Shocking news broke that the World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE) will be moving to France after having operated in London for the past four years. A statement was released last Wednesday saying that Lucien Barrière Hôtels & Casinos and BarrierePoker.fr are the new French sponsors and hosts of the WSOPE. The deal that they signed with Caesars Interactive Entertainment involves the mobilization of the tournament from London to Cannes to become effective in 2011.
The WSOPE has also been rebranded as the World Series of Poker Europe Presented by BarierePoker.fr. There will be seven regional tournaments across France known as the Barriere Poker Tour 2011, and they will give players a chance to qualify to the WSOPE. “This is a unique agreement between two casino leaders with great brands,” said Caesars Interactive Entertainment CEO Mitch Garber.
“Lucien Barrière Hôtels & Casinos is a well-run organization and we are excited to work with them to access the French market with high-quality and reputable poker events both in their hotels and casinos, and online with BarrierePoker.fr.”
Furthermore, the WSOPE will be held in Cannes at the Casino Barrière de Cannes Croisette and the Hôtel Majestic Barrière. The event will run from Oct. 7-21 and it is said that the new facility offers a lot more space than the old host in London. Organizers have announced that there will be enough space for 75 tables, meaning that the capacity of the 2010 WSOPE has been doubled.
There will be seven WSOPE gold bracelets up for grabs this year. This is a great change in the structure of the WSOPE and we all hope it is for the better. I do not know what to expect from the new organizing team, but I definitely hope the surprise will be pleasant.