Blog

5 Reasons Why Players Don’t Like the WSOP

5 Reasons Why Players Don’t Like the WSOP
Image
Alex Sakuta Content Editor
  • Fact Checked by: PokerListings
  • Last updated on: March 23, 2025 · 6 minutes to read

Very soon, tens of thousands of players from all over the world will gather in Las Vegas, united by one dream: winning a WSOP bracelet. For some, this will be their first trip. To make sure you have the best experience possible, we’ve put together this guide on five reasons why players don’t like the WSOP — and how to deal with these inconveniences.

Reason 1: The Climate

The climate during WSOP tournament.

Remember: when you travel to the WSOP, you’re traveling to the desert.

There are probably only three valid reasons to go to a desert:

  • To see the Pyramids of Giza (in the Libyan Desert)
  • To attend the Burning Man festival (in the Black Rock Desert)
  • To play the WSOP (in the Mojave Desert)

Other than that, there’s little reason to willingly visit a place where temperatures in June can reach 40°C (104°F). Some players — and their family members — refuse to make the trip to Las Vegas altogether. And let’s be honest, enduring such heat is tough at any age.

What to do?

The easiest solution: don’t go to the WSOP (just kidding) or reschedule your trip to WSOP Europe, which will take place from September 17 to October 8, 2025, at King’s Resort in Rozvadov, Czech Republic — where you definitely won’t melt under the sun.

But if you’re heading to Vegas, here are some simple tips:

  • Wear lightweight, breathable clothing – cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics. Ever wonder why Phil Hellmuth always wears a tracksuit? If the heat is extreme, wear a long-sleeve shirt and light pants to protect yourself from direct sunlight.
  • Wear a cap and sunglasses – not just for sun protection, but also to hide your emotions at the table.
  • Drink more water. A lot more than usual. Bring your own bottle — water is expensive in the casinos (more on that later).
  • Use SPF 50+ sunscreen – so your skin looks flawless in your winner’s photo with the bracelet.

In short: stay hydrated and hide from the heat.

Reason 2: Catching a Cold

Wait… a cold? In this kind of heat?

It’s simple: outside, it’s scorching hot, but inside, air conditioning is blasting everywhere. Indoor temperatures can easily be twice as low as outside. Getting sick from the constant shifts between extreme heat and cold air is surprisingly easy.

What to do?

  • Protect yourself from the cold — as ironic as that sounds in the desert. Bringing a hoodie, sweater, or scarf is always +EV.
  • Stay hydrated. Air conditioning dries out the air (remember, you’re in a desert). Drink more water and use moisturizing lotion (apply it under your SPF).
  • Avoid direct airflow from air conditioners. Even if you’re feeling hot, don’t let cold air blow directly on you. If there’s an AC vent aimed at you at the table, put on your hoodie.

Adjust gradually to temperature changes. When entering or leaving a building, pause near the entrance for a minute to let your body acclimate.

Reason 3: The Food

The food on the wsop tournaments.

Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/poker/comments/149mkc4/a_bag_of_chips_a_la_carte_is_9_at_the_wsop_this/

Two things will surprise you in Las Vegas: the world famous shows and the food prices.

A bottle of water = $10. A hot dog = $15. Welcome to the WSOP!

Every year, the story repeats itself: on Reddit, Twitter, and other social media, players post photos of menus and outrageous food prices. Web pages with “WSOP Food Tips” keep racking up thousands of views. Food at the WSOP is expensive and often not great.

What to do?

Bring your own food. Here’s what to pack:

  • Protein bars – nutritious and convenient.
  • Nuts and dried fruits – keep you full and provide energy.
  • Bananas or apples – light, healthy, and won’t make a mess.
  • Beef jerky – high in protein and doesn’t need refrigeration.
  • Chocolate – quick carbs for your brain and a little joy after your latest bad beat.

What NOT to bring?

  • Greasy food – if you eat wings at the table, you’ll get chips and cards greasy, and your opponents will want to bust you faster.
  • Bread and pastries – make you sleepy.
  • Soda and energy drinks – sugar spikes lead to crashes.
  • Yogurt or dairy snacks – spoil quickly without a fridge.

And one more thing: bringing a bottle of water is NEVER a mistake!

Reason 4: The Lines

lines on the wsop tournaments.
source: wsop.com

So, you’re dressed light, wearing your lucky cap and the darkest sunglasses you own. You’ve applied sunscreen, packed your food and water, grabbed your money — you’re ready to crush your opponents.

But wait… not so fast. Did you register for your tournament?

If you’re planning to play the $1,500 Millionaire Maker or the $400 Colossus (which attract 10K–20K players), get in line for registration. At WSOP 2023, the registration line for Colossus was two hours long! Many players spent more time in line than at the actual poker table.

What to do?

  • Register the night before to avoid the rush.
  • Use online pre-registration through the Bravo Poker Live app, which has partnered with WSOP since 2016. To register online, you must complete WSOP FasTrac verification at the Champagne Ballroom to confirm your account. After that, you can select your events online, use self-service kiosks in the Paris Convention Center to print your seat cards, and go directly to your table. Check the Registration section on the WSOP website for full details.

Registration isn’t the only line you need to worry about. There’s also the bathroom line.

Imagine several hundred players all trying to use the restroom during a 20-minute break. You need a plan for this.

  • Locate the nearest bathrooms — some are less crowded than others. WSOP 2024 Main Event Champion Jonathan Tamayo mentioned in an interview that he knows the best hidden spots.
  • Consider heading to the restroom a couple of minutes before the break to beat the rush.

But remember: If you’re in a hand and your cards are still live, you CANNOT leave for the restroom. The floor will issue a warning!

Reason 5: Bad Dealers

Accidentally registered for HORSE or Nine Game Mix but don’t know all the poker rules? Not sure how to bet in Razz/Stud? 

No worries — there’s a good chance the dealer doesn’t know either. Get ready for a learning session with the whole table.

Many players agree: you won’t find worse dealers anywhere than at the WSOP in Las Vegas. And honestly, it’s not surprising. The series is massive, requiring a huge number of dealers, many of whom are hired off the street with minimal experience.

Dealers make mistakes and deal slowly. This happens in Hold’em, but it’s even worse in mixed games or Omaha Hi/Lo when a side pot is involved, and there are both Lo & Hi hands to sort out. It was like this 15 years ago, and it’s still the same today.

What to do?

  • Stay calm. Dealer mistakes shouldn’t affect your mood or game.
  • Be patient. If it weren’t for the dealers, who would deal your cards and manage the game?
  • If the dealer miscounts the pot, let them figure it out. Don’t interfere unless absolutely necessary.
  • If the situation becomes critical, call the floor.

All in all…

Every poker lover dreams of playing at the WSOP at least once — if not to win a bracelet, then just to experience it. All the downsides are outweighed by one huge plus: the WSOP is a legendary series with an unforgettable atmosphere.

Most importantly — if you’re at the WSOP, enjoy the experience! And good luck!

Recommended