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2020 WSOP Delayed Until Fall – Summer Online Events Coming

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2020 WSOP

For weeks, we have been recommending that WSOP officials delay or cancel the 2020 World Series of Poker. We were not alone as many poker players, including GG Poker ambassador Daniel Negreanu, have made the same pleas.

Originally looking to make a decision in May, the WSOP announced on Monday that they are delaying the 2020 World Series of Poker. At present, WSOP officials are looking at moving the event to the fall. However, a date has not been set.

2020 World Series of Poker Delayed

A move that has been expected for weeks has finally been confirmed. On Monday, WSOP officials announced that the 2020 World Series of Poker has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The announcement was made through WSOP.com but soon spread throughout the entire poker world.

Ty Stewart, WSOP Executive Director, commented on the announcement, stating, “We are committed to running the World Series of Poker this year but need additional time to proceed on our traditional scale while prioritizing guest and staff well-being.”

This delay has been anticipated for weeks, but the topic has proven highly controversial. Players such as Daniel Negreanu have been calling for the delay since before the outbreak was officially declared a pandemic. Other players and fans have stated that the WSOP should go on as usual and that they would go play if given the chance.

In the end, the WSOP took the path we’ve recommended in delaying the series. WSOP officials did not announce an official date, other than stating that the series will move to sometime in the Fall. Naturally, the future of this year’s series depends on how the pandemic plays out over the Summer.

Official WSOP Competitions Coming

During the announcement of the delay, WSOP officials also announced that players will get a chance to compete in online competitions. On WSOP.com, Stewart is quoted as stating, “In the interim, official WSOP competitions are expected to be played online this summer, and we will soon announce details of an expanded series of tournaments to be played on WSOP.com and through partnership with international operators, which will allow players to chase WSOP glory from their homes.”

What does this mean? It is hard to say at this point. The WSOP may decide to move some of its events exclusively online. Poker Central partnered with partypoker to move the Poker Masters online. The Irish Open is among other events that have been moved online. The WSOP has also held WSOP Circuit events online during this pandemic.

Now if the WSOP decides to move bracelet events online, it will be interesting to see if they play them exclusively in the United States or move them online to 888 Poker. If moved to 888 Poker, it would effectively lock out US players. If they play at WSOP.com in the US, players will have to go to New Jersey or Nevada to play.

WSOP Europe and Global Championship Still on Schedule

Monday’s announcement revealed that the next live WSOP tournament will be the WSOP Global Championship at Harrah’s Cherokee in Cherokee, NC. This is an invitation-only event. Also, the 2020 WSOP Europe is also still on the calendar for Fall 2020. It will be interesting to see what happens with this event knowing that the regular WSOP will be in the fall. Is there a chance that the 2020 WSOP gets moved to Europe?

Now that the World Series of Poker has been delayed, it will be interesting to see whether other live poker events schedule to play this summer will happen. It is likely that some events such as the Venetian DeepStack may choose to delay. Other events such as the Grand Poker Series may outright cancel for 2020.

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