The World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE) is the first effort to expand the World Series of Poker-branded poker tournaments outside of the United States. The very first WSOPE, was held in 2007 and was won by Annette Obrestad from Noway, she was just 18 years of age. This marked the first time that a WSOP bracelet was awarded outside of Las Vegas, as well as the first female winner, and also the youngest winner. Poker players from six countries Denmark (2), Afghanistan, Germany, Italy, Norway and USA have won bracelets between the two events of 2007 and 2008.

European casinos typically have a different environment than those in the U.S. and this prompted the WSOP Commissioner Jeffrey Pollack, to state that the WSOPE would have a "style and flair that is both unique and appropriate to the setting. So don't be surprised if we require participants to wear blazers at the tables. If James Bond were hosting a poker tournament it may look like the World Series of Poker Europe."

The WSOP has been prevented from acknowledging WSOP qualifiers from online poker events, however the WSOPE is not bound by this limitation. The United Kingdom Gambling Act of 2005 allows for legal regulated online poker sites. Also the laws that govern the age of gambling differ in England with the effect that the WSOPE admits younger players, such as the young Obrestad, who's win came just one day before her 19th birthday.

The World Series of Poker Europe 2009 will take place from Thursday, 17 September to Thursday, 01 October 2009, the venue is the Casino at the Empire in London. It will consist of four bracelet events including a £1,000 No-Limit Hold'em, a £2,500 Pot Limit Hold'em/Pot-Limit Omaha (New event), a £5,000 Pot Limit Omaha, and a £10,000 World Championship No-Limit Hold'em Main Event. The HORSE event is no longer on the schedule. The complete bracelet event schedule is as follows: -

Friday, Sept. 18, 2009
Event #1 - £1,000 + £60 – No-Limit Hold’em Day 1A (3-day event/2 start days)

Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009
Event #1 - £1,000 + £60 – No-Limit Hold’em Day 1B

Monday, Sept. 21, 2009
Event #2 - £2,500 + £150 – Pot Limit Hold’em/Pot-Limit Omaha (3-day event)

Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009
Event #3 - £5,000 + £250 – Pot Limit Omaha (3-day event)

Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009
Event #4 - £10,000 + £350 – World Championship No-Limit Hold’em Day 1A(5-day event/2 start days) “Main Event”

Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009
Event #4 - £10,000 + £350 – World Championship No-Limit Hold’em Day 1B “Main Event”

Non-stop cash games will also be scheduled during the tournament.