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2018 World Series of Poker Schedule Released

World Series of Poker officially announced the schedule for the 2018 World Series of Poker. The 2018 WSOP will run from May 29 through July 17, 2018 and will feature a record 78 events. Now that the schedule and subsequent press release has been issued, we now know exactly what to expect, including a couple of big changes that will alter the entire complexion of the series.

Record 78 Events to Feature 9 New Events

According to the press release issued on Tuesday, the 2018 WSOP will feature 78 events along with 9 new events. Five events have been replaced to allow for the new events. One of the new events added is a $565 WSOP.com Online PL Omaha Event. This brings the total of online events to four this year with the other three being all NL Events.

Two High Roller tournaments have been added as well. A $50,000 High Roller NL Event and a $100,000 High Roller NL Event have been added. A few days ago we reported on a $100k Omaha 8 or Better Event on the provisional schedule. It’s now clear that event was a typo.

The $10k Tag Team Event is being replaced with a $10k Super Turbo Bounty NL Hold’em Event. A $1,500 Bounty PLO Event will replace a random $1,500 NL. A $365 PLO GIANT Event is also a new addition to the schedule, replacing a random $1k NL. Another $1k NL is being replaced with a $1k Double Stack Event with $10k in starting chips.

Following the 2018 WSOP Main Event, a second $1k Double Stack NL with 30 minute levels will replace another random $1,500 NL. Also, the $1,500 THE CLOSER NL Event has been added with 15k in starting chips and 30 minute levels. This event will have a $1 million guarantee.

Main Event to Kick Off June 2nd and Finish on July 14

One of the biggest changes to this year’s schedule is the movement of the Main Event to July 2nd. Starting flights will run from July 2nd through 4th and then play through non-stop each day until a winner is crowned on July 14.

Interestingly enough, 13 events will kick off after the start of the Main Event, including the $1 Million Big One for One Drop. The One Drop will start on July 15 and will be the only event running at the time. This will allow for exclusive coverage of the event with no conflicts from other tournaments.

Not Much Else Has Changed

Looking over the rest of the schedule, not much else has changed from last year’s WSOP. The event will be fully integrated with WSOP.com and players in Nevada and New Jersey will be able to play their way into WSOP events. WSOP NV will offer direct satellites into many events while WSOP NJ will focus on the Main Event.

In addition, the WSOP has once again partnered with 888Poker, meaning the only place to play for an official WSOP Event seat in other parts of the world will be via 888Poker. Standard live satellites will be available at the Rio and run 24-7 during the series based on demand.

For those looking for a room to stay, the Rio is offering rooms during the week starting at $41 a night. If you’d rather stay somewhere else, there are other options, including the LINQ Hotel & Casino with rooms starting at $35 a night.
Note that you may need to arrange for transportation if you don’t stay at the Rio. According to recent reports, it appears that the Rio is no longer running shuttles from the hotel to other properties.

In addition to WSOP bracelet events, the WSOP will also run Daily Deepstack tournaments through most days starting at $125 and going up to $535. These events have been known to draw large fields and sometimes pay as much as $50,000 or more to the winner. Not a bad way to supplement your bankroll or earn some buy-ins for WSOP Events.

To learn more about the 2018 WSOP or for the complete schedule of events, head over to WSOP.com.

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