Another week and another WSOP directive on Covid-related issues at the upcoming World Series of Poker. This time it’s to state that face masks will not be required when at the tables.
The 2021 WSOP will operate under the mask exception set forth in NV Emergency Directive 050, released by Gov. Sisolak on 9/2. With all attendees required to be fully vaccinated, players will be able to remove their masks while seated at poker tables. FAQ: https://t.co/jpVw8yHScK pic.twitter.com/COYdXGURwe
— WSOP (@WSOP) September 7, 2021
A potential WSOP boycott
The WSOP organizers have been front and center this past month as a series of new rules designed to protect attendees from the Covid-19 threat has polarized the poker community. There have been threats of boycotts from some quarters offset by praise and promises to attend from others.
As we reported recently, high-profile pros such as Kristen Bicknell and Alex Foxen had been very vocal in their condemnation of the WSOP’s mandatory vaccination rule for players.
That rule states that players must prove they have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to attending the Series, otherwise they won’t be allowed to play.
Bicknell’s public Twitter deluge was fairly typical of the anti-vaxxer movement’s approach to social media. Others were calling her out for the numerous links and rants and very little in the way of reasoned argument to back it all up.
I am boycotting this utterly illogical tyranny.
I'm tired of playing along with rules and mandates that don't make sense. https://t.co/a4qyRzqEHH
— Kristen Bicknell (@krissyb24poker) August 27, 2021
Any ruling on mask use was likely to produce similar results. Although the WSOP are again following CDC (Center for Disease Control) advice.
This is also in line with Nevada State Governor Steve Sisolak’s announcement, pictured below. “Fully vaccinated” venues are permitted to operate without face masks in close proximity.
Directive 50 states: “This policy expansion gives an option for convention organizers to choose between requiring masks indoors for all attendees, regardless of vaccination status, or ensuring that all attendees are vaccinated, in which case fully-vaccinated attendees can remove their masks.”
With the WSOP going down the fully vaccinated route, for players at least, that raised the thorny question of staff and dealers. So far, they are apparently not being forced to be fully vaccinated.
Except all of the Dealers and Supervisors aren't vaccinated? Therefore this doesn't qualify. So I'll be calling the CDC daily on y'all. Enjoy.
— VegasJaydon Ogden (@JaydonOgden) September 8, 2021
Chris Moneymaker might be playing in this year’s WSOP
Well-known pro and streamer, Jeff Boski, added to this: “Ten handed poker with unvaccinated dealers and no masks? What could go wrong?” while fellow pro Matt Stout tweeted: “I don’t want to remove my mask around unvaccinated dealers, though…”
Of course, Stout won’t be forced to play sans mask. However, there are some exceptions to what the players at this year’s WSOP will be allowed to do without masks…
In their “registration requirement” section, the WSOP states: “Within the WSOP playing areas, players will have the option to remove their mask while seated and playing at their poker table, consistent with Directive 50.
“However, pursuant to the Rio’s health and safety policies, players must put their mask on anytime they are moved or step away from their poker table for any reason while indoors.”
Another question was answered this week, and a very relevant one given the likelihood of some players trying to bypass the rules by any means possible.
From the FAQ at https://t.co/OiUeFpDyjy pic.twitter.com/ITuaSlkrrC
— Kevin Mathers (@Kevmath) September 7, 2021
One famous player who has welcomed the recent WSOP announcements is 2003 Main Event champ, Chris Moneymaker.
Thank You @WSOP https://t.co/gf90PNw7gM
— Chris Moneymaker ⭕ (@CMONEYMAKER) August 27, 2021
Moneymaker had rather reluctantly decided not to attend this year’s WSOP for fear of contracting the virus and passing it on to his asthmatic, and therefore immune-compromised, young son.
The recent vaccine mandate, however, “raises the likelihood a lot” of him competing, Moneymaker tweeted.
With the 2021 World Series of Poker due to kick off on September 30th, there is still plenty of time for new rule changes and social media reaction to them. Of course, we’ll keep you updated all along the way to WSOP 2021 right here on VIP grinders.
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