Feb 9 2011
WSOP Europe Leaves London, Grabs a Crepe, Moves to Cannes for 2011 Games
written by: Jennifer under News Comments: Comments Off
After four years of London hosting the World Series of Poker Europe, Caesars is changing it up for the fifth year of WSOPE. Moving from the Casino at the Empire in London, which has drawn more than a few complaints through the years because of cramped media space and casino rules, for example, to Cannes, France is a fresh idea. The games will take place from October 7 to 21, 2011.
The changes are bigger than simply a change of venue. WSOPE will now be partnered with Lucien Barriere Hotels & Casinos and BarrierePoker.fr, an agreement that looks to attract more French players and take advantage of the new laws pertaining to online poker. The Barriere Poker Tour will host qualifiers at its seven stops in 2011 around France, and presumably players will be able to qualify via online satellites as well. The new WSOP.fr will also debut later in the year as the game approach. The downside is that players living outside France may have a very difficult time finding ways to win their seats to WSOPE. Back on the upside, though, who doesn’t want to go to Cannes?
Side note: Last year’s Partouche Poker Tour in Cannes drew an astounding 755 players for its €8,500 Main Event, though there were complaints of cheating and the staff’s preferential treatment of French players. Perhaps this was inspirational to Caesars execs, especially the decision to go with Barriere.
The 2011 WSOPE will be hosted at the Hotel Majestic Barriere and Casino Barriere de Cannes Croisette, and these locations will be more space-friendly to players, fans, and media than the previous location. The series also has a new name, considering itself branded as World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE®) Presented by BarrierePoker.fr. Catchy, isn’t it?
So, get out your French phrase books and start checking airfare to Nice. France in autumn is lovely.
Question of the Day: Does the move to Cannes make you more or less likely to play WSOPE tournaments?
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