PokerListings Pulse #37: From Beginner’s Guides to WCOOP Championship

WCOOP 2024: Let the Poker Battle Begin!

The week started with the World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP), which back for its 2024 edition, and it’s bigger than ever.

With over $80 million guaranteed across the series, even the most seasoned pros are clearing their schedules. Running from September 8^th to October 2^nd on PokerStars, WCOOP is the one series where the online poker world stops and stares. If you’ve been itching for some high-stakes action, this is your chance.

The Main Events, kicking off on September 29^th, are where things get serious. With buy-ins ranging from $109 to $10,300, there’s something for everyone. The $109 event boasts a $2.5 million guarantee, the $1,050 event promises $3.5 million, and the $10,300 high-roller event comes with a jaw-dropping $5 million guarantee.

WCOOP 2024

WSOP 1979 – Hal Fowler Becomes the New Champion

Let’s rewind to 1979, when the tenth annual World Series of Poker (WSOP) was held in Las Vegas. The WSOP was still finding its footing as a global brand, but it had already cemented itself as a major event for poker enthusiasts across the U.S.

In 1978, Bobby Baldwin’s Main Event victory signaled the arrival of a new generation of players — those who didn’t come from the high-stakes underground games but had learned poker in the newly emerging poker rooms and casinos.

In 1979, Hal Fowler shocked the poker world by defeating the old guard of pros to take down the Main Event. Fowler’s victory was unexpected, but it ushered in a new era for the WSOP, much like how today’s online poker boom has transformed the game. His win was a reminder that in poker, underdogs always have a shot at greatness.

WSOP 1979 – Hal Fowler

A Beginner’s Guide for Poker Players

For those just starting their poker journey, it can feel like you’ve been dropped into a maze of unfamiliar jargon and strategies. Fear not — PokerListings has put together a comprehensive beginner’s guide to help you navigate the world of poker without breaking a sweat. This guide covers everything from basic strategy to choosing the best poker streams, blogs, and even poker schools to improve your game.

Want to learn from the best? We’ve highlighted educational poker streams on platforms like Twitch and YouTube, where pros explain their thought processes and strategies live.

We’ve also rounded up the most informative blogs from poker legends like Phil Galfond and Benjamin Rolle, offering a wealth of insights for players of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking to study solvers or just want to follow your favorite poker personalities, this guide has you covered.

Kid Poker: “I’m Going to Play Poker as Long as I Can Physically Perform”

Daniel “Kid Poker” Negreanu sat down with Sean Kelly on the Digital Social Hour podcast for a deep dive into the art of poker and his long-running career. Negreanu opened up about his uncanny ability to read hands — a skill that’s been a key part of his success since the beginning. With anecdotes about “deck energy” and tarot card readers, Negreanu shared how his intuition has shaped his game over the years.

The conversation also touched on Negreanu’s longevity in the game. While many of his peers have faded from the spotlight, Negreanu has stayed at the top by embracing new strategies and staying humble enough to learn from younger players. His secret?

A combination of passion, hard work, and a willingness to evolve with the game. Whether you’re a fan of poker or just curious about what makes Negreanu tick, this interview is a must-watch.

Kid Poker: “I’m Going

Why Do Poker Rooms Require Identity Verification?

Ever wonder why every poker room under the sun seems to need your ID, proof of address, and other personal details? It’s all part of the Know Your Customer (KYC) process, which ensures online poker rooms are compliant with international laws.

KYC helps prevent fraud, money laundering, and other shady activities. While it might seem like a hassle, it’s all in the name of protecting both you and the poker operator.

Verification can come in many forms, from traditional ID checks to biometric scans and even multi-factor authentication.

In this guide, we break down the different methods poker rooms use to verify your identity and why it’s so important. Plus, we touch on the future of verification, with trusted identity networks like Google and Facebook making it easier than ever to confirm who you are without jumping through too many hoops.

A WCOOP 2024 Week: High Rollers, Big Wins, and One Tonkaaaa Triumph

WCOOP 2024 is in full swing, and it’s been a whirlwind of action from the get-go.

Monday saw Christopher “lissi stinkt” Frank nearly pull off an incredible double victory, securing his third WCOOP title in the $1,050 PLO event before falling short in the $1,050 Mystery Warm-Up. Meanwhile, Guillaume “Nolet20” Nolet snagged his second WCOOP title in that same Mystery Warm-Up event.

Lex Veldhuis, one of poker’s biggest streaming stars, finally claimed his first-ever WCOOP title this week, winning the $5,200 Bounty Builder Super High Roller. Veldhuis’s triumph came amidst a stacked field, including familiar faces like Jerry “perrymejsen” Odeen, who made headlines again by capturing his seventh WCOOP title in the $320 NLHE event.

High rollers also had their moment, with “IgamiI€120” pocketing $189,477 after a deal in the $10,300 NLHE Super Tuesday. And let’s not forget Parker “tonkaaaa” Talbot, who added a fifth WCOOP title to his collection by taking down the $1,050 World Championship of H.O.R.S.E.

A WCOOP 2024 Week: High Rollers, Big Wins, and One Tonkaaaa Triumph