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2021 World Series of Poker Daily Event Schedule Finalized

The World Series of Poker® (WSOP®) – the richest, most prestigious and longest-running poker series – has finalized its daily event schedule for 2021. Doors for the event open on Thursday, Sept. 30 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas with non-stop action through the event’s conclusion prior to the Thanksgiving holiday on Tuesday, Nov. 23. Online and in-person registration will open in August.
WSOP is roaring back in 2021 with the much-anticipated $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em World Championship, better known as the “Main Event”, which in 2019 eclipsed 8,000 entrants for only the second time in history. The familiar 200,000 square foot Rio Convention Center will again set the scene with a wide variety of tournaments, which include all popular variations of poker ranging in price from $400 to $250,000.
This year, the Main Event will have four (4) starting flights to choose from – Day 1A on Thursday, Nov. 4, Day 1B on Friday, Nov. 5, Day 1C on Saturday, Nov. 6 and Day 1D on Sunday, Nov. 7. The iconic deep-stack tournament will continue play through the Main Event Final Table on Tuesday, Nov.16 and Wednesday, Nov. 17.
The annual poker extravaganza, which began in 1970, will see a new broadcast partner in CBS Sports offering increased coverage for the duration of the tournament. An unprecedented 18 different bracelet events will be televised with a minimum of 15 hours of coverage of the 2021 Main Event, produced exclusively by Poker Central.
“Make no mistake, the 2021 WSOP will be the real deal and we’re preparing for a full house. Throughout the storied history of the WSOP, this year will be particularly memorable and we’re preparing for a poker reunion all players can celebrate,” said Ty Stewart, the WSOP’s Executive Director residing over his 16th WSOP. “We’re beyond thrilled to offer a complete schedule of can’t-miss events including all our flagships and the variety players deserve.”
The Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino and all Caesars Entertainment resorts in Las Vegas will offer reduced hotel room rates for entrants of WSOP bracelet events using the special advanced booking code “WSOPM” when they book early. The Rio offers players rates on select dates as low as $47. Caesars Palace, Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Paris Las Vegas, Flamingo Las Vegas, Harrah’s Las Vegas, Bally’s Las Vegas and The Linq Hotel + Experience will also provide discounted WSOP player rates. To view a complete list of rates across all Caesars Entertainment properties, please visit the reservations page. Rates are based on availability and are subject to change.
Schedule highlights below. To view the entire gold bracelet schedule, please visit WSOP 2021 Schedule where a downloadable version is provided.
New and Noteworthy:
Oct. 1: $500 “The Reunion” w/ $5,000,000 GTD prize pool – Only the WSOP could put a guarantee on opening weekend requiring more than 10,000 participants. Players can choose from three starting flights on Friday, Saturday and Sunday – or play them all.
Oct. 8 – Nov. 19: Return of the Record Breakers – Each Friday and Saturday of the 2021 WSOP will see one of the WSOP’s flagship No-Limit Hold’em events. The Millionaire Maker, Monster Stack, Double Stack, Colossus and The Closer all return with multi-million dollar prize pools and significant value.
Oct. 5: $25,000 Heads Up No-Limit Hold’em Championship – The WSOP’s annual heads up championship goes for prestige with an increase to $25,000 and a cap of 64 players, certain to be a roster of the world’s elite.
Oct. 10: $1,000 Flip and Go Presented by GG Poker – The popular online format is galvanized into a live event. Each player will be all in preflop on the first hand, dealt three cards and selecting two. One player will win the table and immediately fast forward into the money, where the tournament will then play out under a traditional structure.
Oct. 27 – 28: $1,000 Seniors Doubles Up – The record-smashing Seniors No-Limit Hold’em Championship will for the first time offer two starting days, with players allowed one optional re-entry per flight.
Oct. 6, 13, 18, 21, and 24: “Old School Freezeouts Return” – No Longer is the Main Event the only pure freezeout at the WSOP. Beginning Oct. 6, every popular buy-in level from $500 to $5,000 will offer a true freezeout.
Oct. 31: Deuce to Seven Single Draw NL Returns – The Poker Players’ Championship will expand to nine games with the return of 2-7 Single Draw NL. A $2,500 version of this format will also be available Oct. 28.
Nov. 17: Poker Hall of Fame Bounty – In homage to the Poker Hall of Fame (PHOF) that started 1979, living Hall of Fame members will be invited to freeroll into the $1,979 No-Limit Hold’em tournament open to all players. Each participating player will have a bounty corresponding to the year they were inducted into poker’s most exclusive club and the 2021 PHOF inductee will be announced.
