Five Questions to Ask Yourself at Your First WSOP

June 05, 2023

The 2023 World Series of Poker has just kicked off at Bally's, Las Vegas and thousands upon thousands of poker fanatics are starting to arrive in Sin City for the biggest poker event of the year.

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. Here are five questions to ask yourself at your first WSOP to help you make the most of your experience.

1. What Are My Goals?

The WSOP can be a long and grueling tournament series, with dozens of events spanning over 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.

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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.

Editor & Live Reporter

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's proudest poker achievement is winning the only tournament he has ever played in Las Vegas, the prestigious $60 Flamingo evening event.

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