WSOP Releases Record-Breaking Online Schedule, Some Players Aren’t Happy

June 29th, 2020 | by Jason Reynolds

The World Series of Poker and GGPoker has released the full and final record-breaking schedule for the WSOP Online series.

The WSOP has finalized the schedule for its first-ever online bracelet series but some players aren’t happy. (Image: WSOP/GGPoker)

Following the news that players can compete for bracelets online this year, the roster of events is now available for all to see.

Topping the bill will be a $5,000 Main Event. Although the buy-in has been dropped from its usual $10,000, the WSOP Online Main Event will carry a $25 million guarantee.

Record-Breaker Splits Opinion

The record-breaking guarantee will add to the allure of winning a WSOP bracelet. However, the latest line-up of events hasn’t impressed everyone.

While the organizers are trying to make the best of a bad situation, there is speculation that the Main Event will feature a reentry format. At this stage, neither the WSOP nor GGPoker have confirmed whether it’s a freezeout or reentry event.

However, we know there will be “multiple” Day 1s, “similar to its live predecessor.” The assumption, therefore, is that players will be able to reenter on different days if they’re eliminated.

If true, Team Winamax pro João Vieira believes it will detract from the value of the WSOP Main Event and favor the pros.

If you’re a recreational player, let me honestly tell you your chances of doing good in the upcoming @WSOP GG Online Bracelet Main Event is far smaller than it should be.
It’s the Main. A Bracelet Event. Freezout is the way to go.
— João Vieira (@Naza114_oficial) June 27, 2020

MTT pro Patrick Leonard echoed that sentiment, suggesting that the structure means players will take more risks.

https://twitter.com/padspoker/status/1276566332125970439

It’s a similar story across the board. While the structures aren’t designed to exclude amateurs, they do give those with larger bankrolls a theoretical advantage. When someone can enter more than once, it gives them a second chance that others without the necessary funds don’t have.

Rebuy and reentry events aren’t a new concept in poker or, indeed, the WSOP. Over the years, players such as Daniel Negreanu have famously bought into the same $1,000 tournament 20+ times.

Even though these incidents have divided opinion in the past, they’ve been given a pass because they weren’t championship events. The WSOP Main Event, however, is seen as something more prestigious.

Even though COVID-19 has prevented the series happening in Las Vegas this summer, many pros believe it the sanctity of the festival should be maintained. Of course, it may yet be the case that players can enter the WSOP Online Main Event once and once only. However, in lieu of an update, the schedule has caused a debate.

WSOP Trying to Turn Negatives into Positives

Ju$t another embarra$$ing day for W$OP
— DJ MacKinnon (@djmacjr) June 26, 2020

The other issue for American players is that the Main Event will take place on GGPoker. To try and accommodate players in all regions, the online series will be split between WSOP.com’s US platforms (Nevada and New Jersey) and GGPoker’s international network.

The Main Event will run from August 16 to August 30 on GGPoker. This means US players won’t be able to take part unless they travel to a country where GGPoker is licensed.

Personal opinions and logistical issues aside, the schedule is packed with value. The Main Event will offer the biggest guarantee in online poker history and there will be bracelet events that cost as little as $50 (the lowest in WSOP history).

WSOP Online Series Highlights

WSOP Event #1: $100 The Opener – July 19 (Day 2) – $2,000,000 guarantee
WSOP Event #2: $1,111 Every 1 for COVID Relief – July 19 – ($111 from each entry goes to the Caesars Cares fund)
WSOP Event #10: $400 COLOSSUS – July 26 (Day 2) – $3,000,000 guarantee
WSOP Event #17: $1,500 MILLIONAIRE MAKER – August 2 (Day 2) – $1,000,000 guaranteed top prize
WSOP Event #25: $10,000 Heads UP NLH Championship – August 9 -Limited to 128 players
WSOP Event #31: $500 Mini Main Event – August 16 (Day 2) – $5,000,000 prize pool guarantee
WSOP Event #38: $25,000 NLH Poker Players Championship – August 23 – $10,000,000 guarantee
WSOP Event #39: BIG 50 – August 23 (Day 2) – $50 buy-in, $1,000,000 guarantee
WSOP Event #52: $10,000 WSOP Super MILLION$ – September 6 – $5,000,000 guarantee

The WSOP and GGPoker have already shown they can work well together with the Online Circuit Series. However, with initial concerns, the pressure will be on to make the WSOP Online Series a success when it gets underway on July 1 (WSOP.com) and July 19 (GGPoker).