If you are heading to this year’s WSOP, we’ve got some tips to make your vaccine verification and tournament registration go smoothly.
— All WSOP players need proof that they are fully vaccinated 14 days before their event.
— To prove vaccination, download the free CLEAR Health Pass from Apple or Google app stores. To be on the safe side, bring your vaccination card just in case.
In the CLEAR app, tap the white Health Pass tile, find the “WSOP” under Sports and Events and then follow the prompts to enroll and add your proof of vaccination by either scanning a SMART QR code, directly linking to a vaccine provider, or uploading your CDC vaccination card.
CLEAR’s Health Pass is for users 18 years and older and for Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccinations administered in the U.S..
— You’ll have to verify your CLEAR pass and identification in person. You only have to do this one time. Here are options we have heard about:
- Go to the Belize Ballroom for this verification. This is a good option if you are registering for events using the WSOP online registration app http://www.BravoPokerLive.com (more on Bravo below.) Try to go in the evening when the lines are not as long.
— Currently there are two lines for verification in the Belize Ballroom, one for in-person vaccine verification (for international players and those who were unable to use the CLEAR Health Pass) and a FasTrac line if you have already downloaded your vaccine info into the CLEAR Health Pass. The lines aren’t labeled and are confusing, according to Abe DeGuzman Jr., so heads-up.
2. Go to the cashier cage to verify vaccine when you register for an event. There are long lines for this, and it is recommended that you allow several hours.
3. From Noel Eicher, who is currently at WSOP: Wire money to the WSOP cage and skip the Bravo verification needed for CC/ACH (credit card/bank account) payments. (Here are the wire instructions (courtesy of Kevin Mathers): https://twitter.com/kevmath/status/1441189280198529030?s=21). Then go to the WSOP cage to verify vaccination with CLEAR app and convert money already wired into a TBIC account (WSOP Tournament Buy-In Cash Account) and hook it up to your BravoPokerLive account. You can deposit cash/chips/wire into the TBIC, have your payouts sent there for safekeeping, use TBIC as your payment method in BravoPokerLive.com, and print your seat ticket at the FasTrac kiosks. Bravo fees you can expect (3-4% CC/ACH andr $3 for each event. “Bottom line: Make sure you allow a few hours before your first start time to get these things all taken care of,” says Noel.
— Bring your Caesars Reward card (formerly called Total Rewards card) and photo ID. If you don’t have your Caesars Rewards/Total Rewards card, reprint kiosks are available in the Rotunda area. You can also register for and activate a Caesars Rewards Account at https://www.caesars.com/myrewards.
— Spectators must also prove full vaccination either in person or via the CLEAR Health Pass. However, we’ve heard first-hand reports that this is not the case.
–Register for your events online: Download the www.BravoPokerLive.com app and pre-register and pay online to avoid queues and congestion. You will need a Caesars Reward (formerly Total Rewards) card. You can register for and activate a Caesars Rewards Account at https://www.caesars.com/myrewards. Players who register online still will need to visit the Belize Ballroom and have their vaccine and identification validated. But players can register for events via Bravo, use the self-service kiosks located throughout the Rio Convention Center to print their seat cards, and go directly to their table.
Here is a Bravo sign-up/registration tutorial: https://www.bravopokerlive.com/media/952756/wsop-online-registration-tutorial-2021.pdf
— Bring a mask. You don’t need a mask at the tables, but tournament rooms will be cleared at break and you need a mask during breaks and when moving tables.
— In a backpack, bring a sweater or warm wrap as rooms are cold. Also pack water, snacks and a power bank to keep your phone charged up.
— Dinner breaks are 75 minutes. It’s always helpful to have a friend or family member get a table and order ahead in the Rio restaurants, as they are busy during breaks. All-American Dave (allamericandave.com) will deliver food, coffee, protein shakes and drinks to your seat.
— Congratulations if you cashed! To help relieve pressure, create efficiencies, and reduce wait times, players can begin the payout process in Palma Ballroom before collecting their winnings at the WSOP Main Cage in the Tropical Ballroom. Players can request one of the following methods of payment: cash, wire transfer, casino chips, check, or tournament account deposit. Those who have a Bravo Tournament Buy-In Account can direct funds back to their account.
Let us know if you still have questions, and we will add to this blog. ENJOY, and let’s REPRESENT PLON proudly by wearing red and patching up, or wearing your PLON swag! Good luck, ladies!