In 2003, Chris Moneymaker won the World Series of Poker, taking home 2.5 million dollars in winnings. Many were surprised that an amateur was able to best the entire field, many of whom were professionals, to take home the most prestigious prize in poker. But perhaps the most surprising part of his story? He didn’t even pay to enter the tournament.
Chris Moneymaker won a satellite tournament on PokerStars.com to win an entry into the World Series of Poker. Once poker players and fans heard this news, online satellites and qualifying tournaments started to boom. The number of entrants in the WSOP have grown significantly in the last few years, with many players having won their entry playing online satellites.
Let’s take a look at the best online poker rooms to qualify for WSOP events.
Ever since Chris Moneymaker won the WSOP, PokerStars.com has been the go-to place for WSOP satellites. In fact, players can enter large multi-table tournaments for as little as $2 to win an entry.
PokerStars qualifier packages include entry into the tournament, $1,000 for travel and expenses, and an 8-night stay at the Palms. Also, players who agree to wear PokerStars branded clothing during the tournament will be eligible for many bonuses, including extra player points and a chance to win a free travel package for players who cash in the tournament.
Full Tilt Poker sponsors some of the best professional players in the poker world, which gives them a very big presence at the WSOP. It seems there is always a Full Tilt jersey on camera at every table. Full Tilt also sends thousands of players to the WSOP every year, and they offer a wide variety of satellites in many different formats.
Each Sunday, Full Tilt offers $1 Main Event tournaments where players can win a seat for only $1, and there are Daily Shootout tournaments starting at $200.
Bodog is one of the newest sites in the poker world, but they have been sending a large number of players to the WSOP in the last few years, and they always have some excellent promotions in the few months before the event begins. In addition to their satellite tournaments, they also hold contests that include an entry and a Vegas vacation.
Although Party Poker no longer accepts US players, it is still one of the largest rooms for international players. It hosts a number of satellites for winning an entry into the World Series of Poker for as little as $2.
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