- The 2021 World Series of Poker (WSOP) tournament will commence on September 30.
- Big-named gambler Chris Moneymaker has announced he will not be attending this season due to the COVID-19 risk.
- A $5 million GTD No-Limit Hold’em event will run during the opening weekend.
LAS VEGAS – The 2021 World Series of Poker (WSOP) tournament begins on Thursday and some of the biggest names in poker will be competing for millions of dollars in prizes.
The event will run from September 30 through November 23, with the opening weekend seeing a $5 million GTD No-Limit Hold’em event, dubbed “The Reunion”, to kick things off.
This major poker event will be held at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. This is the first WSOP event to be held in person since the COVID-19 shutdowns.
WSOP High Stakes Poker
In addition to the GTD No-Limit Hold’em event, opening weekend will also see a $25,000 H.O.R.S.E. contest and a special charity event.
Several events will kick off until the Main Event begins on November 4. This will be the $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em World Championship.
As players will be in person for the first time since 2019, all competitors are required to be vaccinated and follow strict health safety protocols.
“This year, more than ever, we embrace our role at the WSOP to deliver memorable experiences and bring this community of poker lovers back together,” said Ty Stewart, WSOP Executive Director. “In 2021, the theme is, get vaccinated and get back to Vegas.”
WSOP is aiming to see similar participation as was seen in 2019 which was record-breaking. Even with these safety measures, however, some big-named players will be sitting out due to the risk of COVID-19 exposure.
COVID-19 Affecting Tournament
Chris Moneymaker, one of the biggest names in poker announced that he will not be attending the WSOP event due to the risk of bringing COVID-19 back home.
REALLY hate it but canceled my trip to El Paso and Vegas for the @WSOP. My 9 year old cant be vaccinated and I do not want to bring the virus home to him. @ACR_POKER #nextyearihope
— Chris Moneymaker ⭕ (@CMONEYMAKER) August 6, 2021
Chris has competed in online gambling held by WSOP throughout the Pandemic, so he has not been completely absent from the poker world over the last two years.
Still, his presence will be missed in Las Vegas.