Nov. 19: Nosebleed PLO – The WSOP’s highest-ever buy-in for a PLO tournament ($50,000 event 84) punctuates a prestigious High Roller series scheduled after the Main Event, which also includes $50,000, $100,000 and $250,000 No-Limit Hold’em events.
In addition, a quartet of Daily Deepstack tournaments return at 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. on most days in the Pavilion Room, which will continue to host satellite tournaments and live-action daily.
Key Operational Notes
- Online Registration: To avoid queues and congestion, WSOP encourages players to utilize the online/mobile registration process to sign-up for events, allowing players to register and pay online. WSOP uses www.BravoPokerLive.com to manage online/mobile registrations. Players who register online will need to visit the Belize Ballroom and have their identification validated. Once verified, players can simply pick event(s) online via Bravo, utilize the self-service kiosks located throughout the Rio Convention Center to print their seat cards, and go directly to their table. Registration will open in August. WSOP will announce to the public when it is live.
- In-Person Registration: The main registration area remains in the Tropical Ballroom, near the back end of the Rio Convention Center, with more stations added to both the main registration cage and the VIP cage. Hours of operation begin Thursday, Sept. 30 at 9:00 a.m., and will remain open 24 hours a day, non-stop through Tuesday, Nov. 23. Guests are required to present valid photo identification, along with their Caesars Rewards card and payment to enter events.
- Caesars Rewards (CR): will remain in the Rio Rotunda as a central location for players to obtain loyalty cards. Caesars Rewards kiosks will also be available for players to reprint their card without having to visit a CR representative.
- Methods of Payment for WSOP Events: Cash, credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express), ACH (new for 2021), wire transfers or cashier’s checks drawn from the registrant’s accredited bank account and made out to Participant or Rio, Rio gaming chips, Rio Tournament Buy-In Chips, or Tournament Buy-In Credit are all acceptable forms of payment for 2021 WSOP. Additional fees will be incurred on all ACH/credit/debit card transactions. Participants using credit/debit cards must have a valid ID that matches the cardholder name present on the credit card used for the transaction.
- WSOP Tournament Account: Players can wire in funds for WSOP events or place money on account when they arrive. After setting up an account at the WSOP Main Cage in the Tropical Ballroom, the player will have the option to register online or via mobile device (via www.BravoPokerLive.com) for WSOP tournaments with the funds used to initiate the account and simply print seat card(s) at one of the kiosks – avoiding the need to use the registration line to enter events.
- Payouts Now Available in Palma Ballroom: To help relieve pressure, create efficiencies, and reduce wait times, players can begin the payout process in Palma prior to collecting their winnings at the WSOP Main Cage in the Tropical Ballroom. Players can request one of the following methods of payment: cash, wire transfer, casino chips, check, or tournament account deposit. Those who have a Bravo Tournament Buy-In Account can direct funds back to their account.
- International Players Applying for an ITIN: International players are required to bring an additional form of identification that shows residential address, such as a signed lease agreement, a utility bill or a mobile phone bill.
“We could not be more excited to welcome everyone back to Las Vegas and the Rio,” said WSOP Vice President and Tournament Director, Jack Effel. “The entire WSOP team is hard at work to ensure players have the absolute best experience possible.”
Satellites for WSOP gold bracelet events have begun on WSOP.com and will run continuously through the event. More than 1,000 seats were awarded via WSOP.com in 2019. Outside the U.S., the WSOP has deepened its partnership with GGPoker who has exclusivity to run satellite packages to the WSOP. Note 2021’s first gold bracelets will be awarded as part of “WSOP Online” which begins July 1st on WSOP.COM.
To view important details about this year’s event, visit WSOP.com/2021. This page will be live leading up to and during the event, where players can find all relevant information about the WSOP. Structure sheets for each individual event are expected to be posted on WSOP.com beginning in July.
Anticipation and expectations are high for the 2021 WSOP, following a 26-month absence. The 2019 WSOP set marks for tournament entries and prize pool with 187,298 entries and $293,183,345 in prize money awarded. The average WSOP gold bracelet event in 2019 featured a $3,257,592 prize pool with $533,613 going to the event’s winner. The 2019 Main Event attracted 8,569 players (second largest in history and largest since 2006) and the total prize pool was $80,548,600 with $10,000,000 going to the winner.
