Why 2009 is the Best Year Ever to Go to the WSOP

by Bodog Poker | May 7 2009

Since the poker boom of 2003, poker had its first setback in 2006 with the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, which made it difficult for American-based companies to do business with online poker rooms who offer action to American players. Before the legislation passed poker was growing at a blistering pace, and the WSOP was the most popular place to be every June. In 2006 the main event grew so big from online satellite winners that the first-place finisher, Jamie Gold, won an astounding $12 million.

It has taken the WSOP three years to rebound to what it was in 2006, and last year Peter Eastgate walked away with $9 million for first place. There's nothing to slow the number of online satellite winners now, and this year looks like it could break the record for satellite seat winners. Every online poker room is promoting WSOP seats this time of year, and more players than ever before are chasing the chance to get in the big game for free.

Besides the main event prize pool, the WSOP action is expanded from previous years. There are a couple of high-roller additions and lots of cheaper events for the lower roller who has to protect their bankroll. There's even a $1000 entry no-limit holdem event that is expected to attract a lot of players and create a big prize pool. This year's event schedule also provides each level of player more opportunities to play different variants of poker. Most variants have lower-priced events and bigger world championship events.

2009 will also be the first year of the no-profanity zone at the WSOP. This rule was supposed to be in effect last year, but no one seemed willing to tell Scotty Nguyen during the $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. championship event. It will also be interesting to see if Scotty can fulfill his prediction to win $4 million by the end of the WSOP. He has a little more than $3.6 million left to go.

Another reason why 2009 could be the best ever is because Las Vegas has been pulling out all the stops to get gamers to come to play. Hotels and services all over town are offering deals and freebies because the gaming revenues in the city have been decreasing over the last year, due to the recession. It's a great time to take advantage of all the deals around the city, so if cheap meals and hotel rooms aren't enough to make this WSOP the best, you can also take advantage of free spa treatments and concert tickets.

The 2009 WSOP will have the best blind structure of any previous year. The stacks will be deeper, with players getting three times their buy-in chips. This will give the average player more time in the tournament, and in turn improve everyone's poker experience. Blinds will run a little slower in the early part of the tournaments but won't affect the length of the events by much of a margin, if any at all.

Qualify for the 2009 WSOP the EASY way: Bodog's WSOP online qualifiers. Check out our WSOP qualifying schedule today and win your way to fabulous Las Vegas to play in the WSOP Main Event.