Five Questions to Ask Yourself at Your First WSOP

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May 01, 2024 3 min read Last updated May 23, 2024

The 2024 World Series of Poker takes place from May 28-July 17 at Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas. And with the countdown to the crown jewel of the poker calendar underway, thousands upon thousands of poker fanatics are starting to plan out their jaunt in Sin City for potentially the biggest WSOP of all time.

For many players, the WSOP is a dream come true, and the experience can be both thrilling and overwhelming, especially for those attending for the first time. For those popping their Vegas cherry, we've given you five questions to ask yourself at your first WSOP that should help you make the most of your experience.

1. What Are My Goals?

The WSOP can be a long and gruelling tournament series, with dozens of events spanning several weeks. Before you arrive, it's essential to set realistic goals for yourself.

Are you looking to win a bracelet? Do you want to cash in at least one event? Or are you simply there to gain experience and have fun? Whatever your goals may be, make sure they're specific, measurable, and realistic. Having clear goals will help you stay focused and motivated throughout the tournament series.

2. How is My Bankroll?

Playing in WSOP events can be expensive, with buy-ins ranging from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands. Before you register for an event, make sure you have a solid understanding of your bankroll and how much you can afford to spend.

You don't want to find yourself busting out of multiple events and unable to play in the events you really want to play in. It's essential to be honest with yourself about your bankroll so you don't end up putting yourself in a tough financial situation.

Below is a table of the number of events within a specific buy-in range for you to see what options are available.

Poker Bankroll Management: An Introduction

3. How Will I Handle the Stress?

The WSOP can be a high-pressure environment, with the stakes and competition at an all-time high. It's important to have a plan for how you'll handle the stress and pressure that comes with playing in these events.

Some players find it helpful to meditate or do breathing exercises to help them stay calm and focused. Others might take breaks throughout the day to clear their minds and relax. Whatever strategy you choose, make sure it's something that works for you and helps you stay in the right mental state to play your best.

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4. Who Do I Want to Meet??

The WSOP is a great opportunity to meet and network with other poker players, industry professionals, and fans. Take some time to think about who you'd like to meet and what connections you'd like to make.

Attend player parties, join poker forums and social media groups, and strike up conversations with other players during breaks. Building relationships with others in the poker community can open doors for future opportunities and help you stay connected in the industry.

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5. What Can I Learn From this Experience?

Win or lose, playing in the WSOP is a valuable learning experience for any poker player. Take time after each event to reflect on what you learned and how you can improve your game. Think about what strategies worked well and what mistakes you made.

Take notes on your opponents and their playing styles. The more you can learn from each experience, the more prepared you'll be for future WSOP events and other poker tournaments.

Final Thoughts

Attending your first WSOP can be a thrilling and overwhelming experience. By asking yourself these five questions, you can stay focused, motivated, and prepared throughout the tournament series. Remember to set clear goals, be honest about your bankroll, have a plan for handling stress, network with others in the poker community, and take time to reflect and learn from each experience.

With these strategies in mind, you'll be well on your way to making the most of your WSOP experience.

Calum has been a part of the PokerNews team since September 2021 after working in the UK energy sector. He played his first hand of poker in 2017 and immediately fell in love with the game. Calum has written for various poker outlets but found his home at PokerNews, where he has contributed to various articles and live updates, providing insights and reporting on major poker events, including the World Series of Poker (WSOP).

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