WSOP Goes Full Speed Ahead With Release of Biggest Schedule To Date, 88 Bracelet Events

June 15, 2021
WSOP Goes Full Speed Ahead With Release of Biggest Schedule To Date, 88 Bracelet Events

Just because the World Series of Poker has moved to the fall apparently doesn’t mean it’s contracting. Series officials released the complete schedule on Tuesday that includes 88 gold bracelet events running Sept. 30 to Nov. 23 at the Rio in Las Vegas

This becomes the biggest WSOP in history. The $10,000 Main Event is set for Nov. 4-17 with four starting flights on Nov. 4, 5, 6, and 7.

After the WSOP went mostly online in 2020, organizers and players are happy to see the festival return.

“Make no mistake, the 2021 WSOP will be the real deal and we’re preparing for a full house,” WSOP’s executive director Ty Stewart said  in a news release.

“Throughout the storied history of the WSOP, this year will be particularly memorable and we’re preparing for a poker reunion all players can celebrate. We’re beyond thrilled to offer a complete schedule of can’t-miss events including all our flagships and the variety players deserve.”

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A more normal WSOP returns

This year’s festivities not only bring the biggest series to date but also a new broadcast partner in CBS Sports. WSOP organizers note that the network plans increased coverage for the duration of the series.

That includes televising 18 different bracelet events with a minimum of 15 hours of Main Event coverage. The series features a wide variety of tournaments, with buy-ins ranging from $400 to $250,000.

When cards get in the air, the regular WSOP will return after a 26-month absence. The 2019 series set records with 187,298 entries and total prize money awarded of more than $293 million.

The first WSOP was held in 1970 with only seven players. The last normal Main Event was held in 2019 with more than 8,000 entrants, only the second time in history that number’s been topped.

The average bracelet event in 2019 featured a $3.3 million prize pool with $533,613 going to the winner.

“We could not be more excited to welcome everyone back to Las Vegas and the Rio,” WSOP Vice President and tournament director Jack Effel said. “The entire WSOP team is hard at work to ensure players have the absolute best experience possible.”

A look at some of the new WSOP events

Beyond the Main Event, players will find plenty of other tournament action. That includes some new events added to the mix.

The $500 Reunion begins on Oct. 1 and comes with a $5 million guarantee. That would mean a massive 10,000 entries to meet the guarantee.

Players can choose from three starting flights on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Some other new events include:

  • $1,979 Poker Hall of Fame Bounty (Nov. 17) – This event pays homage to the Poker Hall of Fame, which was founded in 1979. Living Hall of Fame members can freeroll into the tournament, which is open to all players as well. Hall of Famers will have a bounty on their heads corresponding to the year they were inducted.
  • $1,000 Flip and Go presented by GGPoker (Oct. 10) – The popular online format is now a live bracelet event. Players are all in preflop on the first hand. Each player is dealt three cards and selects two. One player wins the table and fast forwards into the money, where the tournament then plays out under a traditional structure.
  • $50,000 Pot Limit Omaha (Nov. 19) – This event is now the WSOP’s highest-ever buy-in for a PLO tournament. It punctuates a prestigious high roller series scheduled after the Main Event, which also includes $50,000, $100,000 and $250,000 NLHE events.

A look at the 2019 WSOP final table in Las Vegas (photo courtesy WSOP)

Other highlights from the series

Plenty of player favorites also return to the schedule. The lower buy-in, massive field events have become a big part of the WSOP in recent years. These allow recreational players a shot at some huge money and a bracelet.

Players will find these favorites returning Oct. 8 to Nov. 19 with popular staples like the Millionaire Maker, Monster Stack, Double Stack, Colossus, and The Closer.

One of these NLHE events will begin each Friday and Saturday during the series. Each tournament features a multi-million dollar prize pool and significant value. Other returning events include:

  • $25,000 Heads Up Championship (Oct. 5) – The buy-in increases to $25,000 and a cap of 64 players. The tournament brings out some of the game’s elite high rollers.
  • $1,000 Seniors Championship (Oct. 27 – 28) – This popular tournament becomes a two-day event for the first time. Players are allowed one optional re-entry per flight. 
  • Freezeouts (Oct. 6, 13, 18, 21, and 24) – The WSOP continues its trend of offering “old school” freezeout tournaments. Beginning Oct. 6, every popular buy-in level from $500 to $5,000 will offer a true freezeout.
  • 2-7 No Limit Lowball Single Draw – This game returns to this year’s series. The game was added to the Poker Players’ Championship, expanding that event to nine games. A $2,500 version of this format will also be available Oct. 28.

