The World Series of Poker Circuit Kicks Off

Posted by James on October 5, 2008

The World Series of Poker Circiut season has kicked off with its first stop in Elizabeth, IN. The WSOP Circuit are groups of tournaments held at various locations around the U.S. This gives players exposure to the World Series of Poker, but on a smaller scale. Most tournaments are around the $500 buy-in range, but there are higher buy-ins with the Main Event of the circuit event coming in at a $5,000 buy-in.

The winner of each circuit event receives a gold ring in addition to the first place prize money. Winners of the Main Event of each Circuit series will receive an entry into the Main Event of the next year’s World Series of Poker Las Vegas. This year’s circuit schedule is below:
October 2 — October 14, 2008 HORSESHOE SOUTHERN INDIANA
October 24 — November 2, 2008 HORSESHOE HAMMOND (Chicago area)
November 6 — November 16, 2008 HARVEYS LAKE TAHOE (Nevada)
December 5 – December 18, 2008 HARRAH’S ATLANTIC CITY
January 20 – February 9, 2009 HARRAH’S TUNICA (Mississippi)
February 12 – February 25, 2009 HORSESHOE COUNCIL BLUFFS (Iowa)
March 4 – March 14, 2009 CAESARS ATLANTIC CITY
March 19 – March 29, 2009 HARRAH’S RINCON (San Diego)
April 12 – April 29, 2009 CAESARS PALACE (Las Vegas)
May 8 – May 20, 2009 HARRAH’S NEW ORLEANS
Many of the events in the WSOP Circuit are No Limit Holdem, but the Circuit does try to mix the events up on occasion offereing H.O.R.S.E., Limit Holdem, Omaha 8 or Better, 7 Card Stud, and on rare occasions Stud 8 or Better. The larger of the circuit events is held in January in Tunica MS. I personally have played in 3 Circuit events in Tunica, and I must say that the staff at Harrah’s run a fantatic tournament. They have an entire area set aside for the events and it truly feels like a mini World Series of Poker.

Many view the WSOP Circuit as the minor leagues. You will find that many of the preliminary events are headlined and won by virtual unknown players. It is not uncommon for a first time poker player to play in an event and take one down. This is partially what the circuit was intended for, to give players at all levels a chance at WSOP glory.

Professionals tend to fly in for the Main Event of the various WSOP Circuit Events. The $5,000 buy-in is part of the attraction. The other is the opportunity for media exposure as many of the Main Events are covered by various media outlets.

Also, like the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, you can satellite your way into any event at the WSOP circuit. $65 satellites can win you an entry into the $500 events. $125 satellites win you’re an entry into the $1,000 event. You can play all the way up to $550 satellites to take your shot at the $5,000 buy-in Main Event. Mega satellites are also held.

For those of you that like to hustle cash games, the WSOP Circuits usually have a decent spread of cash games going at all times as well. So no matter what your game, there should be a Circuit event for you. Check www.worldseriesofpoker.com for more information about the WSOP-C.