Poker Players React to Mandatory Vaccination at WSOP

Poker players have had varied reactions to the mandatory vaccination policy implemented for the World Series of Poker (WSOP). Kristen Bicknell, a prominent player, expressed her frustration and announced that she would boycott the event. "I boycott this completely illogical tyranny," she stated. "I'm tired of playing by rules that make no sense."

Chris Kruk shared his experiences with the inefficiency of WSOP staff during registration. He recounted a situation where the staff struggled to verify the authenticity of chips, leading to delays and complications. "We stand in line for two hours," he said. "Then we take out two $5k chips from Bellagio. The cashier asks where we are going – to a $10k tournament that closes in 8 minutes or to the 27th flight of Colossus, which starts next Thursday. We answer that we are going to the $10k. The cashier cannot verify the chips on her own. She calls a colleague. No one knows how to contact Bellagio. After 4 minutes, they finally find a number, but no one answers. They try again. They don't know what to do. Finally, they get through, and Bellagio gives the go-ahead. But the registration is already closed. We can't play."

Bill Perkins, another well-known player, announced that he would skip the WSOP this year. "Vaccination is the right way," he said. "But some people it doesn't suit, and I respect their choice. Therefore, this year the prize funds of the World Series will do without my $300k. I am fully vaccinated, but there should be a choice." Sergi Reixach, a regular participant in high-stakes tournaments, faced a different challenge. He was quarantined in a hotel due to COVID-19 restrictions. "Such days are better forgotten, but this one I will remember for the rest of my life," he wrote. "The world has gone mad, and I won't be able to play the Super High Roller Bowl. I flew to Cyprus from Mexico via Istanbul. In Cyprus, customs officials asked for my COVID test and vaccination passport. Everything was fine until they asked where I came from. Mexico is in their red zone, and they told me I would have to be quarantined."