WSOP to Award 100 Bracelets in 2019

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A couple of years ago, I predicted that in a few years we would be talking about the World Series of Poker awarding at least 100 bracelets in a calendar year. My prediction was a bit off as we can now confirm that there will be 100 bracelets awarded in 2019.

On Wednesday, World Series of Poker officials announced their schedule of online bracelets events. There will be nine events held this summer to bring the total offering for the Las Vegas series to 89. Combined with the World Series of Poker Europe events and the season-ending WSOP Circuit World Championship, the WSOP will award 100 bracelets in a year for the first time ever in 2019.

Nine Online Events to Be Held at WSOP.com

On Wednesday, WSOP officials finally released their schedule of online bracelet events for 2019. According to a press release on WSOP.com, there will be a bracelet event every Sunday from June 2nd through July 14 along with a pair of other events to bring the total of WSOP online bracelet events to nine.

This year’s schedule of online events ranges in buy-ins from $400 to $3,200. The first event on June 2nd is a $400 NL Event with three re-entires. The only Omaha online event will run on June 9th and will feature a $600 buy-in and unlimited re-entry.

Other events will include a Knockout Bounty, Turbo Deepstack, Double Stack, and Six-Handed events. The $1,000 online NL Hold’em Championship will kick off on June 30. Those wanting to play higher can play in the $3,200 NL High Roller on July 3rd. The high roller features three re-entries as well.

In addition to the bracelet events, players at WSOP.com can play their way into any WSOP event with online satellites running around the clock. The most popular of the satellites will be the 25 Seat Scramble on June 30th. The $215 event with unlimited re-entry will guarantee at least 25 seats into the WSOP Main Event.

According to WSOP.com head of online poker Bill Rini, “Just like the land-based WSOP, the annual summer series is also the best time for online poker players in the U.S. to chase big prize pools and WSOP gold bracelets. WSOP.com is offering a consistent gold bracelet schedule this year, plus non-stop satellites to both the online and live events, giving players the best opportunity to participate in the 50thAnnual WSOP.”

WSOP Prepared for Wire Act Opinion

One thing that is clear from the press release is that WSOP officials are prepared to operate despite the DOJ’s revised Wire Act opinion. One thing that sticks out is that the terms of playing in the events refer to “eligible states” rather than specifically naming Nevada or New Jersey.

What exactly does that mean? It’s too early to be certain, but if necessary, WSOP officials can announce that the event is for Nevada only and can ring-fence the events. Also, it could allow for Pennsylvania to join the mix should they get online before the start of the WSOP in May.

With the uncertainty surrounding the Wire Act opinion, our best advice is to plan to be in Nevada to play these events rather than going to New Jersey and find yourself shut out. Also, make sure you have a laptop or desktop with WSOP.com installed if you plan to play the PLO event as it is not available on mobile.

Total Bracelet Events Now at 100 for the First Time

With the addition of the nine bracelet events, the schedule for the 2019 World Series of Poker now stands at 89 events. Couple that with the 10 events of the WSOP Europe and the bracelet awarded during the WSOP Circuit Championship, and the WSOP will award 100 bracelets in 2019.

The 50th Annual World Series of Poker is bigger than any previous series and will certainly set records. The question now is whether the series will continue to expand past 100 bracelets and if so, just when do we reach the point where too many WSOP bracelets are being awarded in a year?