Starting today is the 2011 World Series of Poker, the world’s richest poker tournament, hosted this year at the Rio All Suites Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The 2011 WSOP features 58 events, the biggest poker stars in the world, and millions of dollars to be won. The turn out of players will say a lot about the effects of Black Friday on the poker industry. Many players are without their bank rolls, which are currently tied up in online poker sites unable to issue refunds, like Full Tilt Poker. There will undoubtedly be effects on the WSOP; it just remains to be seen to what degree.
At 12 PM PDT, as this article is published, the WSOP officially begins with the $500 Casino Employees No Limit Hold ‘Em tournament. If you’re not in Las Vegas, tune into ESPN for the most comprehensive coverage of the 2011 WSOP. Later today, the $25,000 Heads Up No Limit Hold ‘Em Championship takes place, with a maximum of 256 players.
Keep an eye out for the $50,000 Poker Player’s Championship on July 2. This 5 day event is the most expensive event at the WSOP, and draws an elite crowd of players. The event includes Limit Hold’em, Omaha Hi-Low Split-8 or Better, Seven Card Razz , Seven Card Stud, Seven Card Stud Hi-Low Split-8 or Better, No-Limit Hold’em, Pot-Limit Omaha, and 2-7 Triple Draw Lowball. The WSOP also includes events catering to the casual or part time players, with many tournament buy-ins found in the $1,000 to $1,500 range.
The WSOP finishes with the most prestigious poker event in the world, the $10,000 buy-in No Limit Texas Hold ‘Em main event. The main event begins July 7 at 12 PM, until the final table is found 13 days later. Then, after almost a four month break, the final table reconvenes in November to determine the final two players. After a day break, these final two go heads up until the 2011 World Champion of Poker is crowned.