Becoming the Poker World Champion without money: WSOP with just 1 €?
Every year, the number of participants in the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas increases. The most important poker event of the year is the Main Event with a buy-in of $10,000, and the winner earns the title of Poker World Champion. Chris Moneymaker is often credited as the reason for the ongoing global boom of the card game, having qualified online for the Main Event and ultimately emerging as the victor. Is it still possible in 2023 to make it to Las Vegas with just a Euro? Let's take a closer look at the possibilities for amateurs to participate in the WSOP.
This is how the qualification for the WSOP Main Event works.
The World Series of Poker's Main Event is hosted as No Limit Texas Hold'em, with a buy-in of $10,000. Registration is possible either on-site or online, with the proper lead time. So, if you genuinely want to participate for the price of just one euro, you would first have to transform this entry fee into a $10,000 buy-in. Even for a seasoned grinder, that's quite a lot of work. However, there are various ways to qualify, which might be faster but not necessarily easier. These qualifications typically occur in multiple stages: you can qualify for participation in a satellite tournament in an online poker room, where you can then win a ticket to the Main Event. After WSOP 2006, the possibilities for online qualification were initially limited, leading to an increase in qualifications in card rooms and casinos.
How can I obtain WSOP tickets at an affordable price?
There are various paths to achieve your goal of obtaining a coveted Main Event ticket for the World Series of Poker. The options for Europeans and Americans differ in this regard, as the WSOP in Las Vegas is unequivocally an American event, giving residents a certain advantage.
The opportunity for Europeans
Non-US citizens who are European and poker players have the opportunity to qualify online for a Main Event ticket. Typically, a poker site sponsors the WSOP and offers corresponding ways to win tickets. In 2023, the online provider is sponsoring the WSOP and awarding multiple packages. These packages have a total value of $12,500 and include the buy-in as well as money for flights and accommodation. The qualification process consists of 6 levels, starting from 1 cent, 10 cents, $1, $50, $50, and $525, with various live events, including one in Barcelona. Players can start at level one or buy-in at a higher level. This means there is a theoretical possibility of becoming a poker world champion for just one cent!
Opportunities for Americans
US citizens have a variety of options when it comes to Card Rooms and Poker Networks that offer qualification opportunities. Additionally, there are packages worth $12,500 available, which include the buy-in, travel, and accommodation. The tournaments differ in size and style of play, and in some cases, there are also tickets to be won as jackpots in Sit'n'Go tournaments. In the United States, a distinction is made between poker sites outside the territory and providers in the regulated states of New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware. This way, regardless of their place of residence, everyone has a chance to win a ticket.
WSOP Europe
The World Series of Poker Europe, also known as WSOPE, has been taking place since 2007, and currently, the Main Events are held at the King's Casino in Rozvadov. Apart from Las Vegas, WSOPE also offers the opportunity to win bracelets, but even with a victory, you cannot be called a Poker World Champion just yet. However, you can save on travel and accommodation expenses. Numerous poker websites and traditional casinos regularly organize satellite events where you can win tickets to the WSOPE.
Additional ways to qualify for the WSOP
When it comes to winning a World Series of Poker ticket, there are not only traditional ways but also unconventional methods, whether it's the main event or tournaments on the sidelines. On the WSOP website, you can find events posted where you can qualify as a newcomer. In Nevada's poker rooms and card rooms, there are local tournaments that organize satellites for the championship. Additionally, there are raffles, open calls, and other promotions by various gambling providers or casinos. In this aspect as well, Americans usually have the upper hand.
How to save money for a WSOP buy-in
If you couldn't secure a ticket during the qualifiers but still want to make your way to the WSOP in Las Vegas, the buy-in is only half the battle. Flights, accommodation, and meals can put a strain on your wallet. Take advantage of flight search engines and price comparisons to save wherever possible. Compared to the full price, you can easily save $1,500 on travel, lodging, food, transportation, and entertainment for a week in Las Vegas. While it may not be enough for the Main Event, it can certainly cover the buy-in for one of the many other bracelet tournaments. If you manage to cash in those events, you've earned your buy-in for the following year.
Well-known unknown poker players: amateurs at the WSOP.
Chris Moneymaker is considered the founder of the poker boom of the 2000s, as he became the first amateur to qualify for the World Series of Poker through an online platform. In 2003, he secured his Main Event ticket with less than $40 in a PokerStars satellite and a third-place finish in another tournament. Surprisingly, the former accountant surpassed over 800 other players and claimed the Poker World Champion title along with a staggering $2.5 million in winnings. This unprecedented success by an unknown amateur triggered a frenzy for the Main Event, with over 2,500 players participating just a year later. However, there have been other amateurs who have achieved similar feats in the history of the WSOP. Let us reminisce about these "well-known unknown" players who accomplished the World Series of Poker miracle.
Hal Fowler
Hal Fowler became the first amateur to win the WSOP Main Event, and his victory in 1979 is regarded as one of the most sensational in the history of the poker tournament. Against a field of 54 professionals, he found himself at the final table alongside renowned players such as Johnny Moss, Chip Reese, Bobby Hoff, and Sam Moon. Despite experiencing a significant reduction in his stack, Fowler managed a remarkable comeback with less than 2,000 chips. Eventually, he faced off against the chip leader, Bobby Hoff, in a thrilling heads-up battle. Lady luck smiled upon Fowler as he hit two fortunate cards, propelling him into the lead. Adding to his fortune, Fowler's gutshot draw on the turn transformed into a winning hand, defeating Hoff's pocket aces.
Noel Furlong
It wasn't until 1999 that another amateur poker world champion emerged after Hal Fowler. This individual, the owner of a carpet cleaning company, had made it to the final table in 1989, finishing in sixth place. In 1999, he found himself competing against notable players such as Huck Seed, Erik Seidel, Alan Goehring, and Padraig Parkinson. Fortune smiled upon the Irishman, as he secured the chip lead and advanced to the heads-up showdown against Goehring. With a pair of fives on the flop, he hit a full house and confiscated all of his opponent's chips.
Tom McEvoy
In 1983, the renowned poker author became the first player to secure a spot in the Main Event through a satellite tournament. Hours went by as McEvoy steadily relieved professional player Rod Peate of his chips, ultimately claiming the lead. A critical error on Peate's part led him to go all-in before the flop, only to be defeated by McEvoy's pocket queens with a king and jack of diamonds.
Robert Varkonyi
Robert Varkonyi, an unknown player at the time, emerged victorious in the Main Event a year before Chris Moneymaker made poker history. He became the world champion, pocketing a prize money of over two million US dollars. Despite starting with the fourth-largest stack at the final table, Varkonyi faced a clear leader in John Shipley. In an unexpected turn of events, professional player Phil Hellmuth had to shave his head after losing a bet on Varkonyi's victory. After a series of ups and downs, Varkonyi managed to eliminate Shipley from the table. In a remarkable run, he also defeated Julian Gardner from the UK, securing the title of world champion along with two million dollars. However, due to the poker boom not yet taking off, the world outside the poker scene barely took notice of Robert Varkonyi.
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