Giving WSOP Circuit Events a Shot
by Chad Holloway of Predictem.com
Have you ever wanted to play in the WSOP? That is a silly question considering almost every poker player dreams of striking it big on poker’s biggest stage. The problem is many poker players cannot afford a trip to Las Vegas for the annual event, let alone the buy-ins for the tournaments. Luckily, the World Series of Poker has provided players with another, more affordable option in the Circuit Events. These events are a series of tournaments held throughout the United States which offers WSOP tournaments at an affordable price.
This past year (referring to 2009), the WSOP circuit included stops at the Horseshoe Hammond (Indiana); Horseshoe Southern Indiana; Harvey’s Lake Tahoe; Harrah’s Atlantic City; Harrah’s Tunica; Horseshoe Council Bluffs (Iowa); Caesars Atlantic City; Harrah’s Rincon (San Diego); Harrah’s St Louis; Caesars Palace (Las Vegas); and Harrah’s New Orleans. Having a variety of stops located throughout the United States makes it practical for almost any poker player to attend one or more of the events.
Once at a circuit event, players can expect to find juicy cash games and an excellent selection of tournaments. Most of the circuit events hold two tournaments per day (most are two day events) and the buy-ins are not astronomical. For example, most stops hold tournaments such as $345 buy-in No Limit Hold’em, $345 H.O.R.S.E., $235 Ladies Championship No Limit Hold’em, $235 PLO 8 or better, and $555 No Limit Hold’em. Each circuit stop also offers a championship event, which has a $5,150 buy-in. This is a little pricey, but satellites for it run daily. In addition, the winner of the championship event wins a WSOP Circuit Event Championship Ring and a seat at the WSOP Main Event in Las Vegas.
Since 2005, the WSOP Circuit has been a popular attraction for poker players across the spectrum. Many of the top name pros make appearances at these events and past winners include Daniel Negreanu and Chris “Jesus” Ferguson. Although circuit events are no longer broadcast on television (they used to be and I’m sure you’ve seen a few if you watch ESPN), the glitz and glamour of the circuit events is not lost.
The host casinos and the WSOP staff know how to treat their poker players and give them the most bang for their buck. If you’re looking to play on poker’s biggest stage, the World Series of Poker, but want to do so affordably and without traveling too far, the WSOP Circuit is for you. More information, along with a complete schedule of all circuit events, can be found at http://www.wsop.com/schedule/wsopcircuit.asp.
Online poker tournaments can be life altering events. Each week, many of the biggest card rooms around the net offer up everything from 100K tourneys to Poker Stars famous "Sunday Million". Sure, many enter and the odds are thin, but SOMEBODY has to win and why can't that somebody be you? Check out our list of GOOD tourneys below and take your shot at something huge, like winning enough loot to buy a Ferrari or pay your house off!
Poker Stars Sunday Million - Starts each Sunday at 1:30PM EST. Entry fee is $215 U.S. The million in prizes are GUARANTEED and 1st place is always over $100K! Winning this tourney would be life altering! What are you waiting for? Take your shot THIS WEEK!
Absolute Poker $150K Weekly - Plays every Saturday at 16:30PM EST (1:30PM EST). Cost to enter: $500+$30.
Ultimatebet Poker - Take your shot at their 200K tourney which plays every Sunday at 5:30PM EST. Buy-in is $200 + $15.
Full Tilt Fifty-Fifty Tournament - Plays each evening at 21:20 ET with 1st place always being worth AT LEAST $9500!
Cheap Online Poker Tournaments - Tourneys with low buy-ins but good enough payouts to make it worth your while!
Introduction to Tournament Poker - Loki covers everything from the buy in to prize payouts!
Cash Games vs. Tournaments - Hank Cashman talks about the difference between the two and notes that just because you're good at one doesn't mean that you'll win at the other.
Poker Tournament Tips - Find out the secrets and requirements of playing in tournaments.