For many poker players and fans, it seems as if the 2009 World Series of Poker only recently wrapped in Las Vegas, but in truth it has been nearly two months since the November Nine were determined. As players got some much-needed rest before hitting the global tournament circuit and planned their fall schedules, many of them began to realize that the third annual World Series of Poker Europe was just around the corner. With just over a week left before it begins, they will soon begin their descent upon London and the Casino at the Empire in Leicester Square.
There will be four bracelet events, with the first one beginning on September 17 and the Main Event wrapping on October 2. The list of tournaments is as follows:
| Friday, Sept. 18 (3 days) | Event 1 | $£1,060 NLHE w/2 starting days |
| Monday, Sept. 21 (3 days) | Event 2 | £2,650 PLHE/PLO mixed |
| Wednesday, Sept. 23 (3 days) | Event 3 | £5,250 PLO |
| Saturday, Sept. 26 (5 days) | Main Event | £10,350 NLHE w/2 starting days |
Some of the most recent information released about the events includes the cap on the number of players. For the first three events, each day can only accommodate 252 players, and the Main Event will be restricted to 216 players on each starting day. The limits are due to space restrictions, and players are asked to register in advance to secure seats. Registrations are being accepted now through the start of the events at any London Clubs International in the UK, though they are no longer being accepted at WSOP.com due to the closeness of the start date of the series.
Organizers also want players to know that Day 2 of the Main Event will be limited to only four 90-minute levels, while other days will play six levels. This has been done to observe the Jewish holiday that falls on Day 2 by allowing players to start at 5:30pm on that day. The tournament director will have more information on site regarding the make-up time for the missed levels for those players affected.
The Main Event of the WSOPE (presented by Betfair) will be covered by ESPN cameras for a later ten-hour broadcast for the U.S. market and later on a more global level, though live coverage can be found at ESPN360.com for viewers located in the United States, Europe, Mexico, and Brazil.
While players are in town and enjoying London, there will also be cash games running on a 24-hour basis, as well as smaller side tournaments and satellites for the WSOPE events. In addition, the WSOPE Caesars Cup will take place on September 26 and will pit pre-selected teams - the Americas versus Europe - against each other in a series of no-limit hold’em competitions on a team level and heads-up to determine the best in the world. The first event of its kind, the Caesars Cup will also be filmed by ESPN and feature some of the greatest professional poker players in the world.
With four WSOPE gold bracelets up for grabs, the Casino at the Empire is sure to be brimming with players and fans right from the start. Another exciting part of the World Series of Poker year is on tap and sure to provide another exciting chapter in 2009 tournament poker.