World Series of Poker Goes Global

While the World Series of Poker (WSOP) has seen hundreds of thousands of players compete from all over the world, as well as multiple international champions, it has always been a very American extravaganza. Not any more. Monday, Harrah’s Entertainment, owner of the World Series brand, announced that it is starting up the World Series of Poker Europe this fall.

WSOP Europe will take place in London at the Fifty, Leicester Square and Sportsman casinos, all operated by London Clubs International (a Harrah’s company). It will not have nearly the duration of the original WSOP, only going from September 6 through September 16.

Leicester Square is the feature casino of the Series, it being the newest of the trio, as it is not slated to open until April. It is the only casino that will host preliminary events, of which there are two: a £2,500 ($4,900), three-day H.O.R.S.E. tournament and a £5,000 ($9,800), two-day pot-limit Omaha tournament.

The Main Event, with a £10,000 ($19,600) buy-in, will be a six-day event. It will begin on September 10, with all three casinos sharing the player load. After three days, the field will be consolidated at Leicester Square.