The “Gladiators of Poker” event is in full swing at the World Series of Poker at Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas. With a $3 million guarantee and a modest $300 buy-in, players from all corners of the globe are flocking to take their shot at glory.
Day 1a alone saw 3,940 entrants, and with four total starting flights, this is shaping up to be one of the largest fields of the summer.
Before you step into the arena, take a page from the playbooks of seasoned pros who have faced – and conquered – the chaos of large-field tournaments. Their wisdom could be the edge you need.
💡 Tips From the Pros Who Know
Faraz Jaka
Over $7 million in live tournament cashes | Founder of Jakacoaching.com
📌 Tip #1: Adapt to your table
“You’ll see a lot of weak players. If you’re at a tough table, tighten up and play conservatively. Tables break quickly, and before long, you’ll likely be seated with softer opponents.”
📌 Tip #2: Don’t overvalue early tournament life
“Avoiding busting early is outdated. You need to take risks to build a stack. Don’t shy away from flips or tough spots if they’re +EV.”
📌 Tip #3: Manage your emotions
“In these marathon events, you’ll ride the rollercoaster. I’ve been short-stacked in every tournament I’ve ever won. Stay steady, no matter your stack size.”
Ashley Frank aka “PokerFaceAsh”
Popular poker vlogger | WSOP Circuit Ring Winner
📌 Tip #1: Narrow your focus
“Don’t get overwhelmed by the crowd. Your only concern is the 8 players at your table. That’s your battlefield.”
📌 Tip #2: Stay present
“One double-up doesn’t win the tournament. It’s about consistent, smart decision-making—one hand at a time.”
📌 Tip #3: Control variance early
“Be aggressive when you spot weakness. Build a stack before the shove-fest begins. It helps offset late-stage variance.”
