No 'Brexit effect' on UK entries at World Series of Poker

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 7:15 p.m. ET

foxsports

LAS VEGAS (AP) A tournament official says fears of a ''Brexit effect'' discouraging United Kingdom players from traveling to Las Vegas for the World Series of Poker proved unfounded.

Event spokesman Seth Palansky says 344 players from the U.K. entered this year's Main Event. That's up 23 percent from the 279 who played last year.

The concern was that the recent U.K. vote to leave the European Union might prompt players to stay home.

In all, more than 6,700 players from 80 countries entered the marquee $10,000 no-limit Texas Hold `Em competition.

They're competing for $63.3 million in prizes, including a top prize of $8 million.

Play began Saturday, Sunday and Monday. A final table is due to emerge July 18.

The final nine will return Oct. 30 for the Main Event championship.