According to one expert with inside information, the 2021 World Series of Poker is definitely happening. And we aren't talking about the same online version as was played last year.
Kevin Mathers, or as you probably know him, "Kevmath," is one of the most reliable sources of information when it comes to poker. Over the past few years, "Kevmath" has taken over the reigns of the WSOP's Twitter account during the series.
On Twitter, Mathers made a claim that excited the poker world. He says there is going to be a 2021 World Series of Poker, but later in the year than normal.
"Spoke with a high-ranking WSOP executive last night To answer two frequently asked questions*: A LIVE edition of the WSOP will happen in 2021 The dates of the live WSOP will NOT be during the usual timeframe (late May-mid July)," Mathers wrote on Twitter.
Mathers' claim hinges on the status of the global health pandemic later in the year. What he means by that is if the virus is still a major problem by the summer or fall, the WSOP may never occur in Las Vegas.
Over the past few weeks, COVID-19 cases have dropped significantly in the U.S., including Nevada. That's good news for those hoping to compete in the 2021 World Series of Poker. Even better news, the COVID-19 vaccine is becoming more available to Americans, and experts anticipate everyone will have access to the vaccine by summer.
Still facing obstacles
Although "Kevmath" is reporting the WSOP will happen this year in Las Vegas, there are still some concerns that remain. As it stands, Nevada only permits casinos to operate at 35% of capacity (50% come March 15), and large gatherings aren't permitted.
Clearly, the WSOP couldn't operate given those restrictions. So, the WSOP staff is hoping that on May 1, changes will be made. Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak will permit local governments to make their own choices when it comes to COVID-19 guidelines.
At that point, the city of Las Vegas could determine that restrictions are no longer necessary. If so, that would open the door for a 2021 WSOP. But that's merely speculation. No one within the local government has suggested that will happen, although poker fans certainly hope it will.
Another concern will be the timing of when it will become safe and legal for the WSOP to operate. The WSOP only has a short window each year for hosting a series at full capacity.
That is because recreational poker players can't travel to Las Vegas as easily as the pros who already live in Las Vegas or don't have families and responsibilities back home.
That is why the World Series of Poker is hosted in the summer each year. It's easier for the casual poker players to travel during June and July as opposed to during the school year. So, if the COVID-19 restrictions aren't lifted by summer, that could make it difficult for the WSOP to host a live series at any point this year, regardless of "Kevmath's" Twitter post.
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