WSOP Europe 2013 to be Held in Paris

The most prestigious European poker tournament – World Series of Poker Europe – will be held in a new location in 2013. This will be the third change of venue in six years: previously WSOPE was held in London and Cannes.

Seth Palansky, the tournament vice president of communications, revealed that the 7th meeting is scheduled to be held in Casino Barriere d’Enghien-les-Bains, said to be the oldest poker room in France and located only 14 km away from the world famous Avenue des Champs-Elysees.

The event is to be hosted from October 11-24, 2013 in full compliance with French gambling laws. The country’s gambling industry is struggling following the draconian gambling taxes, causing more and more operators to leave the market in search for better tides. The poker event is expected to shed a positive light on poker and gambling in general in the eyes of French consumers.

WSOP executive director, Ty Stewart, told French gambling news: “Part of our vision for WSOP Europe is to mix poker and pleasure and introduce players to some of the most exciting destinations in Europe.”

He went on to add: “Barriere’s facilities in Enghien are amazing and there are likely 12 million Parisians all trying to make sure “Phillipe” Hellmuth doesn’t win another bracelet on French soil. With our ideal dates scheduled to avoid conflicts for traveling players, expanded TV coverage and qualifiers planned, we expect to be back in record-setting mode in 2013.”

WSOPE 2013 program has not yet been finalized, however, Palansky hinted that there might be seven bracelet events, including the popular High Rollers tournament on top of the EUR 10,000 buy-in main event.