Welcome to the 2020 WSOP. Well, not exactly. Today marks the scheduled start for the first of what was supposed to be 101 bracelet events at the 51st annual World Series of Poker. But there won’t be any poker at the Rio convention center this summer, and many poker players are already in withdrawal.
The 2020 WSOP has been postponed with plans of rescheduling for the fall. But that all depends on the progression of COVID-19 and the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB).
When Las Vegas casinos reopen on June 4, the poker rooms will only be permitted to seat four players at a table, maximum. That, of course, would make it impossible for the World Series of Poker to operate. Thus, if the NGCB doesn’t relax its restrictions by the fall, there won’t be a 2020 WSOP.
Whether the WSOP happens in the fall or not, the fact remains, this is the traditional time of year when poker players are normally preparing for a summer of fun in Sin City. Thousands flock to Las Vegas each summer in hopes of winning a bracelet and earning life-changing money. Or, at the very least, avoiding disaster in the form of going broke. This year, however, the tone on Twitter is a bit different.
2020 WSOP Postponement has Players Feeling Down
Poker Twitter, outside of the “Jungleman” cheating scandal, has a bit of a somber tone to it today. That’s because many poker fans are disappointed they can’t make the trip to Las Vegas for the 2020 WSOP due to COVID-19.
Actress and 2005 bracelet winner Jennifer Tilly is one of the many poker players who will miss the summer fun in Las Vegas.
It seems strange not to be at the #WorldSeriesofPoker this year. Spending the summer in #Vegas playing poker everyday and seeing friends from all over the world was my favorite summer ritual. I’m definitely going to miss it. pic.twitter.com/sPtGJgRfYu
— Jennifer Tilly (@JenniferTilly) May 27, 2020
“It seems strange not to be at the #WorldSeriesofPoker this year. Spending the summer in #Vegas playing poker everyday and seeing friends from all over the world was my favorite summer ritual. I’m definitely going to miss it,” Tilly wrote.
Another talented female poker player, Maria Ho, shared Tilly’s sentiments.
Feeling nostalgic today, as this would’ve been the start of the 2020 World Series of #Poker. The @WSOP has been a staple in my life, professionally & personally, for the past 15yrs. Missing out on my summer ritual has me feeling displaced.
More on this:https://t.co/M6qK5iFQLF pic.twitter.com/m7kUNIjOeG
— Maria Ho (@MariaHo) May 26, 2020
Poker fan Ray Henson (@Ray_Henson) wrote: “Never thought I’d be sad to not be reading bad beat stories and first break stack updates from @WSOP but here I am.”
Anthony Askey (@a_askey15) is adjusting his summer life this year around without the 2020 WSOP starting on time.
Obligatory wish I was in Vegas starting WSOP 😞! Gonna miss everyone from summer camp this year! Instead grabbing the morning coffee before the online grind. I started playing online for the most part and used to love… https://t.co/dQH2C2gJ2p
— Anthony Askey (@a_askey15) May 27, 2020
The 2020 WSOP was scheduled to start with the $1,000 No-Limit Hold’em Freezeout at 11 am.
