In a major blow to UK poker the WSOP Europe has now been moved to France. The WSOP Europe had been held at the Empire Casino in Leicester Square, London since the competition began in 2007. However, it would appear that is all now about to change after it was announced that the new venue for the tournament will be at the Casino Barrière de Cannes Croisette in southern France.
Apparently, a deal was agreed between the WSOP, Lucien Barriere, French Caesars Games and Interactive Entertainment to host the WSOP Europe for the next three years in France and commenting on the new deal, Groupe Lucien Barrière CEO Dominique Desseigne proudly stated:
“This alliance reinforces our strategy of powerful synergies between the offline and online, and it is an honor to partner with the tournament poker world’s most prestigious.”
The WSOP Europe is held between 7th and 21st October each year, but the venue had drawn some criticism in the past, not least by the WSOP legend himself Doyle Brunson. The 10 times bracelet winner famously said of the WSOP Europe:
“In my opinion Harrah’s should change the WSOPE venue every year. London is just too expensive for the beginning pros to play. The Empire Casino is where we play now and it needs to be bigger. The tournament would draw many more players if it was in a different European city each year.”
Now, however, it looks like Doyle may be on his way to getting his wish as the competition moves to the Casino Croisette, famous for being the largest and most legendary casino in Cannes. The increase in October average mean temperatures from 52 °F in London to 62 °F in Cannes will also go down well with the participants.
However, the move away from the UK will come as an unpleasant surprise to the city as it is likely also to have a knock on effect on other London based events taking place around the same time.
I agree London is expensive, but it was convenient with other events around at the same time. I hope there is not another cover up here, the most important factor is, does the French government try to tax the prize pool. Or does the wsop try and not mention it ’till we all get there. I personally believe online and offline should be kept separate from all the TV and sponsorship, but the rake from the prize pools, keeps getting bigger. I have to be the bad guy and mention it.
It should not been moved from London as we (people from Asia) need to get visa and its very difficult to get the EU visa as London is a lot easier. Well will try my level best to be in France in Oct.