The World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE), an Overview
The inordinate success and startling growth of the World Series of Poker prompted new owners, Harrah’s Entertainment Inc., to search for new, untapped territory where they could set up an extension of the Las Vegas based WSOP. The obvious area to target for the planned expansion was that of Europe and in 2007 the WSOPE was duly launched.
From Las Vegas to London
An added incentive for Harrah’s Entertainment to set up a mixed poker event across the Atlantic was their purchase of LCI, London Club International, which operates three gaming houses in the greater London area – The Sportsman, Fifty and the Casino at the Empire, Leicester Square. The casino at the latter property is the current venue of the 2008 edition of the WSOPE!
Although the newly conceived tour has plenty of opposition in the form of the EPT, it remains the only poker tour of repute to offer events in a number of poker variants, whereas virtually all other authentic poker tours in Europe, and arguably the world, offer competition in only Texas Holdem, or one form of poker.
Harrah’s has been emphatic the WSOPE remain faithful to the traditions and heritage of the WSOP and consequently the structure and prizes are uniform for both events. For the first time ever, in 2007, the coveted WSOP bracelet was awarded outside of Las Vegas and the inaugural Championship title was clinched by 18-year-old Annette Obrestad, who smashed the all-time record by becoming the youngest bracelet winner in the history of the tournament!
The first edition of the WSOPE was markedly smaller than that of the ‘Big Brother’ in Vegas possibly due to the fact the organisers were ‘testing the waters’ before pouring too much time or money into the fledgling tour. So, in 2007, only three events were contested. A year on, a fourth event has been added to the schedule, indicating the powers-to-be are satisfied with the progress of the European leg of the tour.
Further expansion on the Cards
Rumours abound the organisers are keen to expand this visionary poker tour even further and are eyeing the dark continent, Africa, one of the last remaining untapped poker markets. They have properties in both Egypt and South Africa and odds are that one of these far-flung nations will play host to a Harrah’s backed poker tour in the very near future!
Top Pros show support for WSOPE
Many of the stars of past WSOP’s are in fact from Europe, so the WSOPE can be guaranteed a field full of accomplished poker professionals, an element that is critical for any poker tour to succeed. The buy-ins compare favourably to those of the WSOP and this in turn will guarantee large, attractive prize pools that will entice the very best from all over the globe. We have already witnessed poker greats like Chris Ferguson, Andrew Bloch, Erick Lindgren, Ted Forrest, John Juanda and Annie Duke making the long trip from the States to take part in the maiden WSOPE and there was plenty of support from European celebs Gus Hansen, Barney Boatman, Joe Beevers, Patrik Antonius and Roland de Wolfe, to name just a few!
