Bodog Beat

All of the chips for the 2008 WSOP Europe will be kept in a single location this year. (Bodog Beat Image)

Our feet and wallets rejoiced in union late yesterday afternoon when Harrah's and the WSOP announced that they would be changing the format of the 2008 WSOP Europe and hold every event at one place, Casino at the Empire in Leicester Square, as opposed to events being spread across the Empire, Sportsman and Fifty as they were last year. These three casinos were not very close to each other, meaning we either had to walk or pay through the nose for a taxi. Ugh.

Ty Stewart, the WSOP's Director of Marketing, stated that the move is designed to increase visibility of the tournament, while also adding convenience for the players. Said Stewart, "We have enhanced the schedule to provide more variety and game play, greatly broadened the worldwide television exposure and have brought the event under one roof to better the player experience for this prestigious and premiere event."

We can honestly say that out of the three casinos that were used last year, the Empire was by far our favorite. So, we'll be happy to be spending a bit more time there. Seems like they could definitely make room for what is sure to be a larger crowd than last year for the Main Event.

Also announced yesterday were several players who will be among that larger crowd. That preliminary list of poker players who have already committed to playing includes Chris Ferguson, Erick Lindgren, Jennifer Harman, Daniel Negreanu, Phil Hellmuth, and three members of the November Nine, Ivan Demidov, Peter Eastgate and David "Chino" Rheem.

If you want to join these players in London and compete for a WSOP bracelet and millions in prize money, then check out WSOP Europe online poker satellites over at Bodog Poker.