The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is the most known and distinguished poker tournament in the world. The Main Event is the highlight of the series. The opportunity to enter this event and the possibility of winning big is irresistible. However, a seat at the WSOP Main Event costs a whopping $10,000, which is not easily affordable for most people. However, some viable options exist for securing a seat at the WSOP main event without shelling out a lot of money.

World Series of Poker (WSOP) Live satellites

Live satellites are smaller tournaments with winners receiving a WSOP Main Event ticket. These tournaments are held in various brick-and-mortar casinos around the US and other countries in the months leading up to the WSOP. There are usually multiple live satellites happening simultaneously with different buy-ins, so everyone can find something that suits their bankroll.

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World Series of Poker (WSOP) Online satellites

Apart from live satellites, online qualifiers or online satellites are available on various poker websites. Just like with live satellites, these online tournaments have different buy-ins, so everyone can take a shot at qualifying for the WSOP Main Event.

WSOP Online satellites work like live satellites, but instead of playing in person, you play from the comfort of your home. These can be found on most popular poker sites and offer a cheaper, quicker way to win your seat at the big event. 

World Series of Poker (WSOP) Step Tournaments

Another way to get into the WSOP Main Event is by playing in so-called “step” tournaments. These are multi-table tournaments (MTTs) with a low buy-in (usually around $20-$60) that offer a ticket to the next step as a prize. The steps increase in buy-in value until the final step, which gives out a ticket to the WSOP Main Event.

Interested players can also find this type of tournament on various poker websites. The advantage of playing in these is that you can turn a small investment into a big one if you’re lucky enough to win multiple steps.

World Series of Poker (WSOP) Promotions

Various promotions give out seats to the WSOP Main Event as prizes. For example, certain poker websites run a raffle where everyone who plays a certain number of hands or wagers a certain amount of money gets a ticket to the raffle. Of course, more tickets mean more possibilities of getting the prized seat.

Staking

Another way to play in the Main Event for cheap or even free is through a staking deal. This way, someone else will pay your buy-in, and you’ll have to give them a share of whatever you win. However, this option most applies to established players with regular backers who trust their skills. It might be tough to get someone to stake $10,000 for you if you’re an amateur.

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Selling shares

If you can’t get a complete staking deal, you might be able to sell a percentage of your Main Event seat. For example, you can raise $3,000 of your own money and gather the rest from friends and relatives to cover the entire amount. Here, the distribution of winnings will be proportionate to the amount each has invested. This option is better for amateurs since you’re not asking anyone to put up a huge amount.

Freerolling

Many online poker rooms organize freeroll tournaments that can result in the Main Event package, where they pay for all your expenses. However, to win the prize, you’ll have to compete against tens of thousands of others operating on the same goal. You’ll need some crazy luck to emerge victorious.

While winning a World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event seat through one of these methods is certainly not guaranteed, it’s possible. Even if you don’t win a seat, you can still have fun playing in the satellites and step tournaments – they can be quite rewarding on their own. Trying out your luck in any of these ways is worth it if you’re dreaming of becoming a WSOP champion.

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GGPoker offers free poker games that can get you a WSOP Seat!

The WSOP Main Event is the biggest and most prestigious poker tournament in the world, and it’s one that every serious player wants to win. However, the buy-in is a hefty $10,000, which can be prohibitive for many players. Luckily, a more economical way to get in on the action is by playing online at GGPoker. GGPoker is the world’s largest poker room, and they’re running poker online satellites and qualifiers for the WSOP Main Event around the clock. With a generous welcome bonus, you can increase your starting stack and give yourself a better chance of making it to the final table. So if you’re looking for a more affordable way to play in the WSOP Main Event, check out GGPoker.