World Series of Poker Reveals Hybrid Main Event Details

WSOP revealed details for its No-Limit Hold-Em World Championship event. This year’s unique event will be a combination of online and live poker games. The final game between the two best players from the international and domestic tournament is planned for December 30 at Rio in Las Vegas.

The Upcoming WSOP Hybrid Main Event

World Series of Poker (WSOP) announced its plans for the upcoming $10,000 No-Limit Hold-Em World Championship, which is known by the poker players and fans as the Main Event. In a Friday statement, WSOP revealed that it plans to hold the 2020 main event as a hybrid including online and live poker games. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic which brought traveling restrictions and safety precautions, this year’s format is going to be “unique”, revealed WSOP.

The games for the Main Event will start on November 29 for the international players at GGPoker.com. The main event games for players from the United States will begin on December 13 at WSOP.com. Here, it’s important to mention that only one entry is allowed for each of the players. Furthermore, in the U.S., players can participate from either Nevada or New Jersey.

After day two of the domestic poker tournament on December 14, the play will be down to the best 9 players. Then on December 28, the final table will be played at Rio in Las Vegas with play down to 1 winner. On the other hand, the international WSOP tournament will play down to the best 9 players on December 7. Afterward, on December 15, the 9 remaining players will compete until there is 1 winner at the King’s Casino in Rozvadov, Czech Republic.

WSOP Plans the Final Heads-up Championship Event for December 30

Each winner of the domestic and international WSOP “brackets” will receive the money prizes separately. The two best players from each event will meet on December 30 for the final Heads-Up Championship with a “Winner Take All” prize of $1 million, the Main Event championship bracelet, and the title of 2020 World Champion.

WSOP did reveal that the live matches at Rio and King’s Casino are subject to regulatory approval. Furthermore, all participants in the in-person tournaments will need to follow enhanced COVID-19 health and safety rules including health screening prior to entering live games.

“There must be a World Champion in 2020.”

Ty Stewart, World Series of Poker Executive Director

In a statement, the Executive Director of the World Series of Poker, Ty Stewart said that this year’s Main Event format is unique, but so is the year. He added that the WSOP will keep the health and safety of players as a top priority. At the same time, WSOP wants to deliver a great televised showcase for the game, concluded Stewart.

Steve Preiss, Head of Poker Operations at GGPoker revealed that GGPoker is happy to continue expanding its existing relationship with WSOP. He added that following the summer season, GGPoker is “excited to offer players access to the biggest tournament of all.”