Online Bracelet
Online Bracelet
The World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet awarded to winners of online poker tournaments, as opposed to live events.
Overview
An Online Bracelet refers to a WSOP bracelet won in an online poker tournament. Since the WSOP introduced online events in 2015 (known as WSOP.com Online Bracelet Events for players in Nevada and New Jersey), these bracelets carry the same prestige as those won at live WSOP events in Las Vegas. Online bracelets are awarded primarily through the WSOP.com platform in the United States and also via international platforms like GGPoker for the WSOP Online series.
History and Significance
The WSOP first offered online bracelets in 2015, starting with three events on WSOP.com. This move recognized the growing online poker market and allowed players who cannot travel to Las Vegas to compete for WSOP gold. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the entire WSOP was held online, with a record number of online bracelets awarded across WSOP.com and international platforms. This period significantly elevated the status of online bracelets, as many top professionals won their first or additional bracelets online.
Online bracelets are considered legitimate bracelets in the WSOP record books, with winners counted in total bracelet counts. However, some traditionalists argue that online bracelets are less prestigious due to the absence of the live tournament experience and the potential for multi-accounting or collusion. Despite this, many players and fans accept them as genuine WSOP wins, especially given the high skill level required in online events.
Format and Accessibility
Online bracelet events typically have lower buy-ins than live events, making them more accessible to recreational players. Structures vary but often feature faster blind levels compared to live tournaments. Fields can be large, sometimes exceeding thousands of entrants. Online bracelets are awarded for various game types, including No-Limit Hold'em, Pot-Limit Omaha, and mixed games, and are available to players in eligible jurisdictions. International events on GGPoker have been particularly popular, attracting players from around the world.
Controversy and Perception
A notable controversy occurred in 2015 when a player was disqualified for using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to play from a non-eligible state, leading to discussions about security and fairness. The WSOP has since improved geo-fencing and verification measures. Despite such issues, online bracelets remain a coveted achievement, and many players track their pursuit of a bracelet through online events as a stepping stone to live success.
Conclusion
The online bracelet has become an integral part of the WSOP, expanding the brand's reach and offering a path to poker glory for those unable to attend live events. While perceptions vary, their inclusion in official WSOP records solidifies their place in poker history.