The champion of this year's World Series of Poker main event won't be decided until November because of a change in format. The 39th annual WSOP begins on May 30th at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas with 55 events this year. The $10,000 no limit main event will get under way on July 3rd and is scheduled to be played for 13 days until the field is narrowed down to the nine players making the final table. Instead of playing it out immediately, the final table action will be stopped and will not resume until November 9th when it will be played down to the final two players who will compete in a heads up match on November 10th to determine the champion. The taped delayed action of the event will be broadcast on ESPN within hours of the actual tournament.

Jeffrey Pollack, the WSOP commissioner said that during the 117 day delay, players will have an opportunity to line up sponsorships, coaches, review the play of all their competitors, participate in other tournaments, and take advantage of the new publicity and promotional opportunities that will be available.

Some players were excited about the new format while others expressed displeasure at the prospect of having to stop and wait months to conclude the event.