WSOP and 888poker Looking to Break Records as Long-Running Partnership Continues

February 24th, 2020 | by Jason Reynolds

888poker and the World Series of Poker (WSOP) will continue their long-standing relationship by producing another sizzling summer of action in Las Vegas.

888poker has renewed its sponsorship deal with the WSOP in an effort to create the biggest summer festival in history. (Image: 888poker)

Renewing the sponsorship deal means it’s the sixth year the pair will work together on the game’s biggest tournament series.

To mark the occasion, 888poker will be the official WSOP satellite provider outside of the US.

More Value in 2020

In line with WSOP organizer’s efforts to make 2020 the biggest event yet, 888 has upped the ante on its prize package. Anyone that wins a 2020 WSOP Mega package will receive entry to the $10,000 Main Event.

As an added bonus this year, they’ll also get to play the $888 Crazy Eights tournament. Satellite qualifiers will also win a 12-night stay at Vdara, Las Vegas, $1,000 travel expenses and hospitality.

These packages will complement a recent run of growth for the WSO. Indeed, with Main Event figures on the up, the organizers have pulled out all the stops this year.

As well as 888poker’s sponsorship of the series, ESPN and Poker Central will be broadcasting more than 100 hours of action. Down on the tournament floor, there is also an increased focus on low stakes events this year.

WSOP Placing Greater Emphasis on Novices

To give casual players some added incentive, a $1,500 Player of the Year (POY) leaderboard has been created. Operating separately from the WSOP POY race, the leaderboard will track results for all tournaments costing $1,500.

According to WSOP Vice President Jack Effel, $1,500 is the “sweet spot” in poker at the moment.

In tandem with more value for the masses, the 2020 WSOP will feature an enhanced online MTT schedule. Thanks to continued success in the virtual arena, players in Nevada and New Jersey will be able to play for 12 online bracelets this summer.

The overall trend ahead of the WSOP this year is accessibility. As poker’s appeal broadens, organizers are finding new ways to engage novices.

For its part, 888poker will be offering international satellites from as little as $0.01. In the US, WSOP.com will be doing that same. These qualifiers will support a live schedule that caters to low and mid-stakes players more than ever before.