Upcoming Events and Rising Popularity in the World of Online Poker
One of the reasons people love poker is that it is a game of skill. Unlike games of chance, like slots, that depend on luck, winning in poker requires players to employ different strategies to beat their opponents. It is thus easy for a determined player to move from beginner poker and make their way to the international tables. This progression is especially more attainable in online poker, as people can play with global players at their convenience. Once you have honed your skills enough, you can earn your seat at the international poker tournaments we will cover in this guide:
The Most Popular Online Poker Events
Online poker tournaments are entertaining, both for the players and their fans. Qualifying players compete for the top spot using all the skills they have garnered from their previous games. They bluff, hold, manage their bankrolls, and more to stay in the game. And whoever makes it to the end with the best hand wins the tournament.
But how do online poker tournaments work, given that they take place in the virtual realm? The setting is quite simple. Participating players join live poker rooms where their audio and video features are on, enabling them to see each other as the game ensues. This visibility enables them to read each other’s cues, communicate, and feel like they are in an actual poker room. Moreover, it allows them to trust the outcome more as they can see the events play out in real-time.
So, which tournaments take the cake and why?
The World Poker Tour Global
Anyone who keeps tabs on poker tournaments knows about this tour. It features some of the best poker players and some of the highest payouts you will ever see in this game. Luckily for online players, it has a live poker option, allowing them to enjoy the game from the comfort of their homes.
The games vary in buy-ins, formats, and payouts, with the much larger prize pools attracting the pros. The mini starts at $530 and comes with a $500,000 payout, while the main event has a $3,200 buy-in and pays out a whopping $3 million! There are many other games in the event, allowing even recreational players to have a chance at taking something home.
Why join this event?
- The games are not very challenging: While the payouts are high, even moderately good players have the chance to make a mark as the competition is not very fierce.
- The buy-in variability: With qualifiers starting as low as 1 cent, the buy-ins are not too hard on the players’ pockets.
To get started on this event, you need to open a WPT account and start playing to make your way up the ranks.
PokerStars
As the name suggests, this event brings together the best talent in poker. So, if you are up for a challenge that could result in a huge win and a stellar reputation, this is a great choice. It is home to regional tours and the European Poker Tour and thus has some of the best poker players in its lineup.
So, how do you get in? The tournament follows a stage format such that you work your way from the bottom to the top. The key is to win at least two stages before you can progress to the main events where the buy-ins are higher and the payouts are enough to set you up for life.
What’s unique about this event?
- It has many players: The strength of any event lies in its popularity. Since many people enjoy this tournament, you can enjoy varied competitions and prizes.
- It offers multiple chances: Players can score different seats in this event, allowing them to spread their chances.
While the event has stiff competition, it’s easy to use as a stepping stone to the European Poker Tour and other events.
GG Poker
Would you like a seat at the biggest poker tournaments in the world? This event might be the ticket to get you there. It offers an extensive poker room with multiple satellites, allowing players worldwide to try their hand at the final big win.
As such, you can use this tournament to qualify for much bigger events like the APT in Asia, the European Deepstacks, and, even more importantly, the World Series of Poker (WSOP). Qualifying for the WSOP is something that most poker players only dream of but never get to actualize, which makes this platform highly sought-after.
So, what makes this event great?
- It is challenging: Some people enjoy stiff competition and are thus more likely to enjoy this tournament than others with less competition. Players in this event are out to win. Moreover, most of them are return players and thus know a thing or two about getting the upper hand.
- It has huge payouts: The event’s popularity results in huge prize pools and, thus, huge guarantees. It’s quite easy to make a fortune from winning one of its events.
The WSOP satellites are also a plus for anyone who wants to level up to this international tournament.
The key to winning any of these tournaments is to practice playing a lot, have a solid money management plan, and make objective decisions at the table even when you are under pressure.
Final Thoughts
The rise of online poker offers players worldwide the chance to evolve from beginners to global competitors through platforms like the World Poker Tour Global, PokerStars, and GG Poker. These tournaments highlight the game’s reliance on skill over chance, offering diverse opportunities for players to win big and gain international recognition. Success in online poker hinges on continuous practice, strategic money management, and making calculated decisions under pressure.
