World Series of Poker officials gave the poker world an early Christmas present on Friday when they announced the dates of the 2016 World Series of Poker.
The 2016 WSOP will be held from May 31 to July 18, 2016 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas
While information about next year’s WSOP is limited at this time, we do know that the largest tournament in the event’s history will make a return appearance in 2016.
Colossus II to Return With $1 Million Guaranteed to the Winner
The biggest announcement during the press release besides the dates was that the Colossus will return in 2016. Dubbed “Colossus II,” the event will kick off on June 2 with three starting days with two additional entry flights during that time.
Next year’s Colossus will feature a $7 million guarantee, up $2 million from 2015. First place for next year’s event will be a guaranteed $1 million. This change was added after severe backlash when last year’s event didn’t pay $1 million to the winner.
Another interesting change is that next year’s event will feature a format used in the WSOP-Europe’s Oktoberfest Event. Each starting flight of the event will play into the money. This is being done to alleviate the congestion experienced last year after the money burst. In theory, a player could cash multiple times in the Colossus II.
Last year’s event drew a record 22,374 players and awarded $638,880 to first place. With added starting flights, an increased guarantee and $1 million going to first, the Colossus II could set a new attendance mark.
Several Other Events Also Making a Return
Friday’s press release also announced that several other popular events will be returning in 2016. The Millionaire Maker, Monster Stack and Little One for ONE DROP events will all appear on the 2016 WSOP schedule, but the dates have yet to be set.
In addition, the Seniors Event and Ladies Championship were announced as returning next year. The Seniors Event will take place on June 17. No announcement was made on the Super Seniors Event but don’t be surprised to see that event return.
The first event of the 2016 WSOP will be the $565 Employees Event, scheduled for May 1st. Events will continue over six weeks and culminate in the $10,000 Main Event Championship to kick off on July 9. Next year’s Main Event will feature three starting days and continue for three days straight until July 18.
Play will conclude on July 18 when the final nine players are reached, thus implying that the November Nine concept will continue. No official word was given about the November Nine or what type of format will take place.
Last year’s WSOP drew combined fields of 103,512 thanks to the Colossus and other gimmick events. As a whole, many of the standard events saw shrinkage from previous years.
Next year’s WSOP will again have over 60 bracelet events with tournaments in nearly ever form of poker spread in live casinos and online. WSOP officials are working on finalizing events and the schedule and expect to release it sometime in January or February.
