Summary
- WSOP bids goodbye to Rio after 17 years
- Bally’s and Paris Las Vegas confirmed as WSOP’s new home
- Actor Vince Vaughn to serve as Master of Ceremonies at 2022 WSOP
It’s finally official – the World Series of Poker (WSOP) is moving to the Strip next year. The 2022 WSOP will be held at the Caesars-owned Bally’s and Paris Las Vegas and will move back to its usual summer slot.
Earlier this year, there were speculations that the live poker festival would transfer to a new venue after New York City-based Dreamscape Companies acquired the Rio under a $516 million deal. The Rio has served as home to the world’s biggest poker event since 2005.
Vince Vaughn Joins WSOP’s Transfer to Bally’s
The change of location has been confirmed just before the start of this year’s Main Event final table, with Hollywood actor Vince Vaughn serving as “Master of Ceremonies” at the 2022 WSOP. The Wedding Crashers star made a special appearance at the Main Event on Tuesday, November 16 to announce his new role. He also gave the “Shuffle up and deal” announcement to kick off the final table.
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Commenting on his upcoming role, the actor said he has a strong connection to Vegas and is honored to be chosen as next year’s WSOP Master of Ceremonies. Vaughn added that it’s a dream come true for him to become part of a historic poker event.
Vaughn’s acting career started in the late 1980s and took off in the 90s when he was given his first film role in the sports movie Rudy (1993).
Poker Playing Celebrities at the WSOP
Vaughn is among high-profile celebrities who are avid poker players. The 51-year-old competes in high-stakes Hollywood private games, and next year, he will take part in the WSOP Main Event which is also expected to attract numerous mainstream stars.
Over the years, the WSOP has seen many celebrities taking part in various events, including Kevin Pollak, Brad Garrett, Ray Romano, and retired actor James Woods who also participated in the festival this fall and scored six cashes which include an 8th-place finish in Event #54: $2,500 Nine Game Mix. Michael Phelps, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck have also competed in the series as gambling movies are becoming popular.
The 2021 WSOP continues at the Rio, with the Main Event close to crowning a winner. The series concludes on November 23, awarding a total of 88 gold bracelets.
