What is it about the WSOP?

Every year about this time a mass exodus occurs. People from all over the world make their way to Las Vegas to spend their time huddled in with thousands of nervous, sweat stained men and women in one room. It doesn't sound all that appealing when it's put that way, but the World Series of Poker is THE one trip and tournament that any serious poker player makes in a given year. Why is that?

It's kind of like in golf or tennis where there are major tournaments like the PGA or Australian Open but everyone knows the big one is the Masters and Wimbledon. That's the prestige and allure a WSOP bracelet carries with it. Ask Gus Hansen how he feels about never having won a bracelet? He might publicly say it's not a big deal since he's won so much on the WPT but inside it's probably eating away at him. When Erick Lindgren won his first bracelet last year he admitted that it was a huge weight off of his shoulders. Make no mistake about it; if you're a professional (or even amateur) poker player, there is no greater honor than winning a WSOP bracelet.

There is of course the history of the event. The WSOP is the longest standing poker tournament in the world. Long before there was ESPN, the WPT, or High Stakes Poker, there was the WSOP. This sense of history is present throughout the tournament, either through the gigantic portraits of past main event winners or in rubbing shoulders with poker legends. It's not often you'll see a big name professional playing in a $1,500 buy in event, but at the WSOP it's not uncommon at all and amateur players are often thrilled at the chance to be playing next to one of their poker heroes.

Another reason so many poker professionals mark the WSOP down on their calendar is that there is more to offer than just NLHE. Too many poker tournaments have taken the path of being just about hold em, with the occasional token Omaha or Stud tournament. While the WSOP has increased the amount of NLHE tournaments they run (they'd be foolish not to with the amount of rake it brings in and the demand), they have stayed true to poker and offered a multitude of events that truly make the WSOP a “poker” tournament and not just a NLHE tournament.

One last reason, and believe it or not it's as compelling as the previous ones, is that it's the one time of the year where every poker player is in the same area. Yea, you might run into one half of your poker buds at the WPT event in Biloxi, but at the WSOP every one is here. Parties and social gatherings are a big part of the fun of the tournament. Oh, and there's always the drama. It's not the WSOP if there isn't some form of drama going on, and drama is much more fun if you're there to personally witness it.

Related articles

---

History a Big Player at 40th Annual WSOP

There are many years of history involved in the World Series of Poker, and the 2009 events will commemorate its 40th anniversary. It has been and continues to be the leader in poker tournaments, as each year it grows and seems to accumulate more prestige, higher attendance, and greater notoriety. May 26, 2009

• 2009 WSOP Events to Be Shown on ESPN TV and Internet Live Stream
• 2008 WSOP Smashes Records
• Fearless Predictions For The 2009 WSOP
• Sights and Sounds of the WSOP Main Event Final Table

 

Latest Poker News

---

The Aruba Poker Classic 2009 Kicks off October 3rd

The time is fast approaching for one of the most popular fall events – The Aruba Classic.And just what makes poker players from around the world want to attend this fabulous event? Some of the biggest prize pools and hot poker action is one reason, but location – location – location is the main reason! May 27, 2009

• Is Poker Dying?
• History a Big Player at 40th Annual WSOP
• Charity Opportunities Abound at 2009 WSOP
• What is it about the WSOP?
• Fearless Predictions For The 2009 WSOP
• 2009 WSOP Events to Be Shown on ESPN TV and Internet Live Stream