WSOP Europe!

	Huge step forward for European and British poker

For the first time ever the World Series of Poker is to stage three official bracelet events outside Las Vegas. The 11-day European poker festival will be held in London from September 6-16, and will feature a three-day £2,500 H.O.R.S.E. event, a two-day £5,000 Pot-Limit Omaha event and a six-day £10,000 No-Limit Texas Hold’em Championship tournament.

It’s a huge step forward for both European and British poker and is perhaps the first indication that the UK is finally being taken seriously as a global poker power.

World Series of Poker commissioner Jeffrey Pollack said: ‘This is the first time bracelet events will be awarded outside Las Vegas. The World Series of Poker Europe will have a unique identity, style and flair, but will remain true to the 38-year tradition and heritage of the WSOP.’ Pollack added: ‘This new tournament has been designed with European players in mind, but registrants from every country are welcome. We hope it becomes an annual tradition for poker enthusiasts and a home for WSOP fans after the action concludes in Las Vegas each summer.’ The tournaments will take place at London Casino International’s Leicester Square, The Sportsman and Fifty casinos. The Leicester Square casino is due to open in April.

Where there’s a will…

The news came just as the major online poker sites were gearing up for the 38th World Series of Poker. Despite the US government’s move to eliminate internet poker in America, major operators have confirmed to PokerPlayer that they will be sending internet qualifiers to the WSOP this year. There had been some doubts that there would be a way for American players to be bought into the Main Event but the biggest online operators PokerStars and Full Tilt are both now running satellites, as well as UK-based sites that have never allowed US players, such as Ladbrokes.

How can I qualify for the WSOP Europe?

Live satellites will be run at LCI casinos in London, Manchester, Nottingham, Southend and Brighton. You’ll also be able to qualify online, although a single online operator may be given the rights to exclusively run satellites for the event. We’ll have more on this in coming months.