The big one, the WSOP Main Event—it’s the tournament everyone anticipates all year long. It’s a freezeout, a one-shot deal, and regardless of how experienced or accomplished you are in live tournament poker, the moment you sit down at the table, excitement and nerves are bound to set in.
And that’s when things can go wrong: overthinking, panicking, or trying to change your game. Don’t let that happen to you.
It’s a Long, Long Tournament
With a starting stack of 60,000 chips and two-hour levels, the Main Event has one of the best structures in the poker world. What does this mean? Simply put: you have time.
In nearly every other tournament, if you’re card-dead for four hours, you’re in trouble. But in the Main Event? You can weather that storm and still come out on top—if you’re patient.
There’s nothing worse than losing your stack early in the Main Event. Remember: you can’t buy back in. It’s a one-shot deal, and you’ll have to wait a full year to try again. The key is staying patient, avoiding blow-ups, and not letting the emotional swings get to you.
In a tournament this long, you’ll face all the ups and downs. Bad beats? Absolutely. A devastating river card? It’s coming. Annoying players? Likely. How you handle these inevitable challenges will determine your success.
Patience is the Virtue
In a shorter tournament, like a turbo, the escalating blinds force you into marginal spots much earlier than you’d like. But in the Main Event, you have the luxury of time. You can pass on uncomfortable spots in the early levels, knowing better opportunities will come.
This tournament rewards patience. While many players get rattled by the emotional rollercoaster of tournament poker, those who maintain a steady, patient mindset outlast the rest. Even if you take a brutal beat early on and lose a chunk of your stack, remember: you still have 150 big blinds. By the end of the day, your 60,000 starting stack is still worth 100 big blinds.
Don’t Try to Revamp Your Game at the Last Minute
Here’s a mistake I see often: players start trying to study and implement complex strategies in the week leading up to the Main Event. Don’t make that mistake.
Stick to what you know. You want to feel comfortable and in control at the table. If you’re stepping outside your comfort zone and trying new things under pressure, you’re bound to feel uncomfortable and make mistakes.
There’s nothing wrong with refining your strategy, but don’t reinvent your entire game right before the tournament. Play your game, and you’ll feel far more confident and capable.
Best of Luck!
Patience is key—stay calm, set yourself up for success, and don’t sweat the small stuff. The Main Event is a marathon, not a sprint. Trust in your preparation, and good luck this summer!