Daily Deepstacks return

Players with smaller bankrolls aren’t out of the action at the Rio. The WSOP’s Daily Deepstacks events attract nice fields each summer and regularly pay out five figures to winners.

Most of these events are held each day in the Pavilion room and begin on Sept. 30. Here’s a look at those events:

  • 1 pm – $250 NLHE
  • 4 pm – $200 NLHE
  • 7 pm – $400 NLHE Turbo
  • 10 pm – $150 NLHE
  • Mondays, 5 pm – $250 HORSE (starting Oct. 4)
  • Wednesdays, 9 am – $250 NLHE Seniors (starting Oct. 6)

Qualifiers running on WSOP.com, WSOP Online bracelet events coming soon

Online satellites for bracelet events have already begun on WSOP.com for players in Nevada and New Jersey. These will run continuously throughout the series.

More than 1,000 seats were awarded via WSOP.com in 2019. Outside the US, WSOP partner GGPoker has exclusivity to run satellite packages to the WSOP. 

Players won’t have to wait until the fall, however, to win a bracelet. The WSOP Online begins July 1 at WSOP.com. Click here for a complete preview and schedule.

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Key information for 2021 WSOP

WSOP organizers have released some key things to remember when heading to Las Vegas for the festivities. Here’s a look at some details to remember. 

Online registration

To avoid lines and congestion, players are asked to utilize the online or mobile registration to pay and sign up for events. WSOP uses the Bravo Poker Live app for this process.

Players who register online will need to visit the Belize Ballroom and have their identification validated. Once verified, players can simply pick events online via the app or use the self-service kiosks located throughout the Convention Center. Registration opens in August.

In-person registration

The main registration area remains in the Tropical Ballroom, near the back end of the Rio Convention Center. More stations have been added to the main registration cage and the VIP cage.

The registration area opens Sept. 30 and remains open 24 hours a day through Nov. 23. Guests are required to present valid photo identification along with their Caesars Rewards card and payment to enter events.

Caesars Rewards

This area remains in the Rio Rotunda as a central location for players to obtain loyalty cards. Caesars Rewards kiosks will also be available for players to reprint their card without having to visit a representative.

Methods of payment

To buy into an event, players can use cash, credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express), wire transfers, cashier’s checks, Rio gaming chips, Rio or tournament buy-in chips or credits.

Also, players can use ACH transfers this year. Additional fees will be incurred on all ACH, credit, or debit card transactions.

WSOP tournament account

Players can wire in funds for WSOP events or place money on account when they arrive. After setting up an account at the WSOP Main Cage, players can register online or via mobile device.

A seat card can then be printed at a kiosk – avoiding the need to use the registration line.

Payouts now available in Palma Ballroom

For efficiency and reduced wait times, players can begin the payout process in Palma before collecting winnings in the Tropical Ballroom.

Players can request one of the following methods of payment:

  • cash
  • wire transfer
  • casino chips
  • check
  • tournament account deposit

Valid ID required

Players must bring a valid government-issued picture identification with current residential address. A secondary form of ID, such as a bill or statement confirming address, is also requested. 

Winners need to provide a valid picture ID. Tax forms will be completed for those with winnings in excess of $5,000 net of the buy-in.

International players

All international players must bring an additional form of identification. The ID must show a residential address, such as a signed lease agreement, utility bill, or a mobile phone bill.

Players from outside the US must also have a valid passport. Foreign players from non-tax treaty countries are subject to up to 30% tax withholding

Hotel specials

The Rio and all Caesars Entertainment resorts in Las Vegas will offer reduced hotel room rates for WSOP players. Players will need to use the special advanced booking code WSOPMwhen reserving rooms.

The Rio offers players rates on select dates as low as $47. Caesars Palace, Planet Hollywood, Paris, Flamingo, Harrah’s, Bally’s, and The Linq also have discounted WSOP player rates.

