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WSOP 2024: Everything You Must Know

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) announced its highly anticipated full schedule on 17th February and poker players across the world were making notes. As a poker player who aspires to grind in the coveted series, it is very important to get your trip planned well in advance with all the necessary boxes ticked off. Travelling to Las Vegas for the WSOP can be an exciting experience for new players. So to ensure you folks have a hassle-free journey, here are some quick pointers to remember.

• Plan your travel
• Budget for expenses 
• Book your accommodation
• Pack accordingly 
• Tournament registration
• Exploring Las Vegas 
• Stay informed 

WSOP Air Tickets

Travel to the US via flight is not cheap, especially during the summer time. You should get an early start when it comes to booking your flight tickets to Las Vegas from the time the series dates are announced or when the full schedule is revealed. Take a look below for some flight options (one way) from cities like Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore and Kolkata. Players looking for cheapest fares we’ve got you covered, and for those looking for shorter duration flights, we have those listed as well. 

Mumbai

New Delhi

Bangalore

Kolkata

Overall flight tickets (one way economy) will cost you between ₹90,000-₹1,20,000.

Note: Flight prices can fluctuate depending on airlines, time of booking, and travel dates. It’s wise to compare prices across airlines and booking platforms.

WSOP visa requirements: Documents required for US tourist visa

As an Indian national you will be travelling to WSOP as a tourist and hence will require the B2 visa. Check out the documents required to get the B2 visa.

• Valid India passport
• Proof of funds
• Letter stating the reason travelling to the US
• Insurance coverage
• Details of stay in the US
• Air tickets
• Evidence for return to home country
• Financial documents

For poker players seeking to compete in the United States, the P-1A visa serves as a viable option. This visa category, designed for athletes, encompasses individuals who engage in competitive sports. Specifically, the P-1A visa is intended for athletes who have achieved international recognition or are members of a major league sports team, or both. Given that poker is a competition-based game, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recognizes poker players as athletes for visa purposes.

How to apply for a US tourist visa?

• Apply for the visa through an online application
• Submit your fingerprint and picture
• Submit necessary documents and DS 160 form
• Visa application fees
• Schedule an appointment with the visa authorities for form submission
• Complete the US visa interview process
• You will be granted the US tourist visa if found eligible

USA Visa fees

The visa application fee is non-refundable in nature. This application fee for a non-immigrant visa is approximately $185. The petition-based visas like work or religious visas will cost around $205.

Accommodation in Las Vegas for WSOP

Las Vegas offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets, including some budget-friendly hotels along the strip. Here are a few options you might consider and fall in the range of $115-$200/per night.

Note: Accommodation prices can fluctuate depending on the location, time of booking, and duration of stay. 

Excalibur Hotel & Casino 

Excalibur offers affordable rooms and is located near the southern end of the strip. It has a medieval theme and offers a range of dining and entertainment options.

Flamingo Las Vegas 

Flamingo is a mid-range hotel located in the centre of the strip. It offers a tropical theme, a wildlife habitat, and a range of dining options.

The LINQ Hotel + Experience 

The LINQ is a modern hotel located in the centre of the strip, offering affordable rooms and a range of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

Circus Circus Hotel & Resort

Located towards the northern end of the strip, Circus Circus offers affordable rooms and a range of family-friendly entertainment options, including an indoor theme park.

Stratosphere Hotel, Casino & Tower 

Located towards the northern end of the strip, Stratosphere offers affordable rooms and a range of dining and entertainment options. It also features an observation deck with panoramic views of the city.

Keep in mind that hotel prices in Las Vegas can vary depending on the time of year and any ongoing events or conventions. It’s a good idea to book your accommodation in advance to secure the best rates. Additionally, consider signing up for hotel loyalty programs or booking through discount travel websites to potentially save even more money on your stay.

While hotel accommodation is not recommended for longer stay, if you absolutely have to opt for a hotel then keep a budget of approximately $5,200-$9,000 for a duration of at least 45 days.

Renting homes in Las Vegas for WSOP

Renting a house close to the Las Vegas strip can be a great option if you can share the space with a group of people. It is commonly observed that players from the same country usually rent a house/villa/multiple bedroom apartment. To look for the above-mentioned options you can check out below: 

Airbnb

Airbnb offers a wide range of houses, apartments, and condos for rent in Las Vegas, including many options close to the strip. You can filter your search based on location, price, and amenities to find the perfect place for your stay.

• Cost $900-$2,500/per month

VRBO

Vacation Rentals By Owner (VRBO) offers a variety of vacation rentals in Las Vegas, including houses closer to the strip. You can find options ranging from cozy cottages to luxurious villas, depending on your budget and preferences. This option is viable if you can tag along with 4-5 other players and book a house with multiple bedroom options. 

