WSOP 2011 To Be Bigger Than Ever

The 2011 World Series Of Poker which gets underway on May 31st is expected to match if not equal last year’s numbers, according to WSOP Tournament Director Jack Effel and WSOP Executive Director Ty Stewart.
In 2010, the 57 event WSOP attracted a record 72,966 players from 117 countries to create a total prize-pool of $187.1 million.
Speaking from the 42nd Annual WSOP press conference in Las Vegas, the WSOP officials expressed their beliefs that the upcoming prestigious competition would largely be unaffected by recent upheavals in the online poker industry following Black Friday. As Ty Stewart explained:
“We’re optimistic because if you’re a poker player with any bankroll, you will be in Las Vegas for the World Series of Poker…The focus is back on the felt. We expect the summer is going to be great and will give the industry back its swagger.”
Helping propell the 2011 WSOP to even greater heights this year will be the introduction of two new events; the $25k heads-up NL world championship and the $5k six-handed PLO event.
In addition, more qualification satellites than ever before will be available at the Rio, while players will also be attracted by the greater air time allocated this year, including stream coverage of 55 different final tables.
In fact, discounting the possibility that some players may now face logistical difficulties entering the WSOP due to their bankrolls being tied up online, the WSOP officials seemed highly optimistic about this years tournament. As WSOP Executive Director Ty Stewart explains:
“I believe this is the year when everyone will see just how big poker has become all around the world. This is the year where people will see what a juggernaut this World Series of Poker has become. It is a testament to the fact that the WSOP is more than a poker event, it’s an experience. It’s an annual pilgrimage; it’s a chance to run with the bulls.”