For decades, the World Series of Poker has been THE go-to tournament series of the poker industry. Players travel from around the world to compete in the many events on the series schedule. The coveted gold bracelet is a rite of passage and has led to many poker careers online as well as offline within the industry. The WSOP really shot into fame when Chris Moneymaker won the Main Event in 2003 after earning his seat via an online qualifier. It was at this time that players knew there was a shot at greatness no matter how large the bankroll.
This was the first time a player had won the Main Event via a qualifier and the online poker world was shook. From then on, top online poker rooms like PokerStars, 888poker, Partypoker and more offer online satellites and qualifiers to help players attend the WSOP and compete in events such as the Main Event for next to nothing.
A Main Event qualifier prize package can be worth $13,000 or more when an online poker site offers the buy-in to the main event, which is $10,000, plus travel expenses and accommodations. Tens of thousands of players will compete in qualifiers in the hope of winning one of the prize packages and traveling to Las Vegas to compete in the WSOP.
In recent years, the WSOP has taken advantage of the online poker industry and even added online poker events to the schedule. Once the United States was open to online gaming, Nevada and New Jersey quickly began offering online poker qualifiers and contests for players to take part in the WSOP.
For this year, as with last year, there will be an online event for players to take part in. Players will have an opportunity to win a gold bracelet by competing in the online event. Last year, the event saw over 900 players logging online to compete and for this year, changes have been made to the online tournament.
First of all the tournament is a re-entry allowing players to compete again if busted out. The final table will be played out live so fans can see the action as well as players having the opportunity to battle it out for first at the felt in the Rio. The buy-in for this event is just $1,000 with the gaming getting started on the 8th of July.
Another option for online gaming is available during the 2016 World Series of Poker and is titled Turbo Top Up. This event has a buy-in of $1,000. A unique twist to this event is players can register to play at WSOP.com and then take part in an SNG, finishing first, second or third in the sit & Go will provide the gamer with double the starting stack. This event began yesterday.
On top of the online events offered at the WSOP this year, there are also ways to qualify online. On top of qualifying for the Main Event, players can also take part in the Colossus II, $888 Crazy Eights, Ladies Championship, Millionaire Maker and the Casino Employee (already finished) by qualifying online. Many of the best online poker sites are offering qualifiers including the WSOP, so players can compete in the major events of this year’s series.
For WSOP players located in New Jersey, an enticing offer has been placed on the table. Players can enjoy a special match bonus as the WSOP is in full swing. Tons of promotions have been added to the WSOP NJ site including ways to win seats to Nevada to take part in WSOP events.