the all-time Main Event record,” which is 8,773 players. The record was set back in 2006.
In fact, WSOP officials are expecting such a turnout that there are already discussions about whether tables will have to run 10-handed instead of the standard nine-hand configuration. Eiffel, however, reiterated that the officials were “going to make every effort to play as many nine-handed events as possible.”
Overall, there are 88 scheduled tournaments, but viewers are probably most familiar with the famous no-limit Main Event, in which the best players in the world play for a literal pile of cash stacked in the middle of the table. Winners also receive the coveted WSOP bracelet, a diamond-studded piece similar to championship rings in team sports. This year’s Main Event is scheduled to take place July 3-16.
Stewart also said at a recent press conference that this year a special Main Event bracelet will be unveiled, but didn’t disclose any details about its design.
The WSOP is buy-in based, and the range of stakes is quite large. Of the 88 total tournaments, 18 have a buy-in of less than $1,000, while 28 are over $10,000. Players range from enthusiasts all the way up to ranked professionals.
