News is breaking that Europeans won’t be able to travel to the World Series of Poker 2021 in Las Vegas due to COVID-19 restrictions. YouTube vlogger Johnnie Vibes broke the story on Twitter breaking the hearts of Europe-based poker fans.
I heard today that Euros aren’t allowed in the USA until after the WSOP Main Event. Weird I know, but totally true. Check back mid November. RT for awareness. https://t.co/ApsPncesa8
— Johnnie VIBES (@JohnnieVibes) June 29, 2021
Europeans won’t be able to travel to the World Series of Poker 2021
The poker community was hoping that the WSOP 2021 would mark when poker was finally back to normal.
The annual pilgrimage to Las Vegas has been sorely missed after only one year away; it would be terrible if the situation doesn’t improve enough by November to allow everyone to play.
WSOP Executive Director Ty Stewart was optimistic earlier in the month saying:
“Make no mistake, the 2021 WSOP will be the real deal and we’re preparing for a full house. Throughout the storied history of the WSOP, this year will be particularly memorable and we’re preparing for a poker reunion all players can celebrate,”
“We’re beyond thrilled to offer a complete schedule of can’t-miss events including all our flagships and the variety players deserve.”
Non-Reciprocation
Earlier in June, the EU added the United States to its list of approved countries for travel, ending the 15-month ban that had been in place since the start of the pandemic. For now, it seems, there will be no reciprocity.
The website for the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still states that the any person who has visited the following countries in the past 14 days cannot legally enter the United States.
- China
- Iran
- European Schengen area
- United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)
- Republic of Ireland
- Brazil
- South Africa
- India
Please Note: This information hasn’t been updated for almost two months, but Twitch Poker streamer Matt Vaughan claims to have learned that the ban is current expected to expire on the very next day after the final Main Event Day 1 starting flight runs.
I hear they can come back immediately after the last day 1 of the main event. Such a shame.
— Matt Vaughan (@mEVpoker) June 29, 2021
If this is true it is a great shame for poker, although at least instead of waiting for another year it should only be a six-month interval if the normal schedule resumes.
World Series of Poker 2021
The WSOP 2021 is scheduled to end the 26-month hiatus from September 30 – November 23.
There will be 88 WSOP gold bracelet events during the two-month festival with buy-ins ranging from $400 to the super high roller $250,000.
Jack Effel, WSOP Vice President and Tournament Director, said:
“We could not be more excited to welcome everyone back to Las Vegas and the Rio. The entire WSOP team is hard at work to ensure players have the absolute best experience possible.”
The final Day 1 flight for the Main Event kicks off on Sunday, Nov. 7, marking the final chance for any Europeans still planning to fight to get over and stake their claim for the biggest title in poker.
Don’t forget to check out the latest poker news to see what’s been happening in the poker world.
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