AUSTIN, Texas — Card players from around the world are converging in Texas this week for the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit series.
This is the first time the WSOP will stop in the Lone Star State. From April 23 to May 4, players can enter 18 ring events at the Texas Card House (TCH) in Austin.
TCH CEO Ryan Crow says the location has spent several weeks preparing for the historic debut that is expecting a big turnout.
“Normally we have about 45 tables,” Crow said. “We’re going to have closer to 80.”
Since it was founded in 2014, TCH has been working to help bring a WSOP branded event to the state. Many longtime players are excited to participate in their own backyard.
Samantha Perryman has played poker in Austin for more than a decade, and she says this opens the door for more events in her home state.
“It’s making me excited for what the state of poker in Texas is going to become,” Perryman said. “Right now, we have a big community, but it’s about to grow.”