15 Days in May: WSOP Circuit season comes down to one final stop at Harrah's New Orleans to be followed by WSOP National Championship presented by Southern Comfort 100 Proof
New Orleans, LA (May 7, 2013) -- A season that began nearly tens months ago has come down to one last tournament series. The World Series of Poker Circuit will be making it's season-ending final stop at Harrah's New Orleans, from May 9th through May 20th. The season finale will then be topped off by the much-anticipated WSOP National Championship presented by Southern Comfort 100 Proof.
New Orleans has become a popular gathering spot for poker players from all over North America during this time of year. Not only has the city famously known as “The Big Easy” hosted every season finale during each of the WSOP Circuit's nine seasons, for the first time ever it will be hosting an official WSOP gold bracelet event.Indeed, this marks the first time in history that a WSOP gold bracelet will be at stake at an event here in the United States, outside of Las Vegas. Gold bracelets are also awarded in Europe and Asia. The WSOP National Championship will not only post the largest prize pool of any Circuit event played this season, it also awards poker's premier prize – the gold bracelet. This will be the third National Championship, based on the format which which began in 2011. It's also the first outside of Las Vegas. Two years ago, Sam Barnhart became the first WSOP National Champion. Last year, Ryan Eriquezzo won the prestigious title.However, during the two weeks before nationally-televised championship to be broadvast on ESPN, there's one final WSOP Circuit series to be played, which includes the standard “12 rings in 12 days” format. Action begins Thursday, May 9th with a $365 buy-in No-Limit Hold'em tourney. The series concludes May 17-20 with the Main Event Championship, which costs $1,675 to enter.As is the case at all WSOP Circuit stops this season, two seats into the National Championship will be guaranteed, a nice bonus to these winners since travel will not be a concern. These final two qualifiers will include the Main Event champion as well as the Casino Champion (based on points). Poker players who are close to qualifing via the “at large” route also have this one final opportunity to accumulate points, which could go a long way towards locking up one of the coveted at-large seats. In short, there is still a lot to be decided at Harrah's New Orleans. Attendance and enthusiasm should make for lots of action and high prize pools.Here's a look at what's ahead during the coming weeks at Harrah's New Orleans:
WHAT: The WSOP Circuit tournament series (12 gold ring tournaments) which is followed by the WSOP National Championship, which is by invitation only (players must qualify in advance).WHEN: The WSOP Circuit takes place May 9-20, followed by the WSOP National Championship to be played May 22-24.TELEVISION: The WSOP National Championship will be filed by ESPN to be broadcast during the summer, and in re-runs beyond the debut date. Broadcast times to be announced later.WHERE: Harrah's New Orleans, located at the edge of the famous French Quarter at 512 S. Peters Street WHY ATTEND: New Orleans is one of the most interesting and exciting cities in the country. Moreover, this is the final opportunity to qualify for a WSOP National Championship seat.HOTEL INFORMATION: Hotel room are filling up fast, so players are advised to make reservations as soon as possible. Call (504) 533-6000 or visit the official Harrah's New Orleans website (CLICK HERE) to book a room. Be sure and idenify yourself as a WSOP Circuit player. Note that all players that qualify for the WSOP National Championship will be provided with complimentary rooms.WSOP CIRCUIT SCHEDULE: CLICK HERE for the 12 gold ring events, and other tournaments scheduled for Harrah's New Orleans. CLICK HERE for the WSOP National ChampionshipNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIERS AND STANDINGS: CLICK HERE for the latest points total for all players who have played WSOP Circuit events this season. Information is also provided about players who will qualify for one of the at-large entries into the championship.
OFFICIAL SPONSOR: Southern Comfort 100 Proof