• $9,400-$10,000/ per month for 4-5 bedroom homes (excluding additional taxes and charges)

Local Rental Agencies for WSOP

There are also local rental agencies in Las Vegas that specialise in short-term vacation rentals. These agencies may have listings for houses near the strip that are not available through online platforms.

When searching for a rental house, be sure to consider factors such as proximity to the strip, amenities (such as parking and kitchen facilities), and reviews from previous guests. 

• Overall cost for room/house rentals would come to approximately $1,400-$15,000 for a period of at least 45 days.

WSOP 2024 Registration Process

The registration process for the WSOP 2024 is pretty simple and there is more than one way to do it. Those who are comfortable doing the registration on the spot can head to the WSOP registration area located within the event venue at Paris and Horseshoe Las Vegas.

Players only have the following ways to make payments for their buy-ins:

• Pay via cash
• Pay using credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express)
• Make wire transfers
• Cashier’s checks drawn from accredited banks which are made out in the player or Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino’s name
• Buy gaming chips from Paris or Horseshoe 
• WSOP Tournament Account: When participating in WSOP tournaments, players should be aware of the additional fees associated with credit/debit card transactions and WSOP Tournament Account activities. To ensure a smooth process, individuals using credit/debit cards for tournament buy-ins must present a valid ID that matches the name of the cardholder printed on their credit/debit cards being used for the transaction.

Grinders can buy WSOP tournament credit using any of the above-mentioned payment methods. This will enable you to buy into any WSOP tourney (in-person/online). Any tournament credit which is not utilised will be refunded after the WSOP event ends. 

WSOP 2024 Required Documentation

Players have to bring valid photo identification proof for the registration process. This could be any of the following:

US Nationals

• Passport
• Driver’s licence
• State identification card
• Military identification card

International Players

• Passport (valid)
• Driver’s licence (issued by a foreign government)
• Consular ID or matrícula consular card (Mexico only)
• Alien registration card

Note: If the identification proof lacks a physical address, a second form of identification which mentions a physical address will be needed.

Additionally, if a player paid for his/her buy-in using a credit card, must carry a valid identification card that matches his/her name to the one mentioned on the credit card.

WSOP 2024 Online Registration 

Players can register for WSOP 2024 online through the Bravo Poker Live’s website. To register via this site, players need to have an active and valid Caesars Rewards account along with a Bravo Poker Live account. Registration on both the accounts is free of cost.

Players can register online using the following methods:

• Wire transfer: Players must complete online registration 14 days prior to the start of the WSOP event 
• Credit card authorisation
• Automated Clearing House (ACH) network:

Note: Registration done for the first-time by credit card or ACH transaction requires an in-person verification. After registering, players have to show the credit card used for the payments (if applicable), along with a valid ID card at the WSOP verification area.

Players who have registered online, have to finalise their registration on-site as well. This can be done at the WSOP verification area at the two designated venues. 

Online-registered players have to show a current valid photo identification proof like passport, state identification card, driver’s licence, or military identification card. You can then take your ticket from any WSOP verification area, or get a print from any WSOP kiosk.

Note: WSOP 2024: Participants paying for their Tournament registrations via wire transfer or ACH will need to do so through Bravo TBIC.

WSOP tournaments to play

While the WSOP 2024 schedule may look quite enticing, one has to play within one’s budget. For a first timer at WSOP, playing tourneys under $3,000 would be the ideal way to go about the series. WSOP has added plenty of options in the Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha category of tournaments. Check out the list of events under the above buy-in level and required details. 

Overall WSOP 2024 buy-in budget comes to $46,077.

If you want to earn some more from poker but away from WSOP, you can check out poker games at the locations below.

• 22nd May – 18th July – The Wynn Summer Classic – Wynn Las Vegas
• 20th May – 31st July – DeepStack Championship Poker Series – The Venetian Resort
• 29th May – 8th July 2024 – Summer Poker Festival – MGM Grand
• 25th June 2024 – Ladies Warm Up – Horseshoe Las Vegas Hotel & Casino

Apart from the above, players can participate in daily tournaments hosted at the below venues: 

Now that we know where all players can grind beyond WSOP tournaments, how about getting some advice from senior pros? These players have a ton of WSOP and Las Vegas experience so who better than them to take a wise word from. We spoke to Abhishek Goindi, Dhaval Mudgal and Paawan Bansal and asked for some advice they would like to share with the first timers at WSOP. 

