The World Series of Poker Circuit tour stops in 12 cities in the United States and this season will take place from 19 August to 22 May, 2011. The Circuit tour allows poker players to compete for a chance to play in the WSOP National Championship and win a WSOP bracelet and a share of the $1 million prize.

The top 100 WSOP Circuit qualifiers will win a seat in the National Championship, to take place on 11 May at Caesars Palace, where No Limit Hold’em will be the format. This will be the first time a WSOP gold bracelet is given outside the annual WSOP in Las Vegas. Besides, there is a new cumulative ranking system as well as other innovative features.

“We recognized the WSOP Circuit events needed a shot in the arm, and we believe we’ve responded with steroids,” WSOP vice president Ty Stewart commented. “The new model is exactly what the WSOP is all about, giving poker players of all bankrolls the chance to compete for the kind of fame, fortune and respect that comes only with a WSOP gold bracelet and a national television audience.”