Live events massively cancelled across the globe, operators try to push action in the online field

With the continuing spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) occurring on a global scale, a number of countries have begun enforcing travel restrictions, quarantines and strict lockdowns in highly infected areas. Fears and concerns of the mass population are leading everyone to stay in the comfort of their homes and practicing social distancing. Multiple festivals all around the world have either been cancelled or postponed to ensure everyone’s safety.

While hosting live tournaments may be limited as of the moment, operators are now beginning to shift their focus to the online field to provide sustained gaming for its players. As experts estimate the virus to circulate for the months to come, players can expect more action in online platforms during this period.

WPT Teams Up with Partypoker to Launch “WPT Online Series”

World Poker Tour (WPT) announced early this week its first ever WPT online series in partnership with partypoker. The series, to be held exclusively on the partypoker platform, will take place from May 10-26, 2020 with the $3,200 buy-in, $5 million guaranteed WPT Online Championship being the highlight of the festival. The said tournament will occur throughout the entire festival with Day 1 flights beginning on May 10. The whole series will include $30 million in guarantees and $7 million for the WPT events on the schedule.

WPT brands, WPT500 and WPTDeepStacks will also be featured alongside the Championship with the prior taking place from May 10-18. The event will post 10 starting flights on the schedule and a $1 million guaranteed prize pool for the tournament. WPTDeepStacks Online, on the other hand, will be at the tail end of the WPT Online Series with a $1 million guarantee event as well, scheduled from May 25-26.

“WPT and partypoker are proud to break new ground for both of our brands with the first WPT Online festival,” said Adam Pliska, CEO of the World Poker Tour. “Players from around the globe can look forward to the opportunity to play in World Poker Tour events from the comfort of their homes at all buy-in levels.”

Updates on WPT Live Events

With regards to the current situation, the live poker scene is greatly affected with events being postponed or cancelled everywhere. International players are urged to remain posted on any changes that might occur in the schedule. Below are some updates listed for the upcoming WPT live events.

Currently Ongoing as Scheduled

• WPT Final Tables at HyperX Esports Arena (March 31-April 2)
• WPTDeepStacks Johannesburg (April 3-5)
• WPTDeepStacks Pittsburgh (April 16-20)
• WPTDeepStacks Montreal (April 22-26)
• WPTDeepStacks Gold Coast (April 30-May 4)
• WPT Choctaw (May 15-18)
• WPTDeepStacks Big Stax (May 15-18)
• WPTDeepStacks Taiwan (May 19-23)
• WPT Tournament of Champions presented by Baccarat Crystal (May 31-June 2)

Postponed

• WPT at Venetian (March 13-17)
• WPTDeepStacks Maryland (March 20-23)
• WPTDeepStacks Jacksonville (March 27-30)
• WPT Barcelona (March 31-April 6)
• WPTDeepStacks Championship (April 4-7)
• WPTDeepStacks European Championship (April 10-13)
• WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown (May 1-5)

Cancelled

WPTDeepStacks Vietnam
WPTDeepStacks Amsterdam

WSOP Circuit Updates:WSOP.com Online Super Circuit Series announced

In slew of cancelled tournaments, the World Series of Poker has announced an impromptu WSOP.com Online Super Circuit Series to meet gaming demands. The series will run through from March 14-31, 2020 and will hold a total of 18 events within the 18-day period. With more than $1,000,000 in guaranteed prize pools and other tournaments, the online schedule will provide a competitive alternate to the cancelled stops at Bally’s Las Vegas and Harrah’s Cherokee.

The highlight of the series is the $200,000 guaranteed Circuit Main Event happening on March 29. Interested players can vie for a seat in the main satellite hosted a day prior to the tournament with 20 seats guaranteed.

Additionally, all ring events will count for the Global Casino Championship leaderboard points standings, with the Main Event champion and Casino Champion from these events earning an automatic qualification. In spite of the quick response from the company, the series will only cater to those in Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware as the site is only currently available in a few US states.

Similar to the WPT live scene scenario, WSOP has also made alterations in their corresponding events due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Below are some of the changes announced earlier this week:

• WSOP.com Online Super Circuit Series – As a response to the changes to Atlantic City and LA/Las Vegas stops, WSOP.com has put together an online series scheduled to take place from March 14-31, 2020.
• Harrah’s Atlantic City (New Jersey) – The current stop at Harrah’s AC (March 5-16) has been suspended. The event is expected to resume where it left off when an appropriate time window has been determined.
• Bally’s Las Vegas (Las Vegas, Nevada) – The stop scheduled for March 19-30, has been postponed indefinitely. Should new dates be established, they will be announced.
• King’s Resort (Rozvadov, Czech Republic) – The current stop (March 5-23) has been suspended. The event is expected to resume where it left off when an appropriate time window has been determined.
• Bicycle Hotel & Casino (Los Angeles) – The current stop (March 7-18) has been suspended. The event is expected to resume where it left off when an appropriate time window has been determined.
• Hard Rock Tulsa (Oklahoma) – The circuit is currently in progress.
  Harrah’s Cherokee (North Carolina) — (April 8-20) The stop scheduled for April 8-20 has been postponed indefinitely. Should new dates be established, they will be announced.
• Casino Barriere Le Croisette (Cannes, France) – The stop scheduled for April 9-19 has been postponed indefinitely. Should new dates be established, they will be announced.