What Is 2018 World Series of Poker Europe

Overview

The 2018 World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE) marked the 10th anniversary of the international expansion of the prestigious WSOP brand. Held at King's Resort in Rozvadov, Czech Republic, it attracted over 4,000 entrants across 13 bracelet events, solidifying its status as a cornerstone of the global poker calendar.

Unlike previous editions hosted in France or England, the 2018 series remained in Rozvadov, building on the success of the 2017 event. The festival combined traditional Texas Hold'em with mixed-game formats, drawing top professionals and recreational players from over 70 countries.

• 13 bracelet events were held, including the €10,350 Main Event, which drew 526 entries and created a prize pool of €4,997,000.
• John Hui, an American amateur player, won the Main Event, defeating Alexandros Kolonias heads-up to claim his first WSOP bracelet and €1,120,000.
• The largest single event by field size was the €550 Colossus No-Limit Hold'em, attracting 2,537 players and generating a prize pool of €1,214,760.
• Germany’s Annette Obrestad captured her second WSOPE bracelet in Event #8: €1,650 Pot-Limit Omaha, earning €81,240 in a field of 441 players.
• The series distributed over $14 million in total prize money, with 546 players cashing across all events, including 68 who earned their first WSOP gold bracelet.

How It Works

The 2018 WSOPE followed the standard WSOP tournament structure but adapted to European player preferences with varied buy-ins and game types. Each event featured multiple starting flights, progressive blind structures, and deep stacks to encourage strategic play.

• Bracelet Event: A WSOP-sanctioned tournament where the winner receives a gold bracelet and entry into poker history. All 13 events in 2018 awarded official bracelets.
• Buy-in Range: Events ranged from €550 to €111,111, with the highest being the Big One for OneDrop equivalent, the €111,111 High Roller for Charity.
• Starting Flights: Multi-day events allowed players to enter on different days, with surviving stacks combining. For example, the Main Event had two starting flights (A and B).
• Blind Structure: Levels lasted 30–45 minutes, increasing gradually. The Main Event used 30-minute levels, starting at 25/50 and progressing to 1,000,000/2,000,000 with a 200,000 ante.
• Payout Structure: Typically, 10%–15% of the field cashed, with the top 6 receiving larger shares. The Main Event paid the top 55 finishers, with 1st place earning €1,120,000.
• Chip Count: Players began with 50,000 in starting chips. Re-entries were allowed in select events, such as the Colossus, increasing field depth and prize pools.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key 2018 WSOPE events with their U.S. counterparts from the 2018 WSOP in Las Vegas:

The data shows that while the U.S. series drew significantly larger fields, the 2018 WSOPE maintained high stakes and prestige, particularly in high roller events. The lower buy-in Colossus and Main Event attracted solid European turnout, reflecting growing interest in international poker circuits.

Why It Matters

The 2018 WSOPE played a pivotal role in expanding the global reach of the WSOP brand, demonstrating that major poker events could thrive outside Las Vegas. It also highlighted the rising competitiveness of European and international players on the world stage.

• Global Participation: Players from over 70 countries participated, with strong representation from Germany, Russia, and the UK, showcasing poker’s international appeal.
• Gender Inclusion: Over 120 women competed across events, including 48 in the Main Event, reflecting increased female involvement in high-stakes poker.
• Economic Impact: The 19-day festival boosted local tourism and hospitality in Rozvadov, a small Czech border town, generating an estimated €2.3 million in regional revenue.
• Charity Integration: The €111,111 High Roller for OneDrop raised over $1 million for clean water initiatives, continuing the WSOP’s philanthropic tradition.
• Media Exposure: Live streams and daily recaps on PokerGO and WSOP.com reached millions, increasing visibility for European poker talent.
• Pathway to Fame: Winners like John Hui and Annette Obrestad gained international recognition, inspiring amateur players to pursue professional careers.

The 2018 WSOPE not only delivered thrilling poker action but also reinforced the sport’s global evolution, setting a benchmark for future international expansions of the WSOP brand.