WSOP 2024 (6/19 - 6/22) trip summary. Does Vegas/WSOP still offer good value?
I tried more of a live TR last year, didn’t hold up to the rock stars putting out the content this year (rppoker, Pardo, TJ, Langdon, Dogface to name a few). Frankly, I didn’t want to focus the time and energy so doing more of a recap of what I experienced and how I feel about poker in general.
My phone home screen, aka our dog
I went out with a friend who wanted to check out WSOP low buy in tourneys – he hasn’t been out to Vegas in years and is more of a tourney play who has dabbled in dailies in the past. I’m more of a cash game person – tried an Aria $800 NL single day seniors last year and have done WSOP $1,500 NL back in 2006 where I chopped a STT to take care of most the buy in. I lasted between 90 – 120 minutes in both. I like the idea of the big payout and challenge but tournament poker is pretty different beast…one I’d need to do some study & practice at. Not sure where I’ll find the time to study and play tournaments. I’m not a fan of online poker and much prefer live settings, which also makes tournaments challenging due to time & logistics.
Arrived Wednesday 6/19 and left Saturday evening 6/22 – a quick hit & run which was the plan. I’m a morning person at home (Midwest) so Vegas sleep schedule is a challenge for me. I made it up until 12-1AM each night, but then was up by 6AM Vegas time just about every day. Tried sleeping later and just couldn’t for the most part.
Had another friend in town and he wanted to workout one day, so 5AM it was so he didn’t disrupt family time.
Games I played: 1-3NL, 2-5NL, 5-5 double board PLO bomb pot….most comfortable in the $1,000 to $1,500 cap buy in games. Ended up due to some sun run hands and decent play to be up a decent amount for the trip, enough to pay for all expenses and then some. My friend cashed a Caesar’s nightly our first night and then missed on Daily Deepstacks at WSOP, MGM $400 monster stack and another Caesar’s.
Rooms I played and thoughts on each:
· WSOP
o 2-5NL Games I played were actually not too bad. Lots of what I could tell were tourney players playing cash.
o 5-5PLO bomb pot. This game has become popular post COVID…I’m not a PLO player but have played double board bomb pots a decent amount. I like this game a lot and played 3 nights at WSOP…first night certainly was the best with folks willing to get it in with under fulls on one board and nothing on the other board. Next 2 nights got tougher and slower action but still enjoyed.
· Wynn
o 2-5NL. Played during day on Friday, was filled with what you’d expect – mostly middle aged males (very international flavor). Game was meh and got stubborn a couple times calling light when a guy had my number.
· Caesar’s
o 2-5NL. Ran really well, also felt game in general was good…always a handful of recs like me at the table
· Bellagio
o 2-5NL. Played for about an hour while on the list for 5-5 game. Game was pretty nitty and while I’m pretty laid back, the way the room is run drives me nuts. I get that you (the floor) wants to take care of those who play the room a lot and tip well. It’s just off-putting. Examples in my one session:
§ On list for 2-5, currently 3rd. they’re opening a new table right by the cage. I’m in the room when called, check in at desk to say I’ll take the seat and walk to cage (2nd in line) to get chips and walk directly to the table. When I arrive, there’s like 3 people and all 5 other seats marked by a chip, players card or a post it sticker showing them all locked. I went to the desk and they did move me to an open seat in other 2-5 game.
§ While on that bad 2-5 game, I was first on the list for 5-5. Saw a couple open seats get filled by others, while I’m still on top of the list. I called it for my 60-90 minute Bellagio experience for the trip.
· Horseshoe
o 2-3NL. Played 3 hour session my last day there. Was on the list for 3-5NL but Caesar’s has their Diamond card to the top rule (which I really have no issue as it’s transparent). I like what I saw in the short session.
Costs
· Flight: airfare is more expensive, my r/t was about $500. Should be $100-150 lower
· Hotel: I’m a non-status, non-table game patron. MGM app I signed up for last year prior to WSOP was helpful. I paid $100/night all in for Park MGM incl resort & taxes
· Food: as everyone said, things are spensive. My samples:
o Ole Red – 2 burgers & tater tots sides, no drinks. $53 before tip
o MGM buffet - $35 per person. I don’t think that’s terrible value, had a good omelet and filled up for sure. Not a food snob here.
o Roku Sushi - $135 for 2 (no booze again) with tip for 4 or 5 rolls/sashimi entrees. Wanted to try sushi, was able to get in here on a Friday evening and did so. I’m sure better off strip, but that would require uber and more planning & time.
o Guy Fieri place in Horseshoe/Paris – think around $50 pre tip.
