888Poker Named As Lead Sponsor of 2016 WSOP

DraftKings logos could be seen everywhere at the 2015 World Series of Poker, but after Nevada regulators ruled daily fantasy sports to be gambling last October, the WSOP promptly cut all ties with the site. This has opened the way for WSOP partner 888poker to fill the gap, and at the 2016 WSOP the operator will now be the showcase series’ leading sponsor.
888Poker is already associated with both the WSOP and WSOP.com through its partnership with their owner Caesars Entertainment Corporation. Last year, for instance, satellites through to WSOP events were regularly featured on 888poker, and amongst the 2015 November Nine were three 888poker sponsored pros, including Neil Blumenfield, Thomas Cannuli, and eventual winner Joe McKeehen.
Being named as the WSOP’s lead sponsor will now not only help 888poker consolidate its association with the biggest tournament series in poker, but also allow the world’s second most popular poker site to offer WSOP satellite events to players in New Jersey, as well as those based all around the world.
Last year, 888poker online qualifier Tommy Yates turned his one cent entry fee into a $19,500 windfall in Las Vegas, but he was just one of 128 players 888poker eventually sent out to Nevada last year. Commenting on becoming the official sponsor of the 2016 WSOP, Head of B2C division at 888holdings, Itai Pazner, said:
“The World Series of Poker is the pinnacle of the poker calendar and during the Main Event the eyes of the poker world are on the action in Las Vegas. In 2015 we made dreams come true for Tommy Yates and renewing our partnership will help to get more 888 players from all over the world to the WSOP again this year. The sponsorship is fantastic for the 888poker brand, for 888 players, and for the poker community more generally.”
Interestingly, one of the WSOP tournament’s this year has the site’s hallmark written all over it, namely Event #54: $888 Crazy Eights No-Limit Hold’em, which has a guaranteed first place prize of $888,888.