P
articipants in the 2021 World Series of Poker will require proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 prior to first registration, announced WSOP on August 27.
The tournament, which will be the 52nd edition of the event, is scheduled to take place from September 30-November 23 at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. A full schedule of 88 live events will be held after the 2020 WSOP tournament was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
WSOP encourages players to make use of CLEAR’s mobile app and Health Pass feature. Participants who successfully add their proof of full vaccination through the app can go directly to the cage tellers within the casino.
“Alternate documentation including physical vaccination cards, and state/country-specific health passes will be verified at the Belize room prior to first registration,” added the organizers in a statement.
WSOP will consider participants as “fully vaccinated” if they have received their final vaccine dose “at least 14 days prior to entry date.” Negative Covid-19 test results will not be accepted as substitutes for vaccination: “Registration is limited to those showing proof full vaccination,” remarked the organizers.
Participation in the 2021 WSOP will require proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 prior to first registration. Players are encouraged to make use of CLEAR’s free mobile app and Health Pass feature: https://t.co/PxfgAohpBe. Additional info & FAQ: https://t.co/wUF6nLTXLL (1/3) pic.twitter.com/pHSh4PTj41
— WSOP (@WSOP) August 27, 2021
Vaccination proof will be needed to engage in all activities within the 2021 World Series of Poker: all WSOP bracelet events, side events, satellites and live action or cash games. The Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino “reserves the right to modify any and all Official Tournament Rules” at any time in the interest of health and public safety.
The event will contemplate doses of Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer and Moderna, and in the case of international guests, “proof of the AstraZeneca vaccine will also be accepted” so long as the dose was received at least 14 days prior to registration at the WSOP.
It has also been announced that the 2021 WSOP will accept “all vaccines approved or authorized for emergency use by the FDA or World Health Organization (WHO),” which also includes Sinopharm, Sinovac and Covishield in addition to the ones listed above. The tournament reserves the right to modify the list in the future.
The decision opens the door for international players to return to the poker series. Reception to the mandatory proof of vaccination mandate has sparked a number of reactions among the poker community, with players siding both in favor and against.
“This is not a decision we have taken lightly – it is made with no agenda beyond protecting player eligibility and the operations of a unique televised gaming event,” said WSOP Executive Director Ty Stewart.
Masks are also required, as presently the state of Nevada remains under a mask mandate for indoor public gatherings. Thus, players will be required to utilize masks covering nose and mouth at all times. All requirements for registration are listed online, at the WSOP webpage.
Spectators will be allowed at the tournament, so long as they too present proof of full vaccination “in the sole discretion” of the casino.
