The ultimate goal of every poker player is to compete in and win a World Series of Poker event.

Although playing in the WSOP may seem like a pipe dream, players today have more chances than ever to do so, thanks to satellite tournaments offered on several online poker sites.

Various online platforms provide the opportunity to compete against some of the finest poker players in the world through these tournaments for players who would not otherwise be able to afford to attend the WSOP.

History of the WSOP

When casino tycoon Benny Binion held an invitational event at the Horseshoe Casino in 1970, the World Series of Poker was born.

Seven of the most well-known poker players were gathered by Binion for a tournament that had predetermined play times. The players cast a secret ballot after this “tournament,” and Johnny Moss was chosen as the winner and the inaugural champion.

The competition adopted a more contemporary flavor in 1971 when introducing a freeze-out format. Within a few years, the WSOP had grown to include several new tournaments that featured the best players in various poker games.

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Slowly but steadily, the tournament series expanded, and by the 1990s, it was typical for over 200 players to participate in the event each year. But the tournament wouldn’t grow to the numbers seen in today’s tournaments until the internet poker revolution was well underway.

A record 839 people competed in the Main Event in 2003. Chris Moneymaker, an amateur, won that year, joining the long list of wsop winners. ESPN’s creative event coverage also helped the WSOP become extremely famous, with attendance doubling the following year.

The WSOP has grown internationally, and tens of thousands of players now participate in various events.

How to Play in the WSOP Main Event?

There are various methods in which you can take part in the WSOP Main Event.

First, if you feel comfortable spending $10,000 for the chance to participate, you can immediately purchase a ticket to the event. Many players also combine their funds to participate, sending a single representative from a league of players or a group of backers, who will receive a portion of the player’s prize money.

But these straightforward strategies have not fueled the WSOP’s phenomenal expansion rate. Instead, players rely more on satellite competitions to help them achieve their goals.

Players can place a relatively low-risk bet in a satellite tournament for the opportunity to earn a seat in the WSOP Main Event. For instance, a $500 satellite might provide each of the 20 players one entry into the competition.

Qualify Through Online Satellites

Online satellites are among the most well-liked WSOP Main Event qualification methods.

Most online poker rooms provide a means of qualifying for the Main Event. They can buy you a seat directly into the event or offer you cash to pay for your needs during the tournament.

Although many different kinds of online satellites are accessible, there are just a few main categories into which they may be divided.

One of the few opportunities to potentially qualify for the WSOP without spending a penny is the free satellite, the first type.

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Naturally, it’s unlikely that you’d qualify for the Main Event out of a free satellite; instead, you’re more likely to get a seat in a cheap satellite tournament from which you might be able to win your way there.

These competitions frequently have satellites known as “steps” tournaments. To eventually gain a spot in the WSOP, players may have to navigate numerous tiers of tournaments with different buy-ins in these competitions.

Players can often buy in at any level they choose; you can try to start low and work your way up or start from a higher buy-in but have fewer steps to complete before winning your tournament ticket. The last phase will be a direct satellite that grants entry into the Main Event.

The “super satellite” is the most well-known kind of internet satellite. It awards several seats based on the number of entries and the buy-in cost.

It’s common for multiple players to qualify for the WSOP Main Event from a single satellite tournament because some internet super-satellites draw thousands of players from all over the country.

Qualify Through WSOP Events

While most players try to get into the WSOP Main Event, it is frequently possible to earn admission into tournaments with smaller buy-ins.

Since these competitions are less expensive to enter, more tickets can be given away, increasing your chances of qualifying. The $1 million buy-in Big One for One Drop tournament is the trademark special event of 2012, and some websites may even attempt to qualify players for it.

The tournament will also reward tens of millions in prizes and raise millions for the One Drop charity effort.

Conclusion

The world series of poker is one of the most prestigious events for poker players. Some would spend months or years preparing for it. There are various ways to qualify for the event.

You won’t need to join a satellite tournament if you have enough money to pay the fee. But for those who would like to spend less, you can compete in an online satellite tournament to qualify.

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