The WSOP is like the super bowl of poker, but bigger. When you hear ‘WSOP,’ most people imagine a table with nine of the world’s best poker players battling it out for a first place. However, the WSOP refers to a series of poker events (88, to be precise), with the most prestigious and grandest tournament being the WSOP Main Event.
The WSOP tournament refers to a string of events that happens over the course of seven weeks before culminating in the final event. Each event lasts two to five days, with the main event spanning a total of two weeks.
In this article, we’ll explain how long the WSOP main event is structured, how many days it lasts, and provide some examples of the smaller events happening during the World Series.
Schedule of the WSOP Main Event
As mentioned, 88 poker events are running during the WSOP Main Circuit, which usually takes place over six weeks. In 2022, the WSOP circuit happened between 31st May and 20th July.
This period sees players from all over the world converging for a brief period to lose themselves in the world of poker. However, while there are several tournaments with bracelets to win, the most coveted bracelet is granted to the winner of the Main Event.
If you’re reading this article, you probably know how tournament play works. Players are gradually eliminated over the course of the tournament until you’re left with the final table. The player who manages to hold onto his chips when everyone is eliminated is the winner.
Most tournaments last 2 or 3 days. However, the WSOP main event lasts for 14 days because there are far too many players that must be eliminated.
Here’s what the WSOP main event schedule looked like in 2022:
| July 3rd | Day 1A |
| July 4th | Day 1B |
| July 5th | Day 1C |
| July 6th | Day 1D |
| July 7th | Day 2 A, B |
| July 8th | Day 2 C, D |
| July 9th | Day 3 |
| July 10th | Day 4 |
| July 11th | Day 5 |
| July 12th | Day 6 |
| July 13th | Day 7 |
| July 14th | Break |
| July 15th | Final Table Day 1 |
| July 16th | Final Table Day 2 |
Notice how the first four days are Day 1 A, B, C, and D.
These are considered the starting field, where a new tournament with fresh blinds is held every day. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
- The qualified players from Day 1A and Day 1B play together on Day 2A, B.
- Similarly, the players from Day 1C and 1D play together on Day 2C, D.
- While the tournament officially says day two, day 2 C, D actually happens on the 6th day after the start of the main event.
- Once both day twos have concluded, the remaining players will be joined together on day 3 (which is actually the seventh day of the main event).
- The tournament continues as usual for the next five days until day 7 (the eleventh day of the main event).
- After day 7, the players get a day’s break before the final table commences.
- The final table game happens over two days, with a winner declared at the end of a grueling, fourteen-day poker game.
Day 1 is split into four parts, and you only have to attend one of the days. And you only attend one more selection if you make it to day 2. However, after that, players are required to play every day until they’re eliminated, or the winner is declared at the final table.
WSOP 2023
Here is the most likely schedule for WSOP in 2023 (there still might be changes in next weeks, until WSOP knows more exactly how many players will be registering):
The WSOP main event in 2023 lasts for 14 days because there are far too many players that must be eliminated.
Here’s what the WSOP main event 2023 schedule:
| July 3rd | Day 1A |
| July 4th | Day 1B |
| July 5th | Day 1C |
| July 6th | Day 1D |
| July 7th | Day 2 A, B, C |
| July 8th | Day 2 D |
| July 9th | Day 3 |
| July 10th | Day 4 |
| July 11th | Day 5 |
| July 12th | Day 6 |
| July 13th | Day 7 |
| July 14th | Day 8 (playing down to the final table) |
| July 15th | Day 9 (Break) |
| July 16th | Final Table Day 1 (Play from 9 to 4 palyers) |
| July 17th | Final Table Day 2 (4 players to a winner) |
Other WSOP Games
Now you have a fair idea of how the WSOP Main Event works. Thousands of players across the globe, from beginners to veterans, buy in at the Main Event to aim for a shot at the title.
However, the spectacle of the WSOP lasts for seven weeks (30th May to 18th July 2022). There are 95 poker tournaments that take place during this time. Some of these are satellites to get into the main event, and others are held for their own sake, with juicy cash prizes and a bracelet.
Most of these games last between two and five days, with some happening even during the main event so eliminated players can continue playing elsewhere. Here are a few smaller tournaments that occur during the WSOP circuit over six weeks.
- Heads-Up No-Limit Championship: This tournament takes place over three days and is a heads-up game, with participants playing against only one other player at any given time.
- Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better: Omaha is a popular poker variant, and the WSOP has several Omaha events for fans of the game. This event also lasts three days.
- $3000 No Limit Hold’Em: A regular no-limit hold’em game with a $3000 buy-in. This tournament takes place over four days, and it’s a great way to warm up for the main event.
- $300 Gladiators of poker No-Limit Hold’em: Cheapest tournament in WSOP 2023, with a great $3,000,000 guaranteed prize pool.
- Tournament of Champions: This tournament is a freeroll that happens a few days after the main event is concluded. The game is open to all bracelet winners over the six weeks of the WSOP circuit.
These are just a few of the poker events that happen during the WSOP. The World Series tournaments started with several poker variants like Razz, 7-Card Stud, H.O.R.S.E, and Omaha. Today the tournaments consist of mostly no-limit Texas hold’em events.
However, you’ll still find Razz, Seven-Card Stud, Omaha, and the occasional H.O.R.S.E tournament during the circuit. So keep your eyes peeled if you’re interested in playing one of these tournaments during the WSOP.
Do you know how many hours a day contestants play in the WSOP? Read my guide to learn more about it. You’ll also learn how to stay focused during many hours of play.
Final Thoughts
The Main Event is often referred to as the WSOP and lasts for two weeks. However, the WSOP is a poker retreat that spans almost two months, with players from all over the world showing up to compete.
While the main event is the most prestigious, there are enormous payouts even for winners of the smaller events. Not to mention a shiny WSOP bracelet you can brag about for the rest of your life.