Complete 2021 WSOP schedule

DateEventBuyinNumber of days
Sept. 30Event #1: Casino Employees No Limit Hold'em$5002
Sept. 30Event #2: H.O.R.S.E.$25,0003
Sept. 30Event #3: Covid-19 Relief No Limit Hold'em Charity Event$1,0002
Oct. 1Event #4: The Reunion No-Limit Holdem
$5,000,000 Guaranteed Prize Pool
$5005
Oct. 1Event #5: Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better$1,5003
Oct. 2Event #6: High Roller No-Limit Hold’em 8-Handed$25,0003
Oct. 3Event #7: Dealers Choice 6-Handed$1,5003
Oct. 4Event #8: No-Limit Hold’em Deepstack$6002
Oct. 4Event #9: Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship$10,0004
Oct. 5Event #10: Super Turbo Bounty No Limit Hold'em (freezeout)$1,0001
Oct. 5Event #11: Heads Up No Limit Hold'em Championship$25,0003
Oct. 5Event #12: Limit Hold’em$1,5003
Oct. 6Event #13: Freezeout No Limit Hold'em$3,0003
Oct. 6Event #14: Seven Card Stud$1,5003
Oct. 7Event #15: 6-Handed No-Limit Hold’em$1,5003
Oct. 7Event #16: Limit Hold'em Championship$10,0003
Oct. 8Event #17A: MILLIONAIRE MAKER No-Limit Hold’em$1,5005
Oct. 8Event #18: Mixed Triple Draw Lowball (Limit)$2,5003
Oct. 9Event #17B: MILLIONAIRE MAKER No Limit Hold'em$1,5001
Oct. 9Event #19: Seven Card Stud Championship$10,0003
Oct. 10Event #20A: Flip & Go No Limit Hold'em Presented by GGPoker$1,0002
Oct. 10Event #21: Mixed: Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better; Omaha Hi Lo 8 or Better; Big O$1,5003
Oct. 10Event #20B: Flip & Go No Limit Hold'em Presented by GGPoker$1,0001
Oct. 11Event #22: LADIES No-Limit Hold’em Championship$10,0003
Oct. 11Event #23: Eight Game Mix 6-Handed$1,5003
Oct. 12Event #24: Pot-Limit Omaha Deepstack (8-Handed)$6002
Oct. 12Event #25: 6-Handed No-Limit Hold’em$5,0003
Oct. 13Event #26: Freezeout No-Limit Holdem$1,0002
Oct. 13Event #27: H.O.R.S.E.$1,5003
Oct. 14Event #28: Pot-Limit Omaha 8-Handed$1,0003
Oct. 14Event #29: Short Deck No Limit Hold'em$10,0003
Oct. 15Event #30A: MONSTER STACK No Limit Hold'em (freezeout)$1,5005
Oct. 15Event #31: No-Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw$1,5003
Oct. 16Event #30B: MONSTER STACK No Limit Hold'em$1,5001
Oct. 16Event #32: H.O.R.S.E.$3,0003
Oct. 17Event #33: 8-Handed No-Limit Hold’em Deepstack$8002
Oct. 17Event #34: Limit 2-7 Lowball Triple Draw$1,5003
Oct. 18Event #35: Freezeout No-Limit Holdem$5002
Oct. 18Event #36: Dealers Choice 6-Handed Championship$10,0003
Oct. 19Event #37: Super Turbo Bounty No Limit Hold'em (freezeout)$1,5001
Oct. 19Event #38: High Roller No Limit Hold'em 8-Handed$50,0003
Oct. 20Event #39: Pot-Limit Omaha (8-Handed)$1,5003
Oct. 20Event #40: H.O.R.S.E. Championship$10,0004
Oct. 21Event #41: Freezeout No Limit Hold'em$2,5003
Oct. 21Event #42: Razz$1,5003
Oct. 22Event #43A: DOUBLE STACK No Limit Hold'em$1,0005
Oct. 25Event #44: $3,000 Six-Handed NLHE$3,0003
Oct. 23Event #45: Pot-Limit Omaha 8-Handed Championship$10,0004
Oct. 24Event #46: No-Limit Hold’em Deepstack$8002
Oct. 24Event #47: Freezeout No-Limit Hold’em 8-Handed$5,0003
Oct. 25Event #48: SHOOTOUT No Limit Hold'em$1,5003
Oct. 25Event #49: No-Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw Championship$10,0003
Oct. 26Event #50: Mixed No Limit Hold'em/Pot-Limit Omaha Deepstack 8-Handed$6002
