It is the most prestigious and largest poker tournament series in the world so of course we all want to know where to watch the World Series of Poker this year.
It draws in thousands of players from all corners of the globe to compete for millions of dollars in prize money.
The WSOP has a rich and storied history, dating back to 1970 when it was first held at Binion’s Horseshoe Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
It was the brainchild of casino owner Benny Binion, who sought to create a tournament to attract the best poker players in the world and showcase the game to a wider audience.
Binion invited a handful of high-stakes poker players to compete in the first WSOP, which featured just seven players and a $10,000 buy-in.
The winner of that first event was Johnny Moss, who was awarded a silver cup and named the first “World Champion of Poker.”
Is The WSOP On TV?
If you want to know where to watch the World Series of Poker this year then here are all the details.
On TV
In the past, the WSOP has been broadcast on TV channels like ESPN and CBS Sports.
They typically show highlights and final tables of the most important events.
To watch on TV, check your local TV listings or sports channels. Look out for WSOP coverage during the tournament season, which usually takes place in the summer months.
Online Streaming:
Nowadays, you can watch the WSOP online through various streaming platforms.
WSOP’s official website and social media pages often provide links or live streams to watch the action online.
Streaming services like ESPN+ may also offer live coverage of WSOP events if they have the broadcasting rights.
In Person (Attending):
If you want to watch the WSOP in person, you can attend the event in Las Vegas, Nevada, where it’s usually held.
The WSOP takes place at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, and spectators can watch some events for free, while others may require tickets.
You can buy tickets for specific tournaments or events you’re interested in, and then you can watch the poker action up close.
On WSOP’s Official YouTube Channel:
WSOP often uploads highlights, interviews, and important hands on their official YouTube channel.
This is a great way to catch up on the action and watch key moments.
Poker Apps and Websites:
Some poker apps and websites offer live updates, chip counts, and hand histories during the WSOP.
While you can’t watch the actual live games on these platforms, you can stay updated with the latest results and highlights.
Remember that the availability of WSOP coverage can vary depending on your location and the broadcasting rights.
So, be sure to check local listings, official WSOP sources, and streaming platforms to find the most up-to-date information on where to watch the World Series of Poker.
When Is The World Series of Poker 2024?
The 2023 World Series of Poker (WSOP) took place from May 30 to July 18, 2023, at the Horseshoe Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada.
It featured numerous events, including both live and online bracelet events. The main event, which is one of the highlights of the WSOP, saw Daniel Weinman crowned as the champion of the 2023 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event.
The World Series of Poker 2024 is scheduled to run from the end of May to mid-July, 2024. It will be hosted again at the Horseshoe on the Las Vegas strip.
The event will feature over 90 live bracelet events along with a variety of online bracelet events for players.
How To Enter The World Series Of Poker?
Entering the World Series of Poker (WSOP) is a dream for many poker players, both amateur and professional.
So if you’re content just knowing where to watch the World Series of Poker and fancy getting in on the action, here’s how you do it.
Choose an Event
The WSOP consists of numerous events, each with different buy-ins and poker variants.
The most famous event is the Main Event, which has a $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em buy-in.
However, there are many other events with smaller buy-ins, such as $500, $1,000, $1,500, etc.
Direct Buy-in
Go to the WSOP registration desk in person. During the WSOP, there will be a designated area (usually at the host casino) for players to register.
Pay the entry fee for the event you want to participate in. This fee is non-refundable.
You’ll receive a seat assignment and a receipt. Keep this safe as it’s your proof of registration and buy-in.
Online Registration
Some years, the WSOP allows players to register online in advance. You’ll need to check the official WSOP website for details on this.
If online registration is available, you can pay your entry fee online and then simply pick up your seat assignment when you arrive at the venue.
Satellite Tournaments
These are smaller tournaments where the prize is an entry into a larger WSOP event.
Satellites are a popular way for players to try and earn a seat at a major WSOP event without having to pay the full buy-in.
Both the host casino and online poker sites offer satellite tournaments leading up to the WSOP.
Third-party Registration
Some players get into WSOP events by being “staked” or sponsored by someone else.
In these cases, another person (or a company) pays the entry fee for the player in exchange for a portion of any winnings.
There are also websites and businesses that specialise in staking players or selling pieces of their action.
What Do I Need To Enter The WSOP?
Age and ID
To play in the WSOP, you must be at least 21 years old (regardless of the legal gambling age in your home country).
You’ll need to present a valid government-issued photo ID when registering.
Know the Rules
Before you play, familiarise yourself with the rules of the specific WSOP event you’re entering, as well as the general rules of the WSOP.
