Caesars Entertainment announced today that the 53rd annual World Series of Poker would take place at Bally’s and Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, with actor Vince Vaughn serving as the official celebrity Master of Ceremonies. 

World Series of Poker

The WSOP will be held from May 31 to July 19, 2022, following a 17-year run at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. It will be the first time the event has been held in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, between Bally’s and Paris.

“As we near the final table, we reflect on another fantastic main event that exceeded expectations,” said Ty Stewart, senior vice president of the World Series of Poker. “We are ecstatic with the turnout this year, both domestically and internationally.

“As we close this chapter at the Rio, we’re delighted to have the legendary Vince Vaughn usher in a new era of WSOP action at Bally’s and Paris next summer.”

Following the announcement of the WSOP’s relocation to Caesars’ strip casinos Bally’s and Paris, Vaughn took the stage to officially announce his appointment as the 2022 WSOP Master of Ceremonies. The star of “Wedding Crashers” and “Swingers” made a surprise appearance at the WSOP main event, kicking off day one of the final table with a surprise shuffle up and deal.

“I have such a strong connection to Las Vegas and am honored to have been chosen as Master of Ceremonies for what is considered to be the most anticipated World Series of Poker tournament in history,” Vaughn said.

“Poker has long been one of my favorite sports, and to be a part of something as historic as the WSOP finally making its way to the Vegas is a dream come true.” Las Vegas, baby, Las Vegas.” Along with the Bally’s and Paris announcements, the WSOP announced a collaboration with The Worldwise Assets eXchange to produce a collection of rare one-of-a-kind NFTs.

Bidding War for Rare NFTs

The auctions of these NFTs provide an opportunity for fans and collectors to bid on the WSOP’s most memorable moments. The first NFTs to be auctioned are a collection of six “Gallery of Champions” moments, including Chris Moneymaker’s 2003 victory, with bidding starting at 100 WAXP in 10% increments for each WSOP 1-of-1.

“We are honored to be commemorating the most significant moments in poker history in NFT format,” Stewart continued. “We’re looking forward to fans being able to own a piece of the WSOP’s more than 50-year history.” Along with 1/1 auctions, WSOP NFT packets featuring members of the Poker Hall of Fame and WSOP bracelet winners will be released soon.

“The poker community has a strong interest in NFTs,” stated William Quigley, co-founder of WAX. “WAX is pleased to collaborate with the sport’s best brand, the World Series of Poker, on these NFTs, which allow fans and NFT collectors to obtain a unique remembrance of some of the most memorable World Series of Poker moments of all time.”