The World Series of Poker (WSOP) canceled a major online bracelet event this month after a widespread technical failure disrupted play for hundreds of participants. The $250 No-Limit Hold’em Mystery Bounty tournament, part of the WSOP Online summer series, was officially called off after login issues affected most of the remaining field on Day 2.
Technical Glitch Ends High-Stakes Tournament
The tournament began on June 7 and attracted 7,623 entries, smashing its $1 million guarantee with a $1.7 million prize pool. Day 1 concluded with 1,100 players advancing, all guaranteed a payout and eligible for mystery bounties, including a $100,000 top prize.
However, when Day 2 resumed on June 8, roughly 60% of players were unable to log into the WSOP.com client. Their stacks were blinded off while active players continued, some collecting bounties and climbing the ranks. After about two hours—and with 234 players remaining—WSOP paused the event due to the ongoing issues.
Players Refunded, No Bracelet Awarded
Days later, WSOP.com emailed participants confirming the event’s cancellation. “Day 2 is considered null and void,” the message read, and no bracelet would be awarded. The tournament will not count toward the WSOP Online leaderboard.
“With so many people being affected, this is the first time we’ve had to cancel the tournament midstream,” said Jack Effel, senior VP of poker operations at Caesars Entertainment. “We know that people were disappointed, they were anxious.”
All buy-ins are being refunded, and players who cashed or won bounties during the disrupted Day 2 will keep their winnings. Additionally, all 1,100 Day 2 players will receive a $500 tournament ticket for future online WSOP events.
“The remaining prize pool will be distributed in a way we believe upholds the integrity of the game and is the fairest and most respectful to the spirit of the competition,” WSOP.com stated.
Backlash and Apology
Many players took to social media to voice frustration, citing not only the disconnections but the inability to reach WSOP support during the disruption. The $100,000 bounty was among those pulled before play was halted, further fueling concerns about fairness.
“We’re sorry that the players had a bad experience,” said Effel. “Hopefully all the players will continue to believe in our ability… and that we will continue to look at these types of situations to try and ensure that they don’t happen again.”
Live Events Continue
Despite the online setback, live WSOP action rolled on. Tyler Brown claimed his second WSOP title in the $600 Mixed No-Limit Hold’em/Pot-Limit Omaha Deepstack event, earning $178,126. His win came despite a one-round penalty for swearing at an official.
Courtenay Williams captured the $500 Colossus No-Limit Hold’em title, topping a massive 16,301-player field to win $542,540. Ramaswamy Pyloore and Matt Glantz finished second and third, respectively.
Source:
“WSOP cancels online event after ‘connectivity issues,’ refunds players”, reviewjournal.com, Jun 10, 2025
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