I still felt Vegas during WSOP worth the trip and costs. Biggest factor for me is game quality. If all games are nitty or hard to beat during entire trip then I need to re-evaluate. I also need to learn PLO as that is still growing (and maybe not mastered as well as NL is by the masses). I’d also like to add a couple days to the trip, to avoid FOMO during my 76 hours in town and lead to some better sleep/rest. I can also see myself spending an extended time there in a few years when work duties subside and family obligations (son is 16) aren’t as much. Maybe spend a couple weeks during WSOP there – would definitely try a tournament (maybe $1K seniors) again if that’s the case.
All in all, I hope to be back as the games weren’t bad. I would need a session or two at Resorts World as well. I enjoy reading other TRs and realize that we can all converge on the same place, enjoy the time and do different things (booze or not booze, AirBnb or hotel, tourneys or cash).
Nice report, glad you had a good time.
My answer to your question is: no. I got skunked this year. I played bracelet events more than anything else, which I expect to be skunked in. I sucked in the little side events too. I seemed to run bad consistently too. Of all the poker I played, I got aces or kings a total of 5 times I think. Maybe 4. I've never seen so many 2's and 4's preflop before.
Since they got rid of STT's the whole thing has been far less enjoyable. The only saving grace has been the cash megas that Orleans and WSOP had. I still got skunked in those because at best, I can only play 1 or 2 a day. I used to play 7 or 8 STT's in a day sometimes. If they can have cash megas, why can't they have cash STT's?
I'm going to spend the next few weeks assessing whether I'm playing next year or not. If I was forced to decide today, I'd say nope. I'd have to find somewhere else to burn vacation time.
My answer to your question is: no. I got skunked this year. I played bracelet events more than anything else, which I expect to be skunked in. I sucked in the little side events too. I seemed to run bad consistently too. Of all the poker I played, I got aces or kings a total of 5 times I think. Maybe 4. I've never seen so many 2's and 4's preflop before. Since they got rid of S
people seem to not agree but I always say summer is not an easier time to poker in Vegas.
what are STT?
people seem to not agree but I always say summer is not an easier time to poker in Vegas.
what are STT?
STT are single table tourneys (Aka satellites). Varying buy ins offered, you sign up for one and they go as soon as table fills. Your time commitment was low, maybe 60-90 minutes and often times they chopped 2-3 ways. You were paid in lammers that were to be used to buy into tourneys (or sold to those in line to buy into tourneys, apparently this was a great way to profit). Not sure how long ago WSOP did away with these.
Game quality can vary - I’d say from the 1-3, 2-5 games there are enough running that you can change locations or tables to find a better game. Can find some tougher games but there is so much volume that you can change and likely find better. At least my experience last 2 years at WSOP and strip rooms.
Yeah, basically 1 table sit-n-go's. I don't know why I did so well in those and stink in megas, but I did/do.
Too lazy to start a new TR - heading out for WSOP 2025 Monday evening 6/16 and returning Saturday evening 6/21. Going solo, and an extra day or two more than last. Planned the trip around $1, 000 WSOP Senior event which I planned on firing 6/17. Getting cold feet - like cash games so much more and thought of playing 12-14 hours for 2-3 days for a min cash (I know that sounds lame to tourney players…) is becoming less appealing.
Leaning towards cash games and MGM Seniors $600 that Friday which is a single day. Still play NL (stakes 1-3 to 2-5) but love PLO bomb pots. Tasted the $5 game at WSOP and Venetian room offers on dealer changes.
If it works I’d eat a decent meal or two. AM workouts, decent breakfast and hopefully some rest. I’m a morning person, games of course not as good at that time in cash arena (that’s a plus for tourneys in general that start 10 to noon).
I’ve noticed even locally over past couple years NL games have gotten tougher….i need to learn PLO. Subsequently I’m willing to step down to 1-3/2-3 even if bankroll is comfortable at 2-5 and 5-10. I play for fun and want to have chance to win. NOT looking to step down to the 1-2/1-3 games where average stack is $100….fortunately enough games in 1-3 can be found with $500 to $600 max buy ins, but OK if I find $1000-1500 in 2-5.
