COVID cases are rising at the WSOP
After a surprisingly low number of COVID cases during the festival a lot of players are reporting positive tests this week at the WSOP.
Many were concerned about the WSOP taking place while so many Americans remain unvaccinated and restrictions being in place, however most will have been pleasantly surprised at how few cases there have been, all things considered.
Until, perhaps, now. It seems that COVID cases are on the rise at the series with a lot of well known players reporting testing positive in the last couple of days.
I just tested positive for covid. Symptoms began Friday night test was yesterday. I played at the Rio and Resorts World Thursday. I played at the Wynn Wednesday I played at Rio day 2 ABD Tuesday. I can’t remember everyone I played with but if that’s you maybe go get tested.
— Jacqueline Burkhart (@jackiburkhart81) November 14, 2021
Add me to the list. Tested positive just now.
Two days ago my nose started running, yesterday I had a brutal fever and slept all day. Today is similar but much less severe. Please get tested if I’ve been in contact with you. https://t.co/Jkf8kmbCGV
— Mikey D (@3kingme3) November 15, 2021
Professional player Daniel Zack made the admirable decision to forfeit his Day 2 stack in a tournament when he started to develop symptoms, which later became a confirmed positive test. The poker community showed their appreciation with several players giving him a free percentage of their action in bracelet events.
Woke up with covid symptoms. Going to get tested but for now just want anyone who might’ve played with me past few days to see. Abandoning my day 2 stack.
— Daniel Zack (@Dan__Zack) November 15, 2021
Confirmed :/ pic.twitter.com/Y9Q4hroyzy
— Daniel Zack (@Dan__Zack) November 15, 2021
Even PokerGO commentator Nick Schulman has confirmed a positive test, meaning he won't be commenting on the WSOP final table:
Came down with covid I thought it was just my body reacting to Ali but it is indeed the 19. Thankful for the time in the booth and for the epic sweat that is upon us over the next few days. See you guys soonâ¤ï¸
— Nick Schulman (@NickSchulman) November 16, 2021
Cases in Nevada have remained quite flat in the last few weeks but the WSOP might be its own epicentre for COVID given how much close mixing the players do with each other for long periods.
It is something of a relief that this is happening towards the end of the series and in particular after the Main Event. It may be the case that many more players have had symptoms but not reported them while they still have action in the tournaments. With two days to go in the Main Event and a week left in the series, the unthinkable may still happen of a player being removed from a high profile final table because they showed COVID symptoms.
Have you heard of any more COVID cases at the WSOP? Let us know in the comments:
