Ultimate Guide to WSOP 2021: Everything You Need to Plan Your Poker Adventure

Confused About WSOP 2021 Events? This Guide Explains Everything You Need To Know

Overview: What to Expect from WSOP 2021

The World Series of Poker 2021 is fast approaching, launching on September 30 in Las Vegas. With a mix of live and online tournaments now part of the format, planning your schedule has become more flexible, but also a bit more complex. This guide covers everything you need to know—from registration logistics to tournament formats, buy-ins, structures, and tips for getting into your preferred events.

WSOP Online: Digital Poker Tournaments in 2021

In 2020, WSOP pivoted entirely to online play due to global events, hosting tournaments exclusively on digital platforms. While 2021 reintroduces live poker, all online bracelet events for the year have already been completed. American players competed on WSOP.com, while international participants used GGPoker.

One major difference in the online realm is affordability: online WSOP tournaments feature much smaller buy-ins than traditional, in-person events. While some purists argued this might devalue the prestige of winning a WSOP bracelet, organizers maintained the expanded accessibility. Regardless of the debate, online tournaments allowed more players than ever to chase the dream of WSOP glory.

Live WSOP Events: Las Vegas Returns as the Poker Capital

For decades, the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas has been the centerpiece of WSOP action. Well ahead of the kickoff, organizers release the comprehensive event schedule, helping players map out their itineraries and strategies.

While some tournaments allow for online registration and payment, live event logistics can still present challenges:
– For buy-ins exceeding $1,500 or $2,000, players must register in person.
– Expect long registration lines, especially as tournament start times approach.
– Early arrival is strongly recommended for newcomers unfamiliar with the on-site process.

In recent years, the WSOP schedule has expanded, offering a wider range of buy-ins and big prize pools—appealing both to seasoned players and those seeking more affordable opportunities. Let’s explore what the signature events and different tournament categories look like.

The Main Event: Poker’s Most Prestigious Tournament

The WSOP Main Event stands as the most iconic poker tournament, maintaining its $10,000 buy-in since the series began. Thousands compete each year, creating scheduling challenges that are solved using multiple “Day 1” entry flights—typically Day 1A, Day 1B, and Day 1C.

Key details of the Main Event:
– The $10,000 buy-in remains unchanged for decades.
– Players select their starting day from several options (if registering promptly).
– If focusing solely on the Main Event, Day 1C can help save on extra accommodation costs.
– Survivors of each Day 1 return for assigned Day 2 flights; the process continues until all players merge for the subsequent days.
– Deep structure: 60,000 starting chips, blinds beginning at 100-200, with long 120-minute levels.
– The bubble for prize money typically bursts late on Day 3 or early on Day 4.

From Day 3 onward, play continues until the final table is set—requiring a total stay of roughly 10 days to two weeks for anyone making a deep run.

Millionaire Maker: High Rewards, Lower Buy-In

The Millionaire Maker has become a crowd favorite at the WSOP. With a $1,500 entrance fee, the tournament guarantees a $1,000,000 payday for the winner—a major draw for recreational and professional players alike.

Features of the Millionaire Maker:
– Two starting flights allow for high participation.
– After Day 1, all advancing players combine and play down to a champion.
– The event lasts five days, with no scheduled breaks — participants should be prepared for an intensive poker grind.
– 25,000-chip starting stacks; blinds start at 100/100 with 60-minute levels, offering reasonable—if brisk—playability compared to the Main Event.

The Colossus: Low Buy-In, Huge Turnout

The Colossus event is built around accessibility with its $400 buy-in—the lowest among WSOP flagship events. This has led to massive player pools, as seen in 2019, which attracted over 13,000 entries and awarded more than $400,000 to the champion.

Key Colossus details:
– Two Day 1 flights—both held on the same day—make it easy for many to participate.
– All remaining players unite for Day 2 and play down to a winner by Day 3.
– Players start with 40,000 chips, but levels last just 40 minutes, creating a fast-paced environment.
– Despite the speed, it’s a great chance for players to compete for significant cash prizes without a major financial commitment.

Understanding Side Events: Variety and Flexibility

Side events encompass all WSOP tournaments not labeled as “championships.” These offer something for every bankroll, with buy-ins typically ranging from $500 to $5,000.

Essential features:
– Starting stacks are usually 200–300 big blinds.
– Blind levels often run between 40 and 60 minutes.
– Lower buy-in tournaments may have even shorter blind levels (30 minutes on Day 1, increasing on subsequent days).

This structure ensures ample play early on, while blinds accelerate as the money approaches—balancing strategy and excitement for a diverse pool of players.

Championship Events: The $10,000 Buy-In Series

Beyond the Main Event, the WSOP hosts several “championship” events, each with a $10,000 buy-in and focused on different poker variants, including 7 Card Stud, Pot-Limit Omaha, Omaha 8, and more. These top-tier tournaments are known for their deeper, more skillful play.

Core structure elements:
– No-Limit Hold’em Championship is the Main Event.
– Limit format games typically feature 60-minute levels.
– Tournament structures are built for experienced players seeking the ultimate testing ground for their abilities.

Turbo Events: Fast-Track Tournaments for Action Lovers

For players pressed for time or those who prefer a high-adrenaline format, Turbo events offer quick-fire competition.

Turbo event specifics:
– Blind levels are extremely short, usually just 20 minutes.
– Most Turbo tournaments wrap up in one day.
– The fast pace encourages more aggressive play and more frequent all-ins.

While success in Turbos relies on some luck, these events add a thrilling dimension to the WSOP schedule.

Satellites: Qualify Your Way Into Major Events

Satellites are feeder tournaments that offer players the chance to win entry into bigger WSOP events at a fraction of the cost.

How satellites work at the WSOP:
– Numerous Main Event satellites run year-round online on major poker platforms.
– There are also plenty of live satellite tournaments at the Rio during the WSOP, allowing players with smaller bankrolls to win their seat.
– Satellite tournaments generally feature fast structures, concluding in a few hours.
– Good fundamentals and tournament skills can boost your chances, but the variance in these fast-paced satellites can be significant.

Preparing for the WSOP: Tips for First-Time Attendees

With dozens of events, a variety of formats, and constantly evolving schedules, planning for the WSOP requires preparation:
– Study the official WSOP schedule well in advance.
– Plan out the events that best suit your bankroll and time commitment.
– Anticipate long lines and register early for live events.
– Consider qualifying through satellites if you’re aiming for high buy-in tournaments on a budget.

Understanding these details will give you a solid start as you navigate the excitement and challenge of the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.