It is never too early to start talking about the World Series of Poker. And now that we are firmly into 2010, we can start talking about the WSOP, the changes to the poker tournaments that make up this event, and what it all means to the poker players out there. Of course talk of the World Series of Poker could simply mean most of us are freezing our tails off, and are looking forward to summer, but either way there have been some changes to the poker tournaments that poker players should be aware of, especially if they plan on participating in the WSOP this year.
So far, Harrah’s has not announced the sort of shocking changes that will keep us all talking and twittering for the next five months, but they still manage a few tweeks. The biggest adjustment has been made in the Player's Championship. No, the price tag has not come down. Players are still going to have to pay the $50,000 buy-in to participate in this event. This will limit the field to experienced professionals, Washington lobbyists, and those who are willing to sell their 2nd kidney on the ebay to live out their poker dreams. This No Limit Texas Holdem/Omaha poker/Stud/Go Fish/Rock-Papers-Scissors event will be moved from the July to May. The No Limit Texas Holdem final table is scheduled to kick off on May 28th.
Along with this change, they also seem to be willing to make the WSOP more financially accesible to a cash strapped populace who have been driven into bankruptcy by “hope and change”. "Whatever your game and whatever your bankroll, the 2010 WSOP schedule offers something for everyone," tournament director Jack Effel said in a statement. "We are planning for the largest WSOP ever and look forward to welcoming all players to the Rio in Las Vegas next summer."
Those who have an extra thousand dollars and an itch to take a run a bracelet will be given plenty of opportunities. During the first five weekends of the WSOP, players can buy in to No Limit Holdem events and try for a bracelet for only a grand.
That is about it for now, but of course there will be more announcements as the months grind on. These guys just can’t stay out of the papers.