The 2019 WSOP featured notable records including total entries and prize money awarded, 28,017 places paid, 62 events with over $1 million prize pools and 12 events with over $5 million prize pools. For the first time, 12 events had over 5,000 entrants from over 100 nations.
Players are reminded to bring with them valid government-issued picture identification with current residential address, as well as a secondary form of ID (like a bill or statement confirming address). Players residing outside the United States must have a valid passport, in addition to another form of credible identification that includes address information.
The schedule, events, start times, end times and locations of events are subject to change. Tournament chips have no cash value. Winners will be required to provide a valid picture ID. Tax forms will be completed for those with winnings in excess of $5,000 net of event buy-in. Players without a Tax Identification Number and foreign players from non-tax treaty countries are subject to up to 30 percent tax withholding.
WSOP reserves the right to cancel, change or modify the tournament or any tournament event, in part or in whole, without notice.
Central America
21VIRAL Boosts Latin American Reach Through Strategic Partnership with Virtualsoft

21VIRAL, a leading games aggregator for the Central and Latin American market, has strengthened its expansion by signing an agreement with platform provider Virtualsoft
21VIRAL, a leading games aggregator for the Central and Latin American market, today announced a strategic agreement with prominent platform provider Virtualsoft, significantly strengthening its expansion across the region.
This collaboration will integrate 21VIRAL’s extensive portfolio of games into Virtualsoft’s platform, providing enhanced content options for operators across key Central and Latin American nations. Virtualsoft is a key supplier with a strong presence in markets including Ecuador and Peru, delivering innovative gaming solutions to a diverse range of operators.
Christoph Härtel, CEO of 21VIRAL, commented: “Partnering with Virtualsoft is a pivotal moment for 21VIRAL as we deepen our engagement with one of the world’s most rapidly advancing online gaming markets. Virtualsoft underpins numerous leading brands in the region, and integrating our GameConnector solution will allow swift access to their operational brands. We look forward to working closely with Virtualsoft’s talented team to deliver innovative and revenue driving gaming experiences.”
Alejandro Velez, General Manager at Virtualsoft, stated: “21VIRAL has a strong reputation for seamless integrations and profound expertise in the Latin American gaming market, making them an ideal partner for us. Together, we are streamlining operations and elevating the gaming experience for players, aiming to set new benchmarks for the industry.”
Compliance Updates
New Bill in California Could End Online Sweepstakes Gaming

California State Assemblymember Avelino Valencia (D-Anaheim) has introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 831 to protect Californians from unregulated online gambling by prohibiting online sweepstakes games that use a “dual currency” model to mimic casino-style wagering.
“Sweepstakes” platforms sell virtual coins that are used to play casino-style games and can be redeemed for cash or prizes, essentially operating as unlicensed gambling businesses. By exploiting “No Purchase Necessary” disclaimers, they sidestep California’s regulatory framework and evade the state’s voter-approved proposition related to Tribal-State gaming. Many of these “sweepstakes” operators are based offshore and function without proper oversight, avoiding requirements like consumer protections, responsible gaming safeguards, background checks, and tax compliance.
“We cannot look the other way while these platforms exploit legal grey areas. These operations undermine the voter-approved framework that affirms Tribal governments’ sovereign right to conduct gaming in California. AB 831 strengthens that framework and ensures gaming in California remains fair and accountable,” said Assemblymember Avelino Valencia.
AB 831 fortifies existing sweepstakes laws and clarifies the illegality of internet-based sweepstakes that use the dual currency model. It reinforces the shared responsibility between the State, licensed operators, and Native Nations to keep gaming safe, transparent, and accountable. AB 831 is co-sponsored by the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA), and the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations (TASIN), reflecting strong support from across Indian Country.
“For over 25 years, Tribal governments like Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, have upheld the will of California voters by operating gaming with integrity. That commitment has allowed us to reinvest in our communities, boost local economies, and support essential public services on reservations and in partnerships across the state. Illegal online gaming now threatens this foundation—compromising voter-approved law and putting Californians at risk,” said Yuhaaviatam Tribal Council of San Manuel Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena.
“We support this legislation that will close dangerous loopholes and strengthen the integrity of California’s gaming system. We remain committed to defending a proven framework that protects the sovereignty of Tribal Nations and delivers real and lasting benefits to all Californians. Together, Tribal governments and the State of California will continue to address and take decisive action against illegal internet gaming in all its forms,” said Yuhaaviatam Tribal Council of San Manuel Vice Chairman Johnny Hernandez, Jr.
