Schedule for the 41st Annual World Series of Poker has Been Announced

2010 marks 41 years since some of the first tournaments for the World Series of Poker were held at the Horseshoe in Vegas. The world’s most famous tour has come a long way since the small gatherings of the 1970s and with the release of the new 2010 schedule, it is easy to see what the WSOP has grown to become.

The schedule will feature the same number of events as last year, but will be able to accommodate the growing number of poker players that have found interest in the tournament over the past few years. Hopefully, things will go even more smoothly this year than last and no entrant will be turned down to play. Last year for the tour’s main event, many late registering players were turned away because there wasn’t enough space for such an overwhelming turnout.

Here is a look at some of the highlights of the 2010 schedule:

57 Gold Bracelets Events over 51 days                          

More Floor Space: The 58,000 square foot massive Pavilion Ballroom will be used for tournaments this year in the Rio Convention Center. This is the biggest ballroom in the Rio and will be used together with the 38,000 square foot Amazon Room for the WSOP. The entire 96,000 square feet of convention space will be used.

Larger Capacity: The additional floor space allows for more poker tables to be set up. Around 20% more tables will be used which will shatter the previous record set last year of 295 tables.  The table arrangement is still being planned but players will surely see way more than in any other year.

Food Tent Upgraded to Indoor Food Court: Instead of using the outdoor food tent like the prior years, the event will have a food court indoors. The Miranda Ballroom, which was used previously for playing, will be converted into a place to eat and relax for spectators and players alike. Many food options will be available.

Nice Deep Structures and Plenty of Starting Chips: Players will be using the same great structure as last year that allows players to have more time at the tables to enjoy. All gold bracelet events will have triple the buy-in starting stacks and deep structures.

Brand New Event: There will be a great new $25,000 buy-in 6-handed No-Limit Hold’em 4 day Event on the schedule this year as event #52. It will take place on Wednesday, June 30, 2010 at 12 noon.

$50k Players Championship: The Chip Reese Trophy this year will be rewarded at this year’s $50k buy-in eight game mixed event called the Players Championship. This is the new name of the $50k H.O.R.S.E. tournament which has been successful over the past few years. The new name and format will be a true test of the game’s best players. In addition, this event will be televised on ESPN for its full 5 day schedule. The event is #2 and begins on Friday, May 28, 2010 at 5pm.

Lots of H.O.R.S.E. on the Agenda: A great new $10k buy-in H.O.R.S.E. event is being added to the selection of this popular game to go along with the $1,500 and $3k buy-in events.

4^th Annual Ante Up for Africa Celebrity Charity Tournament Returns: The $5k buy-in No-Limit Hold’em Charity Tournament will be held on Saturday, July 3, 2010 and will attract many celebrities and poker pros. Any players 21 and up are eligible to participate in the event that will have them playing with celebrities and the best poker pros in the industry all while contributing to a good cause.

Ladies and Seniors Only Events: There will be both a Ladies Only and Seniors Only No Limit Hold’em Championship. The Ladies event will be held on June 11 and features a $1,000 buy-in. The event will help raise awareness for the Nevada Cancer Institute. The senior’s event will begin Friday, June 18 and will also have a $1,000 buy-in. The tournament is for those 50 years of age and older.

June $550 No-Limit Hold’em Tournaments: On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 1pm throughout the month of June players who are looking for a little Hold’em fix can take part in these $550 buy-in No-Limit Hold’em Tournaments. Each of these tournaments are one day structured and do not award bracelets.

Lots of Small Games to Play During Summer Events: An entire assortment of satellites, from single table to mega, will be available for players from May 27th through July 8^th on a nightly basis lasting from 7pm to 11pm.