Everyone knew the 2021 World Series of Poker (WSOP) would differ in many ways compared to previous years. Most European players haven't been able to make it to Las Vegas due to a U.S. travel ban, and those who aren't vaccinated against COVID-19 can't compete.
Without those two groups of players, are the fields softer or tougher this year? The only way to answer that question is to seek out the opinions of those who regularly chase bracelets, which is precisely what we did, starting with Allen Kessler, who originally projected the series would be the toughest one ever.