Welcome to the Ultimate Guide to WSOP FAQs

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is the most prestigious and well-known poker tournament in the world. With millions of dollars in prize money, coveted bracelets, and top professional players, it’s no wonder that the WSOP draws in thousands of players every year. However, for those who are new to the world of poker or simply interested in learning more about the WSOP, there may be a lot of questions. In this comprehensive guide, we will answer all your WSOP FAQs and provide you with a deeper understanding of this iconic event.

What is the WSOP?

The World Series of Poker is an annual series of poker tournaments held in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was first established in 1970 by casino owner and poker player Benny Binion. The original purpose of the WSOP was to determine who the best poker player in the world was. However, over the years, it has evolved into a massive event with various poker games and formats, attracting players from all over the world.

History of the WSOP

The first WSOP was held in 1970 at Binion’s Horseshoe Casino. It was a showdown between seven of the best-known poker players at the time, who competed in a cash game format. The winner, Johnny Moss, was voted by his peers as the best player and received a silver cup as a prize. This format continued for the next two years before the WSOP introduced freezeout tournaments, where players had to pay a buy-in to enter and were eliminated once they lost all their chips.

In 1973, the Main Event was introduced for the first time with a $10,000 buy-in. The winner, Puggy Pearson, received a cash prize of $130,000 and a commemorative gold bracelet, which became a tradition at the WSOP. Over the years, the number of events and prize money increased, and the WSOP became more popular among professional players. In the 1990s, the series started to be broadcasted on television, further increasing its popularity.

Evolution of the WSOP

In 2004, the WSOP entered a new era when online gambling site PokerStars began sponsoring the event, bringing in even more participants. This partnership also led to the invention of satellite tournaments, allowing players to qualify for the Main Event without paying the full buy-in. In 2012, the WSOP expanded beyond Las Vegas and held its first international event in Cannes, France.

The WSOP continued to grow in popularity, attracting more players and offering larger prize pools. In 2006, Jamie Gold won the Main Event and took home a staggering $12 million, the largest prize in WSOP history. By 2019, the Main Event had a record-breaking 8,569 entries, and the winner, Hossein Ensan, received $10 million.

Current format of the WSOP

The current format of the WSOP includes a series of bracelet events, with each event awarding a gold bracelet to the winner. The series typically runs from late May to mid-July, with the Main Event being the last event on the schedule. The WSOP also offers various cash games, satellite tournaments, and side events for players who bust out of main events early.

The WSOP currently takes place at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, which has been its home since 2005. The series offers a wide range of poker variations, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Seven Card Stud, Razz, and more. The events have buy-ins ranging from $400 to $50,000, catering to both amateur and professional players.

How do I qualify for the WSOP?

The WSOP is open to anyone over the age of 21, regardless of skill level or nationality. However, not everyone can simply show up and play in the Main Event. Here are the three ways you can qualify for the WSOP:

Winning a satellite tournament

Satellite tournaments are smaller tournaments that offer a seat or partial seat to a larger tournament as a prize. They are a popular and more affordable way for amateur players to enter the WSOP. Many online poker sites offer satellite tournaments, and some casinos also host them. The buy-ins for satellite tournaments can range from a few dollars to a few thousand dollars, depending on the prize being offered.

Accumulating enough points

Some casinos and online poker sites offer point systems, where players accumulate points by playing in qualifying tournaments throughout the year. These points can then be exchanged for a seat in the WSOP Main Event. The number of points needed varies between casinos and sites, but it’s a great way for players to earn their seat without having to pay the full buy-in.

By invitation from the previous year’s winner

Winning the Main Event not only earns you a huge cash prize and a gold bracelet, but it also guarantees your entry into the following year’s Main Event. Some other events at the WSOP also offer automatic entry to the next year’s event if you win them. This rule is known as the “Champion’s Pass” and allows the previous year’s winners to bypass the satellite tournaments or points system.

What are the buy-ins and prize money?

The buy-ins for WSOP events vary greatly, with some events costing as little as $400 and others reaching up to $50,000. The buy-ins for satellite tournaments can be even lower, making it possible for amateur players to enter the series. However, the Main Event has a standard buy-in of $10,000, which is the same every year.

Buy-ins for different events

As mentioned earlier, the buy-ins for WSOP events can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. The most common buy-ins include $400, $600, $800, $1,000, $1,500, $2,500, $3,000, $5,000, $10,000, and $50,000. The buy-ins are determined based on the popularity and prestige of each event, with higher buy-ins typically offering larger prize pools.

Prize money breakdown

The prize money for each event is dependent on the number of entries and the buy-in amount. For example, in the 2019 Main Event, with 8,569 entries and a $10,000 buy-in, the total prize pool was over $80 million. The top nine players received a portion of this prize pool, with the winner taking home $10 million.