“Tribal government gaming contributes nearly $25 billion to California’s economy, sustains over 112,000 jobs, and funds critical community programs. Unregulated online sweepstakes threaten this voter-approved system by imitating casino gaming without oversight, accountability, or community investment. These illegal platforms erase the benefits of regulated gaming while exposing consumers to serious risks,” said CNIGA Chairman James Siva.
AB 831 is pending a hearing in the Senate.
Compliance Updates
New Initiative from DI Council Aims to Enable Betting on Professional Sports

The Division I Council introduced a proposal that, if adopted in October, would change sports betting rules to permit student-athletes and staff members to bet on professional sports and refocus the Association’s enforcement efforts on college sports betting and behaviors that directly impact game integrity. If adopted, the change will be implemented only if Divisions II and III also vote to allow betting on pro sports.
The council’s introduction of the proposal, which comes after a directive from the Division I Board of Directors in April that the council adopt changes to sports betting rules, is not an endorsement of sports betting behaviors, especially for college athletes. The NCAA’s prohibition against betting on college sports would remain in place, as would the prohibitions against sharing information about college events with bettors. The NCAA also would continue to maintain its prohibition for NCAA championships against advertising and sponsorships associated with betting.
“NCAA rules prohibiting sports betting at all levels were written and adopted at a time when sports gambling was largely illegal nationwide,” said Josh Whitman, athletics director at Illinois and chair of the council. “As betting on sports has become more widely accepted across the country, Division I members have determined that further discussion of these sports betting rules is warranted, particularly as it relates to the potential distinctions between betting on professional versus collegiate sports. Throughout our discussions, the council has remained focused on student-athlete wellness and educating student-athletes about the risks and potentially harmful impacts of betting.”
Current NCAA rules do not allow student-athletes or institutional staff to engage in sports betting at any level (professional, college or amateur) for any sports that have NCAA championships, and NCAA members have continually maintained that any betting by a student-athlete on his or her own team or own sport in college should continue to result in a permanent loss of any remaining collegiate eligibility. However, in 2023, Division I changed the reinstatement guidelines for student-athletes who participate in sports betting on professional sports to focus on harm reduction for problematic betting behaviors.
“Deregulating professional sports betting may provide schools an additional opportunity to implement harm-reduction strategies, which can be more effective and have long-term benefits not seen with abstinence-only approaches. Harm-reduction strategies include education, stigma reduction and acknowledging actual behaviors,” said Dr. Deena Casiero, NCAA chief medical officer. “By meeting student-athletes where they are, schools may be more effective at preventing, identifying and supporting student-athletes with problematic gambling behaviors. Regardless of the change, schools are encouraged to use the many sports betting resources already available.”
The recently released Harm Reduction Considerations for Gambling & Sports Betting in Collegiate Sports references available sports betting resources, including the NCAA Mental Health Best Practices. Additionally, more than 100,000 student-athletes, coaches and administrators have been reached through the NCAA’s education efforts with EPIC Global Solutions, and the NCAA has launched an e-learning module to educate student-athletes on problem gambling harms and the integrity risks associated with sports betting.
Several sports betting-related violations by staff members at NCAA schools have been resolved through the infractions process in recent years, and the enforcement staff is working on issuing Notices of Allegations in several ongoing cases that involve allegations of betting on professional and college sports by student-athletes and/or athletics department staff members at a handful of NCAA schools.
The proposed rule change would not be retroactive. If it is adopted, it would apply only to sports betting activities that occur after the effective date of the proposal.
“The enforcement staff’s sports betting-related caseload has significantly increased in recent years, and our staff — including our new sports betting integrity unit — has been effective in detecting and pursuing violations,” said Jon Duncan, NCAA vice president of enforcement.
The Association prioritizes competition integrity, which is vital to college sports. The NCAA uses a layered strategy to respond responsibly to the rise in sports betting across the United States by monitoring over 22,000 contests per year, advocating for limits on prop bets that pose heightened risks, reducing the potential for student-athlete abuse by aggrieved bettors, and creating greater transparency to assist with the timely investigation and resolution of integrity-related issues.
This layered approach includes the most recent agreement extension with Genius Sports to establish unprecedented betting restrictions on high-risk proposition bets. Sportsbooks licensing NCAA championship data must cooperate fully with NCAA investigations, including providing access to account data, financial history and geolocation records. This will allow the NCAA to work with the sportsbooks to gather detailed account information when harassers are identified to prevent repeat offenders from continuing to place bets across platforms, increasing safeguards to protect student-athlete mental health and well-being.
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