This article was published on December 28, 2020 at 7:20 a.m. (CST). It was last updated December 30, 2020 at 1:00 a.m. (CST)
By Evert Caldwell, Rounder Life News Team
In a not too surprising announcement, a final table player at the 2020 WSOP has tested positive for COVID-19.
Poker vlogger Joey Ingram broke the news late Sunday night that poker pro Upeshka De Silva had received a positive result, and was disqualified from the final table scheduled to take place later today (Monday December 28, 2020) at The Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV.
De Silva informed Ingram he had tested positive on the 20th, negative on the 26th, and positive on the 27th.
The elite poker pro, who owns 3 WSOP bracelets and has over $3 million in career earnings according to The Hendon Mob poker database, is the most accomplished and recognizable name at the final table, adding more to the inevitable PR nightmare facing event organizers.
Ingram also posted a video updating the situation.
Although some weren’t thrilled when the $10,000 buy-in online-live hybrid version of the Main Event was announced, lamenting an online winner had already been crowned, most welcomed the decision to keep the WSOP tradition going and award the Championship Bracelet in a live setting.
“There must be a World Champion in 2020. Poker’s history is too important. It’s a unique format for the Main Event, but this is a unique year. We want to keep players’ health and safety top of mind and still deliver a great televised showcase for the game we love.” – WSOP Executive Director Ty Stewart
The final table players are scheduled to play down to a (domestic bracket) winner, who will then play heads-up for the bracelet against Damian Salas who won the International bracket.
Each final table player is guaranteed $98,813 for making it thus far, including De Silva.
But the rules state, “Any player who tests positive for Covid-19 prior to the start of the final table play will be disqualified and receive the minimum final table payout.”
If the disqualification stands, De Silva will miss out on his chance at the $1,553,256 top prize today, and a shot at an additional $1,000,000 for winning the heads-up match scheduled for Wednesday against Salas.
Response from WSOP Media
“As a result of the COVID precautions implemented by the Company to help protect the players and team members, one of the nine players will not be able to participate in the US Final Table.”– Caesars Entertainment Spokesperson
A ‘bad beat’ indeed, especially for someone who reports his only symptom is he “can’t smell the soap” in the shower.
The consummate pro seems rather reserved for someone possibly missing out at a shot at $2.5M.
“I feel 100% and I’m grateful for that.”
Response from WSOP Media was received after the original story was published.