Apart from the Main Event, many other events at the WSOP have six-figure or even seven-figure prize pools. The WSOP also offers a Player of the Year award, which goes to the player who accumulates the most points throughout the series and also has a cash prize.

Percentage of players who cash

At the WSOP, the top percentage of finishers in each event receive a cash payout. However, the percentage varies depending on the number of entries. In some events with a smaller field, only the top 10% may cash, while in larger events, it can be as high as the top 20%. This means that if you make it into the money, you are guaranteed a payout, but it may not be a significant amount unless you make it deep into the tournament.

What is the schedule of events?

The WSOP has a jam-packed schedule with multiple events happening simultaneously throughout the series. However, the most anticipated event is undoubtedly the Main Event, which takes place towards the end of the series. Here’s an overview of the main events and some popular side events that you can expect to see at the WSOP:

Main Event schedule

The Main Event is the final event on the schedule, with its start date usually falling in early July. It is a multi-day event, with players starting with a large stack of chips and playing until they reach the final table. The final table then reconvenes after a hiatus to determine the winner. The winner of the Main Event is considered the World Champion of Poker for that year.

Other popular events

Apart from the Main Event, there are many other popular events that attract a lot of attention at the WSOP. The Big One for One Drop is a $1 million buy-in event that is known for attracting the biggest names in the poker world. The Colossus, with a buy-in of $500, is another highly anticipated event, with thousands of players competing for a chance at the top prize.

The WSOP also offers special events, such as Ladies’ Championship, Seniors Championship, and Casino Employees event. These events cater to specific demographics and usually have lower buy-ins compared to other events.

Special tournaments and promotions

In addition to the scheduled events, the WSOP also offers various special tournaments and promotions throughout the series. These can include charity events, celebrity tournaments, and even online events. The WSOP has also been known to offer surprise events with unique formats and big prizes. So it’s always good to keep an eye out for any last-minute additions to the schedule.

What are the rules and regulations?

Like any major poker tournament, the WSOP has its own set of official rules that all players must follow. These rules cover everything from player conduct to tournament structure and payouts. It is essential to familiarize yourself with these rules before participating in any WSOP events to avoid any penalties or disqualifications.

Official WSOP rules

The official rules of the WSOP can be found on their website and are updated every year. Some of the key rules include:

• Players must act in turn and cannot disclose the contents of their hand while still in play.
• Players must show their hole cards if they reach the showdown unless they have lost the hand.
• In case of a discrepancy, the tournament director’s decision is final.

Specific event rules

Each event at the WSOP may have its own set of rules, in addition to the official rules. These can include rules regarding rebuys, add-ons, blind levels, and more. It is crucial to read the specific event rules before participating to know what you can and cannot do to avoid any misunderstandings.

Code of conduct for players

The WSOP expects its players to conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner. Any player who violates the code of conduct may face penalties, including disqualification. The code of conduct includes:

• Players must refrain from using abusive or offensive language.
• Players cannot talk about the contents of their hand while in play.
• Players cannot criticize or complain about another player’s gameplay.

What can I expect at the WSOP?

The WSOP offers much more than just poker tournaments. It is an experience like no other, with a bustling atmosphere, top-notch accommodations, and endless entertainment options. Here’s what you can expect when attending the WSOP:

Atmosphere and environment

The WSOP is held at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, which transforms into a poker paradise during the series. The entire property is filled with poker tables, players, and spectators, creating an exciting and vibrant atmosphere. You will also see some of the biggest names in poker competing, making it an excellent opportunity to watch and learn from the best.

Food and accommodations

With hundreds of players staying at the Rio during the WSOP, it’s no surprise that the hotel offers top-notch accommodations. Whether you prefer a luxurious suite or a standard room, there are plenty of options to choose from. Additionally, the Rio has several restaurants, cafes, and bars for players to unwind and grab a bite to eat between events.

Activities and entertainment options

Apart from poker, the WSOP offers various activities and entertainment options for players to enjoy. There are nightly parties, live music performances, and even a pool party. The city of Las Vegas itself also offers endless entertainment options for players, such as shows, concerts, and famous attractions. So when you’re not playing poker, there is always something to do and see during the WSOP.

Conclusion

The World Series of Poker is a must-do for any poker enthusiast. With its rich history, massive prize pools, and legendary players, the WSOP truly represents the pinnacle of the poker world. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, participating in the WSOP is an experience like no other. We hope this guide has answered all your WSOP FAQs and given you a better understanding of what to expect at this iconic event. So start practicing your poker skills and who knows? Maybe we’ll see you at the next WSOP!