World Series of Poker Heads to South Africa? (UPDATE)

May 03 2010, Matthew Parvis

The World Series of Poker is once again broadening its horizons and will possibly be making its way to South Africa for the first time this October, with two non-bracelet events tentatively slated to take place at the Emerald Resort and Casino

According to TimesLive.co.za WSOP Africa is looking to offer two events from Oct 24-31, one being a three-day $1,100 buy-in pot-limit Omaha event with $300 rebuys, and a 200 player cap. The other event will be a four-day $5,000 buy-in no-limit hold'em event with the field capped at 500 players.

In the TimesLive.co.za article, Emerald Resort and Casino CEO Martin Rice said "Poker has, over the past half-decade, accelerated in popularity. Our Emerald Poker Series, and its growing fields, is testament to the unlimited success of the sport. It was only natural to follow-on its popularity with the greatest tournament on the planet."

With the growing popularity of the PokerStars European Poker Tour and the recent international push from the World Poker Tour, it only makes sense for the WSOP to continue to expand its reach internationally.

Only a few years ago, there had never been a WSOP event held outside of the U.S.; however, the WSOP Europe, which takes place in London each year, has quickly been adopted as one of the can't-miss-stops on the circuit, and the WSOP Europe Main Event is considered one of the most daunting and prestigious main events of the year.

As soon as more details become available, we'll be sure to keep you updated.

Update - Upon speaking with WSOP officials this event is not confirmed, and events will not be bracelet events. It's tentatively slated to be part of the WSOP Circuit.

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