The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is one of the most popular and well-known poker tournaments in the world. If you are a beginner poker player, qualifying for and playing in the WSOP can be a daunting task. This guide will help you prepare the poker skills necessary to qualify and play poker games at WSOP.
Every year, the best players from all over the globe come to Las Vegas to compete for the chance to be crowned world champion. To many aspiring poker players, qualifying for and playing in the WSOP is the ultimate goal. While it may seem daunting, with a little bit of hard work and luck, anyone can turn their dream of playing in the WSOP into a reality.
This beginner’s guide will look at what it takes to qualify for and play in the WSOP. We’ll start by looking at the different ways players can be eligible for the event before taking a look at some of the key things that players need to keep in mind if they want to make it to the final table.
First, you need to be good at the game, which is a given. You will not make it far in the tournament if you are not confident in your abilities. Second, you have to have nerves of steel. The WSOP is a pressure cooker environment; you will get burned if you cannot handle the heat. Finally, it would help if you were lucky. No matter how good you are at poker, sometimes, the cards just do not fall your way.
Now that we have gone over the basics, let us look at some practical ways you can qualify for the WSOP:
1. Play in satellite tournaments.
What are satellite tournaments? These are smaller tournaments that feed into the larger WSOP tournament. By playing and winning at the poker table in these tournaments, you can earn a seat in the WSOP.
2. Win an online poker tournament.
With the popularity of online poker, many websites now offer satellites to the WSOP. By winning one of these online tournaments, you can win a seat at the big event.
3. Qualify through live events.
There are numerous live events leading up to the WSOP where you can qualify for a seat. These events are typically held at casinos worldwide and vary in buy-in amount.
4. Win a WSOP bracelet.
You automatically qualify for the main event if you are good enough to win a WSOP bracelet. This method is obviously the most challenging way to qualify, but it is also the most prestigious.
5. Be sponsored by a poker site.
Many online poker sites sponsor players $10,000-$15,000 for their buy-in and travel expenses. To be sponsored, you typically need to be a winning player on that site and have some sort of social media following.
6. Enter through the Last Longer promotion.
Several online poker sites offer Last Longer promotions where if you outlast everyone else in a tournament, you will win a seat to the WSOP.
7. Get tracked by a professional player.
This method is how many young players can qualify for the WSOP these days. Getting staked or tracked by a successful professional poker player can get help with your buy-in and travel expenses.
8. Use your player points.
If you play online poker, you can use your player points to enter satellite tournaments where you can win your way into the WSOP. Check with your favorite online poker room to see what their requirements are for using player points.
9. Win a casino championship.
Many casinos around the world host poker championships where the winner earns a free seat into the WSOP. These tournaments typically have a higher buy-in than other tournaments, but the prize is worth it if you can win.
10. Play in a home game.
Many people host home poker games where the winner earns a free seat in the WSOP. If you know someone hosting one of these games, make sure you get in on the action.
11. Win an online freeroll tournament.
Many online freeroll tournaments are held leading up to the WSOP. These tournaments are free to enter and typically have a smaller prize pool than other tournaments. However, the winner does earn a free seat in the WSOP.
Poker is a game of skill, and there are many ways to improve your skills. Whether you are just starting out or looking for ways to up your game, we hope this guide has given you some helpful tips on qualifying and playing in the World Series of Poker. Get started today by downloading GGPoker and playing online poker with the best players in the world.