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Pics - cat who loves Vitamin D and the two BFFs. Sorry for the duplicate.
Hopefully shoes and roll pics in the near future.
You can change tables and games if your table sucks. It’s just more annoying during the WSOP with the extra busy staff and long waiting lists for games.
Droopy YOLO!
Go for Seniors, if you run deep and use your one time, might be worth the trip.
No comparison between WSOP Seniors and MGM Seniors. You can always opt for cash if things don’t go well in the tourney!
I'm in. Play the Seniors. GL!
I knew there’d be some of you who said to fire the Seniors on 6/17. I did download WSOP+ app and step 1 of verification….so we will see. I did play a $1, 500 NL via satellite back in 2006. My biggest concern is being at the table for 12+ hours with no flexibility. And my lack of tourney skill and experience…you can choose the bigger concern.
I’m ready to leave today
I knew there'd be some of you who said to fire the Seniors on 6/17. I did download WSOP+ app and step 1 of verification..so we will see. I did play a $1, 500 NL via satellite back in 2006. My biggest concern is being at the table for 12+ hours with no flexibility. And my lack of tourney skill and experience.you can choose the bigger concern.
I'm ready to leave today
Late reg day 1 will help - you make the money not long into day 2.
Checked in for flight that now leaves in 22 hours.
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Shoes and roll. Plan for tomorrow is to handle WSOP app business, maybe a little cash ($5 PLO Bomb pots) and register for $1000 Seniors. Will arrive for the 10AM start instead of late reg to save time in a long day. I’m the guy who needs to play against other guys like me and get some chips early. I know you can’t win in first couple levels but more chances early hopefully to chip up.
I have created WSOP+ account and done what I can before being in person. I also need to update my Caesars Reward email (which has to be done in person, don’t get me started after a couple phone calls and emails to support) too.
Will bring my laptop, would be a first for a Vegas trip but I’m out an extra 1 1/2 days and solo and have a couple small items that may pop up to handle. I also find I’m awake early and even with a morning workout, quick pool and food, there’s often down time in early part of days. Cash games don’t often ramp up at places until a bit later and should allow for an hour or so of work here and there.
We have arrived last night, Monday. Pretty smooth flight and travel. Noticed right away at the airport that Vegas was pretty quiet. That is a Monday in June for you.
After checking in at Harrah’s at the kiosk (hotel room is meh, but good price and fairly good location with what appears to be convenient food court of sorts right downstairs). Made my way to W SOP to validate my app. The line is shown in the picture above and I was out of there less than 10 minutes.
Officially registered for the $1000 senior event that starts today at 10 AM. Registering on the app was super simple, paid using PayPal if you choose to pay by credit card or of course cash you’ll need to make a trip to the window. Credit card requires you show ID for it to process correctly.
I saw Donc mention the jet lag really gets him and sleep is an issue. While not jet lag for me with only a two hour time difference, I’m definitely a morning person. I was usually in bed between nine and 930. Had the juices flowing and played a couple hours of PLO bomb pot last night (unsuccessful with the $780 loss) and couldn’t fall asleep until 1 AM and hear we sit awake for about an hour at 5 AM.
That’ll be enough whining on my first full day at the WSOP. Ready to experience something I don’t get to do very often in a large field multi day tournament.
Here’s the finding some lightning and jamming it in that bottle. I plan on arriving and being seated when the first cards are in the air.
Good Luck Droopy!
The early bird gets those early chippies!
Checked in and waiting - Green Paris table 3, seat 7. Hopefully be there at least a few hours.
Glad Paris over shoe. Cold >>> warm for my comfort
GL! Seniors seems like a nice and slow event. You can probably afford to be patient, get a feel for the table, and pick spots carefully.
Through Level 4, nothing happening. 17, 200 from 20K start. Won a nice pot start of level 3 to get to 30K, maybe won 1 hand since. Printable hasn’t lost a player.
I keep hearing you all say patience and I’m not desperate yet. Coming back to 34 BB which is where you tourney guys live as I’ve read.
Will post a couple pics and brief recaps of any good spots (not much yet - KK with A high flop and he had one and a number of (as I read) proper raises preflop and cbets punished.
Glad I signed up - longest I’ve ever played in a MTT. Maybe when a little older, less worky will take some time to learn PLO and also tournaments.
