The World Series of Poker (WSOP) 2025 kicks off on May 27th at Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas. Whether you’re a first-timer or a reg player, preparation is key to thriving in this nearly two-month poker marathon. Here are 8 practical tips to get you ready.
Plan Your Schedule and Budget Early
The WSOP features 100 bracelet events with buy-ins from $300 to $250,000, so pick tournaments that match your skill… and your bankroll of course! Review the schedule on the official website PokerNews and select your events. Why not the prestigious $10,000 Main Event (July 2–16) if you can afford it or, cheaper you can enter the $500 No-Limit Hold’em COLOSSUS, there are 4 Flights to choose from.
Thinking of your budget early, or may I say budgetS, is important. We’re talking buy-ins, travel expenses, lodging, food expenses, transportation… Early planning will help you book hotels on the Strip before prices spike and if you plan in advance, you’ll be able to get a better control of your budget.
Check the WSOP 2025 official schedule here.
Master Preflop and Deep-Stack Strategies
WSOP tournaments often start with deep stacks (150+ big blinds), requiring specific strategies. You may want to give a closer look at preflop ranges for different positions and stack sizes. Some GTO work wouldn’t hurt. Be aware of the tournament structure, it should have an effect on the way you play suited connectors / gappers in deep-stack scenarios at the beginning of the Day.
Prioritize a Healthy Lifestyle
Long tournament days (12+ hours) demand focus. You must be at the best version of yourself when you play tournaments like WSOP. If you’re serious about it, it’s better to adopt healthy habits. We know that eating healthy food in Vegas can be a challenge, especially for those staying in hotel rooms without any kitchen facility, but in front of a junk food / healthy option choice, you know what to do…
Get 7–8 hours of sleep nightly if you can and need it. Lots of poker players also have work-out routines. If you have time to work out, do it! The mental boost you’ll get form one session will overcome your physical tiredness. You can add meditation sessions, it can help manage tilt and maintain a winning mindset but don’t start meditating for the first time of your life on your first day in Vegas! Anticipate and start meditating at least a week before…
Build a strong mind
It’s no coincidence that many professional players hire mental coaches to be well-prepared for the most expensive tournaments on the circuit. But you don’t need to be a pro to work with a mental coach. If you’re planning to play several tournaments during the 2025 WSOP, you can definitely hire a coach to help you build mental strength, manage tilt, handle bad beats, and deal with pressure, among other things. By preparing for what might happen, you’ll feel much more comfortable when those situations come up at the table in real life.
Study Satellite Strategies
Satellites on GGPoker or WSOP.com can secure a Main Event seat for a fraction of the $10,000 buy-in. Focus on surviving until the qualification threshold rather than chasing big stacks. Play tight near the bubble and seek under-registered satellites for better ROI. More info in this article:
Stay disciplined
If you’re just coming to play one or two tournaments during the WSOP, you can simply enjoy yourself without enforcing strict discipline. But if you have a packed tournament schedule, you should be cautious of Vegas’s traps, especially if it’s your first time. It’s called Sin City for a reason. Vegas nightlife can be tempting for players—a chance to unwind after a long day of poker. Be careful of overindulging, as it could cost you the next day when you sit at the table. Your game, your A-game, might suffer. Best option: stay in Vegas for a few days after your last tournament to switch into full Party Time mode!
Familiarize Yourself with Venues, Etiquette and Rules
Know the layout of Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas to navigate easily. Bring a valid ID and Caesars Rewards card for registration, and review WSOP rules to avoid penalties (e.g., using phones for certain activities, such as accessing poker solvers, charts, apps, or any form of real-time assistance (RTA), is strictly prohibited at all times in the tournament area). Know the poker etiquette.
Distances can be tricky on the Las Vegas Strip. If you’re a first-timer, you might want to do a quick scout the day before your tournament, check out the different poker rooms you’ll be playing in—there are a bunch, and getting from one to another can take some precious time. Also try to spot your food options. Investigate if you’ll have enough time to eat in that restaurant or if a sandwich is a more practical option. On the D-Day, during breaks and the dinner break, you’ll be glad you know exactly where is what and how long it takes to go there.
Register in Advance
Online registration via Bravo Poker Live saves time. You can also go in-person at the Champagne Ballroom (Paris Convention Center) to avoid long lines. Bring a valid ID and Caesars Rewards card (sign up at the Caesars Rewards desk if needed). Arrive early on event day to settle in.
These tips cover strategy, logistics, and wellness, giving you a solid foundation for the 2025 WSOP. Start preparing now, stay disciplined, and you’ll be ready to chase that bracelet. Good luck at the tables! Here is an image of what you should be aiming at: the shiny WSOP bracelet!
