Poker and Gaming Industry Shifts: Ante Up Magazine Sale, DraftKings NFTs, WSOP 2021 Mandatory Masks, and More

Ante Up Magazine, a popular poker publication, has been put up for sale after canceling its February 2021 print run due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Co-founders Chris Cosenza and Scott Long had hoped to resume operations post-pandemic, but the ongoing challenges have led to this decision.

DraftKings, the leading daily fantasy sports provider, is set to launch a digital collectibles marketplace for NFTs. This platform will allow users to buy and sell NFTs using a single account, providing an easily accessible experience. The marketplace is expected to go live before the end of the summer.

Mandatory mask-wearing is expected at the 2021 World Series of Poker (WSOP) due to a new mandate requiring masks in all indoor public settings. This mandate came into effect at the end of July, with less than two months until the first event. The travel situation for European players remains unclear, adding to the challenges of the event.