The World Series of Poker is set in fabulous Las Vegas annually, for the six weeks poker’s best and brightest will descend on the Rio Casino, ready to win it big.

The reward for the main event during the WSOP tournament (the Buy-in No Limit Hold ‘Em), is an eye watering £10million. And interestingly enough, the winner’s prize is a gold bracelet, rather than a trophy.

Does experience matter?

Poker is a funny old game – in certain tournaments the unthinkable can happen, and someone with a wealth of experience is knocked out by a newbie.

In fact the winner from last year’s inaugural Millionaire Maker tournament, Benny Chen, was a novice player before the 2013 WSOP.

It all depends on how you play the cards.

And as you progress as a player, the more you win and the better name you make for yourself, the more backers that you end up having.

Backers are fantastic for making sure that you do not lose every penny from your bank account at the poker table. Yes, they may take a slice of the winnings, but they provide a cushion to ensure that you and your family are not homeless or penniless after a few bad games.

You’ll find that the majority of big players all have backers invested in them.

Playing tips

Although there are several games running alongside each other, the main event is where the action happens – and everyone wants a piece of it. If you are playing in this year’s WSOP, then the Buy-in No-limit Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournament is the main attraction.

And when you are sat at the table, staring eye to eye with the other players – try not to let the pressure get to you!

These poker tournaments tend to get intense.

Veteran poker player Matt Matros has some handy advice to make your gameplay move a little smoother, and for your stress levels to remain bearable.

“Lifestyle tips: Try to stretch during breaks,” he commented. “Try to eat healthily at least occasionally. Try not to party too hard.”

Poker can be rough on your body, and the hours of concentration can be exhausting. This only gets worse as the stakes get higher and the opponents get tougher.

Battle stations

So before you sit down at your playing table and try to win a fortune, bear in mind that everyone else at that table has the exact same thought. You are in the big leagues now!

“It’s hard work, gambling. Playing poker. Don’t let anyone tell you different. Think about what it’s like sitting at a poker table with people whose only goal is to cut your throat, take your money and leave you out the back talking to yourself about what went wrong inside,” says legendary poker player Stu Ungar. “That probably sounds harsh. But that’s the way it is at the poker table. If you don’t believe me, then you’re the lamb that’s going off to the slaughter.”

Tough sentiments, echoed by the very state of play that occurs during every WSOP. Millions are lost, trade hands and won throughout this 11 day extravaganza.

One thing’s for certain – the poker elite wait for this event with baited breath, every single year. It separates the men from the boys, and the big winners from the losers.
Good luck to all attending the WSOP and Viva Las Vegas!