In a shocking development for the world of poker, the iconic World Series of Poker (WSOP) brand has been sold to online giant GGPoker for a staggering $500 million. The deal, which was announced on Monday, marks a significant shift in the landscape of the poker industry and has left many in the poker community buzzing with excitement and anticipation.
The WSOP, which was founded in 1970 by Benny Binion, has grown to become the most prestigious and celebrated poker tournament series in the world. The annual event, held in Las Vegas, attracts thousands of players from around the globe who compete for millions of dollars in prize money and the coveted WSOP gold bracelet.
GGPoker, a leading online poker room known for its innovative software and large player base, has been making waves in the industry in recent years. The company’s partnership with the WSOP is seen as a strategic move to capitalize on the growing popularity of online poker and expand its reach to a global audience.
According to sources close to the deal, GGPoker will take over the branding and marketing of the WSOP, while the actual events and tournaments will continue to be run by Caesars Entertainment, the current owner of the WSOP. The partnership between GGPoker and Caesars is expected to bring a new level of excitement and innovation to the WSOP, with the potential for larger prize pools, new formats, and increased opportunities for players to qualify for the live events through online satellites.
The news of the acquisition has been met with mixed reactions from the poker community. Some players have expressed concern about the potential impact of the partnership on the integrity and tradition of the WSOP, while others are optimistic about the possibilities for growth and expansion that it could bring.
Speaking about the deal, GGPoker ambassador Daniel Negreanu said, “I am thrilled to see the WSOP partnering with GGPoker. This is a fantastic opportunity to bring the brand to even more players around the world and take the WSOP to new heights.”
The acquisition of the WSOP brand by GGPoker is expected to be completed within the next few months, with plans already underway for the 2022 WSOP schedule. The poker world will be watching closely to see how this new chapter in the WSOP’s storied history unfolds.
