World Series of Poker Europe

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

The inaugural WSOPE, held in 2007, marked the first time that a WSOP bracelet was awarded outside Las Vegas.

[1] From its inception to the 2013 tournament, players from 19 countries — USA (10), France (4), UK (3), Denmark (3), Canada (2), Norway (2), Portugal (2), Italy (2), Afghanistan, Germany, Indonesia, Spain, New Zealand, Sweden, Tunisia, Switzerland, Australia, Italy and Finland — have won bracelets.

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

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

[3] Furthermore, as the laws that govern the age of gambling differ in England than the U.S., the WSOPE admits younger players.

[5] In 2008, the WSOPE added a fourth event and was held at the Empire Casino in Leicester Square, London.

There were 11 bracelet events, including the €111,111 High Roller for One Drop, the largest buy-in in WSOPE history.

The €10,350 No Limit Hold'em Main Event attracted 529 entries and was won by Spanish qualifier Marti Roca de Torres.

It took place from November 19 to December 8 at King's Casino in Rozvadov, Czech Republic and featured 15 WSOP bracelet events.

The WSOP Europe proceeded as planned, but all events had to conclude by 10 p.m. local time to comply with curfew restrictions.

[14] The 2022 WSOP Europe Main Event would be the largest ever, with the 763-entrant field breaking the record set in 2021 of 688 entrants.

The €10,350 Main Event No-Limit Hold'em European Championship had a €5 million prize pool guarantee and was won by former professional basketballer Max Neugebauer.