Oct. 26Event #51: 6-Handed No-Limit Hold’em$3,0002
Oct. 27Event #52A: SENIORS No-Limit Hold’em Championship$1,0001
Oct. 27Event #53: High Roller Pot-Limit Omaha (8-Handed)$25,0004
Oct. 28Event #52B: SENIORS No-Limit Hold’em Championship$1,0001
Oct. 28Event #54: Nine Game Mix 6-Handed$2,5001
Oct. 29Event #55A: COLOSSUS No-Limit Hold’em$4003
Oct. 29Event #56: 6-Handed No Limit Hold'em Championship$10,0003
Oct. 30Event #55B: COLOSSUS No-Limit Hold’em$4001
Oct. 30Event #57: Limit 2-7 Lowball Triple Draw Championship$10,0003
Oct. 31Event #58: SUPER SENIORS No-Limit Hold’em$1,0003
Oct. 31Event #59: TAG TEAM No Limit Hold'em$1,0003
Oct. 31Event #60: Poker Players Championship 6-Handed$50,0005
Nov. 1Event #61: Deepstack Championship No Limit Hold'em$6003
Nov. 1Event #62: Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better (8-Handed)$1,5003
Nov. 2Event #63: SALUTE to Warriors - No-Limit Hold’em$5003
Nov. 2Event #64: Mixed No Limit Hold'em; Pot-Limit Omaha (8-Handed)$5,0002
Nov. 3Event #65: MINI Main Event No-Limit Hold’em (freezeout)$1,0002
Nov. 3Event #66: Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship (8-Handed)$10,0003
Nov. 4Event #67A: MAIN EVENT No Limit Hold'em World Championship - Day 1A$10,0001
Nov. 5Event #67B: MAIN EVENT No Limit Hold'em World Championship - Day 1B$10,0001
Nov. 6Event #67C: MAIN EVENT No Limit Hold'em World Championship - Day 1C$10,0001
Nov. 7Event #67D: MAIN EVENT No Limit Hold'em World Championship - Day 1D$10,0001
Nov. 8Event #68A: LITTLE ONE FOR ONE DROP No-Limit Hold’em$1,1115
Nov. 9Event #68B: LITTLE ONE FOR ONE DROP No-Limit Hold’em$1,1111
Nov. 10Event #68C: LITTLE ONE FOR ONE DROP No-Limit Hold’em$1,1111
Nov. 10Event #69: Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo 8 or Better$1,5003
Nov. 11Event #70A: CRAZY EIGHTS No Limit Hold'em 8-Handed$8886
Nov. 11Event #71: BOUNTY Pot-Limit Omaha 8-Handed$1,5001
Nov. 12Event #70B: CRAZY EIGHTS No Limit Hold'em 8-Handed$8881
Nov. 12Event #72: Mixed No Limit Hold'em; Pot-Limit Omaha (8-Handed)$1,5003
Nov. 13Event #70C: CRAZY EIGHTS No Limit Hold'em 8-Handed$8881
Nov. 13Event #73: Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship$10,0003
Nov. 14Event #70D: CRAZY EIGHTS No Limit Hold'em 8-Handed$8881
Nov. 14Event #74: Mixed Big Bet Event$2,5003
Nov. 15Event #75: Freezeout No-Limit Holdem$1,5003
Nov. 15Event #76: Super Turbo Bounty No Limit Hold'em (freezeout)$10,0002
Nov. 16Event #77: FIFTY STACK No-Limit Hold’em$1,5002
Nov. 16Event #78: Razz Championship$10,0003
Nov. 17Event #79: Poker Hall of Fame Bounty No Limit Hold'em (freezeout)$1,9792
Nov. 17Event #80: 6-Handed Pot-Limit Omaha$3,0004
Nov. 18Event #81: No-Limit Hold’em Deepstack$8002
Nov. 18Event #82: Super High Roller No Limit Hold'em$250,0003
Nov. 19Event #83A: The Closer - No-Limit Hold’em$1,5003
Nov. 19Event #84: HIGH ROLLER Pot-Limit Omaha$50,0002
Nov. 20Event #83B: The Closer - No-Limit Hold’em$1,5001
Nov. 20Event #85: HIGH ROLLER No-Limit Hold’em$50,0002
Nov. 21Event #86: Super Turbo No Limit Hold'em$1,0001
Nov. 21Event #87: High Roller No-Limit Hold’em$100,0003
Nov. 22Event #88: 8-Handed No Limit Hold'em$5,0002

* photos courtesy WSOP

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