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 pokers 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; Harveys Lake Tahoe; Harrahs Atlantic City; Harrahs Tunica; Horseshoe Council Bluffs (Iowa); Caesars Atlantic City; Harrahs Rincon (San Diego); Harrahs St Louis; Caesars Palace (Las Vegas); and Harrahs 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 Holdem, $345 H.O.R.S.E., $235 Ladies Championship No Limit Holdem, $235 PLO 8 or better, and $555 No Limit Holdem. 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 Im sure youve 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 youre looking to play on pokers 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.