Lisa Vanderpump Kicks Off 53rd Annual World Series of Poker on Las Vegas Strip

53rd annual tournament kicks off with a special Shuffle Up and Deal moment by television star and restaurateur Lisa Vanderpump

Shuffle Up and Deal! The 53rd annual World Series of Poker (WSOP) is officially underway at its new home on the Las Vegas Strip inside Bally’s, the future Horseshoe Las Vegas, and Paris Las Vegas.

The day began with a special celebrity Shuffle Up and Deal moment with restaurateur and reality-TV personality Lisa Vanderpump inside the Paris Ballroom. Vanderpump, who recently opened her Parisian-inspired restaurant, Vanderpump à Paris at Paris Las Vegas, kicked off the Team Member tournament – the traditional opening event of the WSOP since 2000. Vanderpump played in the event, which also featured team members from her restaurant staff in Las Vegas. 

“This was a special moment for me to be a part of,” said Vanderpump. “I’m honored to welcome the World Series of Poker to its new home at Paris Las Vegas and Bally’s, a place that is near and dear to my heart. We look forward to hosting many poker players at Vanderpump à Paris during the tournament as they make history in their new home.”

Competitors from around the world will now compete in one of 88 exclusive WSOP gold bracelet eventsfor their chance to solidify their name in poker history, now through Tuesday, July 20.

Recognized as the gaming industry’s largest, richest, and most prestigious poker tournament series, the WSOP raises the stakes once again making the move to the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. More than 50 years after the WSOP debuted at Binion’s Horseshoe, the WSOP is returning to its roots as Bally’s is in the midst of a rebrand to Horseshoe Las Vegas.

“After 52 years the WSOP is finally a headliner on the Las Vegas Strip. It’s only fitting our new home will soon be known as the Horseshoe, a legendary brand inextricably linked to the WSOP,” said Ty Stewart, the WSOP’s Executive Director residing over his 17th WSOP. “We’re ready to usher in a new era for the WSOP with the tournament officially underway. From unforgettable game-winning hands to the heartbreaking upsets, this will be a historic tournament on the iconic Las Vegas Strip.”

This year is bigger and better, with new and noteworthy events right out of the gates such as The Housewarming No-Limit Hold’em with a guaranteed prize pool of $5,000,000, the first-ever Tournament of Champions on July 18-20, a $1 million free roll tournament open to 2022 WSOP bracelets winners and ring winners from the 2021-2022 WSOP Circuit season, the brand new $1,000 Buy-In Million Dollar Bounty beginning July 2, and Vince Vaughn serving as this year’s celebrity Master of Ceremonies.

In addition to in-person play, online players will be able to test their prowess in one of 14 online gold bracelet events, held on WSOP.com.

The full 2022 WSOP schedule, including a booking link for discounted participant hotel rates, can be found on WSOP.com. Players should follow @WSOP on Twitter or IG or check WSOP.com for event news and updates.