This will ensure that you’re prepared and know what to expect during the tournament.
Accommodations
If you’re traveling to Las Vegas for the WSOP, you’ll need to consider accommodations.
Many players stay at the casino hosting the WSOP, but there are also numerous other hotel options in the area.
Stay Updated
The WSOP’s schedule, structure and other details might change from year to year.
It’s essential to keep an eye on the official WSOP website for the most up-to-date information.
Remember, the WSOP is not just for elite players. Many amateur players participate every year, and some have even won significant events, including the Main Event.
Whether you’re playing for the experience or the chance at a life-changing payday, participating in the WSOP is a unique experience in the poker world.
The Humble Beginnings Of The WSOP
Since that humble beginning, the WSOP has grown in size and stature, becoming an annual pilgrimage for poker players and fans alike.
The series now includes dozens of tournaments, ranging from low buy-in events with small fields to high-stakes tournaments with massive prize pools.
The highlight of the WSOP remains the Main Event, a $10,000 buy-in no-limit hold’em tournament that attracts the world’s best players and garners extensive media coverage.
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Top WSOP Players
Over the years, a number of legendary poker players have won the Main Event, cementing their place in poker history and earning millions of dollars in the process.
One of the most successful players in WSOP history is Phil Hellmuth, who has won a record 15 WSOP bracelets, including the Main Event in 1989.
Other notable multiple Main Event winners include Johnny Moss, Doyle Brunson, Stu Ungar, Johnny Chan, and Johnny Heinz.
However, the player with the most Main Event victories is a name that is familiar to most poker fans – Doyle Brunson.
Brunson, known as “Texas Dolly” for his Texas roots and a distinctive drawl, won back-to-back WSOP Main Events in 1976 and 1977, cementing his place in poker history as one of the game’s all-time greats.
Brunson went on to win a total of 10 WSOP bracelets, including two in the $10,000 no-limit hold’em championship event.
One of the most interesting aspects of the WSOP is the colourful characters and personalities that have emerged over the years.
From the brash and confident Hellmuth to the enigmatic and mercurial Ungar, the WSOP has seen its fair share of larger-than-life figures.
Chris Moneymaker
One of the most memorable was Chris Moneymaker, an unknown accountant from Tennessee who won the 2003 Main Event after qualifying for the tournament online.
Moneymaker’s victory, which earned him $2.5 million, is widely credited with sparking the “poker boom” of the mid-2000s, as millions of people flocked to the game in search of their own shot at riches and fame.
Another fascinating aspect of the WSOP is the way it has evolved over the years, reflecting changes in the poker landscape and broader society as a whole.
In recent years, the WSOP has embraced technology and innovation, introducing online events and new formats such as “Big Blind Ante” and “Shot Clock” poker.
WSOP Women
The WSOP has also become more diverse, with women and players from non-traditional poker countries making their mark on the series.
In 2018, Vanessa Selbst became the first woman to win three WSOP bracelets in open events, while in 2019, Hossein Ensan became the first Iranian-born player to win the Main Event.
Cheating at the World Series of Poker
The WSOP has also had its share of controversies and scandals over the years, from accusations of cheating to high-profile disagreements between players and the tournament organisers.
One notable example was the “Black Friday” scandal of 2011, when the US government shut down several major online poker sites, including PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker, causing chaos and upheaval in the poker community.
The WSOP was not directly affected by the scandal, but it served as a stark reminder of the risks and challenges facing the poker industry.
Despite these challenges, the WSOP remains a beloved institution in the world of poker, drawing players and fans from all over the world to compete and witness the best the game offers.
The series has also spawned numerous spin-off events and international editions, such as the World Series of Poker Europe and the World Series of Poker Asia-Pacific, further expanding its reach and impact.
WSOP Culture
The WSOP has also had a significant impact on the broader culture, inspiring books, movies, and television shows that have helped bring poker to a wider audience.
One of the most notable examples is the movie Rounders, which starred Matt Damon and Edward Norton and helped popularise the game among a new generation of players.
In recent years, the WSOP has faced new challenges and obstacles, from the COVID-19 pandemic to changing attitudes towards gambling and online gaming.
However, the tournament series has proven to be adaptable and resilient, finding new ways to reach audiences and stay relevant in a rapidly changing world.
Looking to the future, the WSOP is poised to continue its legacy as one of the most prestigious and exciting events in the world of poker.
With new players and rising stars emerging every year, the series promises to continue showcasing the best and brightest in the game, while inspiring a new generation of players to pick up the cards and take their shot at poker greatness.
