The World Series Of Poker (WSOP) is the world’s most prestigious and longest-running poker tournament. Held annually in Las Vegas, Nevada since 1970, the WSOP attracts thousands of poker players from around the globe each year. Each player hopes to cash in on the big prize pool and take home the championship bracelet.
While the WSOP Main Event is reserved for professional players with a buy-in of $10,000, many other events are open to amateurs and recreational players. Here are nine ways you can join in the action at this year’s WSOP:
- Play in a Satellite Tournament
Satellite tournaments are smaller tournaments where the winner or top finishers earn a seat in a larger tournament, typically the Main Event. Many casinos and online poker rooms offer satellite tournaments leading up to the WSOP. WSOP Online satellites are especially popular as they give players worldwide a chance to win a WSOP seat without having to travel to Las Vegas.
- Win Your Way In Through a Poker Room Qualifier
Similar to satellite tournaments, poker room qualifiers offer players a chance to win their way into the WSOP Main Event. To enter, simply play wsop online or in live cash games or tournaments. The more you play, the more chances you’ll have to win a qualifier tournament seat.
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- Enter the WSOP Main Event through a Casino Championship.
Some casinos host mini-tournaments, known as casino championships, where the winner earns a seat in the WSOP Main Event. These are generally open to all players who have made a certain amount of player points at the casino during the qualifying period. Not all casinos offer this opportunity, so check your casino’s poker room beforehand.
- Take Part in the WSOP International Circuit
The WSOP International Circuit is a series of live tournaments held worldwide. The winner of each tournament earns a coveted WSOP bracelet and a seat in the WSOP Main Event. Events are typically held at casinos or poker rooms affiliated with Caesars Entertainment, so players can use their Total Rewards points to qualify for entry.
- Try Your Luck with a WSOP Lottery Ticket
WSOP lottery tickets are available online and at select casinos worldwide. These give players the chance to win a seat in the WSOP Main Event, with one lucky winner randomly chosen each year.
- Last Chance Qualifiers (LCQs)
A handful of LCQ tournaments are held in the days leading up to the start of the WSOP Main Event. These tournaments are open to all players who have not yet qualified for the Main Event and typically have a buy-in of $1,500. The winner receives a seat in the Main Event, while the runner-up earns a spot in the WSOP Main Event Qualifier.
- Survive the Colossus
With a massive field of 18,000 players and the first-place prize of $1 million, the Colossus is one of the most popular events at the WSOP. The buy-in is just $565, making it an affordable option for many players. The event is open to all players 21 years of age or older.
- Play in the WSOP Side Events
In addition to the Main Event, dozens of other WSOP tournaments are held throughout the WSOP series. These include events like the Seniors Championship, Ladies Championship, and various mixed games. Buy-ins start at just $565, and there are usually plenty of seats available, so players of all skill levels can find a tournament to join.
- The Little One for ONE DROP
“The Little One for ONE DROP” is a special charity tournament with a $1,111 buy-in that benefits the ONE DROP Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing clean water access to those in need. First introduced in 2012, the tournament has become one of the most popular events at the WSOP. Online satellites are available for a chance to win a seat in the Little One for ONE DROP. The tournament is open to all players 21 years of age or older.
Online opportunities are available for players who want to join the poker action without traveling to Las Vegas. For those who don’t have the money to buy into a tournament, there are plenty of freeroll tournaments where players can compete for real money prizes. These are typically offered by online poker rooms that WSOP bracelet-winning players sponsor.
If you’re just a beginner at poker or don’t feel ready to take on the big boys (and girls) in Vegas, you can also try your hand at one of the WSOP social poker games. These are free-to-play, online versions of famous WSOP tournaments that allow players to experience the excitement of the World Series of Poker from the comfort of their own homes. If you’re just starting, try signing up at online free poker sites to familiarize yourself with the game. A great place to start is at GGPoker, the world’s largest poker room.