2008 World Series of Poker Europe

Since 1970, participants have had to travel to Las Vegas if they wanted to compete in the World Series of Poker (WSOP).

[2] European casinos typically have a different environment than those in the U.S.[2] Jeffrey Pollack, the WSOP Commissioner, indicated that the WSOPE would have a "style and flair that is both unique and appropriate to the setting.

On 5 July 2007, Harrah's announced its alliance with England-based Betfair, one of the largest online gaming companies in the world.

The agreement, the largest-ever union of an online and offline gaming company, is intended to build on Betfair's European reputation in advertising the WSOPE.

[3] Due to changes in U.S. laws, effective in 2007, the WSOP could no longer accept money from online gambling companies.

[15] Ivan Demidov finished third, becoming the first player to make the final table at both the WSOP and WSOPE Main Events.