Touring the World Series of Poker

Touring the World Series of Poker – Part I

WSOP by James on September 5, 2008

The World Series of Poker is currently held every year at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV. For those of you that never have been to the World Series of Poker, you may wonder what you will be in store for if you actually attend the event. First, realize that you are not just attending a set of poker tournaments, but instead you are attending a major event. The crowds will be larger, the competition tougher, and the experience awe inspiring.

When you first turn into the Rio from Flamingo, you will want to keep right and drive by the Hotel entrance. There will be signs pointing your way to the World Series of Poker. You will arrive to the convention center parking lot. If you are driving, you have an option of parking in the free parking area or using Valet. Valet is free, but a tip is expected and deserved. If you are in a cab, they will take you to the front of the convention center.

You will notice first a tarped off walkway with red carpet and mist blowing units to cool off guests. This looks cute, but you do not have to use that walkway. Go up the steps and enter the front doors of the convention center. As you enter the doorway, take a right. You will then begin to walk down a long hallway towards the convention center. Along the way you may see different booths for online sites or other merchants that setup during the World Series. As you get closer to the actual Amazon Room, you will notice monitors welcoming you to the World Series of Poker. One monitor will likely be continuously playing ESPN broadcast from past years.

Just before you reach these monitors, you may notice a good size room with a lot of tables and players. This room looks like it could be the World Series, but don’t be fooled. This is the Brasilia Room. The Brasilia room is part of the World Series, but it is not where the bulk of the events are held. Brasilia is where evening non-bracelet tournaments and Day 2’s of bracelet events are held.

Just beyond the monitors you will notice a desk with a Total Rewards Sign on it. If you have never played at a Harrahs property or if you never signed up for a Total Rewards Card, you need to sign up for one. This card is required to play in any event or satellite at the World Series of Poker.

After getting your cards, you notice you have three directions to go. Do not go right as this area is primarily for media and television. You will want to go left. You will notice several booths including massage therapists, a gift stand, and other poker related booths. The main WSOP gift shop is the first door you pass down this hallway. As you turn, you should notice the Players Entrance for the World Series of Poker. Next time, we will actually go inside and check out the main areas of the World Series of Poker.