Pickled prostate line 😆
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Still in at dinner after level 8 - had chipped up to about 35K but lost AQ to JJ shorter stack just before dinner. Sitting 22.8K with 600/1200/1200 after dinnner and up to 3 levels. Will need to hit something.
Looking for thoughts on a coupe hands
1st Level 5 - I 3bet KK to 4200 over early position open to 1200 and button call. Both fold. Too big 3bet?
Raise JJ UTG+1 to 1300 with 300-500 and 500. Button and BB call. Flop 10-7-5dd, I have Jd. Cbet 1600, button raises to 4200 and BB (solid it appeared) jams for 15ish. I fold, button calls with KQdd and BB had 6-8. I had just shy 20K to start hand
Good fold? Results Q river so I would’ve been out.
Good luck!!!
Still in at dinner after level 8 - had chipped up to about 35K but lost AQ to JJ shorter stack just before dinner. Sitting 22.8K with 600/1200/1200 after dinnner and up to 3 levels. Will need to hit something. Looking for thoughts on a coupe hands1st Level 5 - I 3bet KK to 4200 over early position open to 1200 and button call. Both fold. Too big 3betRaise JJ UTG+1 to 1300
1. IMO the sizing is ok with another caller already in there. Gotta tax their curiosity. Winning the chips in the middle isn't the worst outcome. If they had JJ+ or AK, obviously you would've heard about it.
2. I think this is ok too with two players showing so much interest. I don't think we fold to a single raise, but the extra raise is probably a big combo draw at worst.
Well, it was quite a day, and a long one. Some very basic studying I’ve done in past week or two on pre flop strategy and stack sizes paid off a bit and as the day went on, I started to get a feel for other players, how they were playing and adjusted accordingly. Be that three betting when I had an all right hand, occasionally jamming, and folding a hand that I might otherwise be raising or sticking it in with. I’m sure a number of mistakes were made, but in general, I felt pretty good about some moves and could tell a couple players that are much more experience the tournament Poker and clearly better players were confused in a couple spots and I did get the desired folds and picked up chips without being at risk .
I was only all in at risk one time with K9 off suit against J-10 and held right before dinner break right after I doubled a guy up on my ace queen couldn’t run down his pocket jacks.
A vast majority in my day was hanging around my starting stack. I started at 10 AM and my Highpoint after 20, 000 starting chips was probably 32, 000 then my last table I was playing well and chipped up to just shy of 50, 000 I saw Pace King a few times, Ace queen pocket kings once and pocket queens once on the King‘s hand, of course an ace came on the flop and I lost a guy with an ace just hung around.
Then they announced last five hands of the night. Secondhand I’m in the small blind and UTG jams for about 43, 000 and UTG +2 re-jams for about 40, 000. I have my high point of just under 50, 000 and look down at Ace Ace of course I re-jam and first guy had pocket lines and second guy had pocket queens. The nines were open, ended after the turn but a blank and I nearly triple up.
139, 500 bagged and tagged. Probably 400 away from a min cash when play resumes at 11 AM tomorrow and before any decent pay jumps, probably have to weed through another 500+ people.
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I could see at some point playing more tournaments when time allows. I’m sure that’s a little results oriented after I have a decent chance to cash and I know men cashing isn’t exactly a great way to profit land in the term world but has a hobby I could see given it a go every once in a while.
I would highly recommend any of you that cross the 50 threshold to play in this event. Friendly games, most of the people were from different parts of the country or world. Nary a set of headphones in sight. And while I was also realistically dead money and played with players that are much more experienced, I never felt completely overwhelmed and totally out of place. I can’t imagine the quality of play in this tournament, at least at this stage, would be any different than a 200 or $250 daily at WSOP or resorts world, and you get longer levels
Quick update - no time for lengthy report or hands, just got back to room after bagging n Day 2. 710K about average with blinds at 10/25/25 ante. Things are going to move quick.202 left and 4700 locked up. Pay jumps are small and you don’t hit five figures until 71 or left. Of course, the big money for final 10 my buddies at home play poker casually as a group maybe once or twice a year but it’s fun keeping them in the loop with some tax updates. That’ll likely go away tomorrow with the phone rules and reality is I should be dialed in at the table. I did tell them should I continue to catch lightning and make the final table they’re coming out here on Friday.
Great job. I busted late day 1. Stay focused. Good luck!