Abhishek Goindi 

The Poker BootCamp India (PBCI) co-founder recommends playing within your bankroll. He mentioned: “Play as per your budget and do not FOMO (fear of missing out) into high-value tourneys. It could be super overwhelming when it comes to picking tourneys especially when there are so many events with massive prize pools. The PokerBaazi Team Pro also states that one should look at the duration of the tourneys as this will affect the overall grinding schedule. 

This sports loving pro, recommends playing at the Gold Coast Bowling Centre and The Arena when asked about how one could decompress after an intense grind. We also asked Abhishek Goindi for a quick tip on accommodation at the strip. He replied:

“Pick a spot within 10 minutes distance (either walking or cab) from the WSOP venues.” 

Goindi also happily shared his pick for a must-visit restaurant in the form of  Sushisamba at the Venetian if budget is not a constraint.

Dhaval Mudgal: 

The Pocket52 Team Pro, Dhaval Mudgal shared an important advice when he said: 

“It is very tough to remain disciplined in Las Vegas. An insane array of options at multiple casinos will tempt you a lot but try and stick to the plan and don’t push yourselves too hard too early. By the time the Main Event comes around, a lot of people are already exhausted and broke.”

Paawan Bansal:

Paawan Bansal who has ample international live poker experience shared a crucial tip when he said the following. 

“If the factors surrounding poker are not in your control, everything can fall apart within a couple of bad weeks. Select games wisely and play to your strengths which will put you in a good stead to have a successful series.”

Food, nightclubs and more in Las Vegas

WSOP does not have to be all work and no fun. Below we are listing food, entertainment, night clubs, breakfast and coffee options for those who don’t wish to be uninformed when exploring a place like Las Vegas. 

Dining in Las Vegas

The Las Vegas strip is home to a wide range of dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining restaurants, check out the popular places to eat along the famous strip.

Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen 

Located at Caesars Palace, this restaurant offers a menu inspired by the TV show ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ and features dishes created by the world renowned chef Gordon Ramsay.

• Cost: $95.95/per person

Mon Ami Gabi 

Situated at the Paris Las Vegas, this French bistro offers a great view of the strip and serves classic French dishes. You can give this one a try if French cuisine is your thing. 

• Cost: $75-$125/per person

The Buffet at Wynn Las Vegas

Wynn Las Vegas is known for its upscale buffet offering a wide variety of dishes. Be it seafood, sushi, Italian or American cuisine, this place offers an impressive menu. They have 16 kitchens to serve the crowd that it welcomes throughout the week. 

Visitors have a time limit of 120 minutes to wind up their meals. If you plan on visiting on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, you will get to experience their gourmet brunch. 

• Cost: $50-$100/per person

Mastro’s Ocean Club

This seafood and steak place at The Shops at Crystals is known for its lively ambiance (think live music) and high-quality dishes. This spot will be loved by the vegetarian crowd as well, with some great dishes available which do not compromise on the quality or variety. 

• Cost – $100+/per person

Joël Robuchon

For a truly luxurious dining experience, consider Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand, offering a multi-course tasting menu by the acclaimed French chef, Joël Robuchon. Remember this option may cause a deep hole in your pocket but proves to be a once in a lifetime experience. Robuchon was named Chef of the Century by Gault Millau in 1989. If you want an experience, this is it. 

• Cost – $500/per person

Bacchanal Buffet

This one is another buffet option, located at Caesars Palace, known for its extensive selection of dishes and upscale atmosphere. There are 10 stations from where you can fill your plate from. This place has 10 interconnected kitchens dishing out 250 standalone dishes. You will have around 90 minutes to wind up  your meal, so make the most of it. 

• Cost: $50-$100/per person

Momofuku 

Situated at The Cosmopolitan, this restaurant offers a modern twist on Asian cuisine. Momofuku also offers a private dining area with a capacity for 20 guests. This private dining space has its own entrance and separate bathrooms and offers a view of the Bellagio fountains.This private dining experience will cost a minimum of $1,500.

• Cost: $50-$100/per person for general area

These are just a few of the many dining options available on the Las Vegas strip. 

• Overall the food budget would fall in the range of $3,000-$5,000 for a period of 45 days.

The Las Vegas strip is renowned for its sparkling nightlife and trust us you don’t want to skip on it. Here are some party places along the strip:

Omnia 

Located at Caesars Palace, Omnia is known for its high-energy atmosphere, top DJs, and stunning design, featuring a rooftop terrace with a view of the strip. Fun trivia: Taylor Swift’s ex Calvin Harris was a DJ once at the Omnia. 

• Cost: $100+/per person

XS 

Situated at the Wynn Las Vegas, XS is one of the most popular nightclubs in Vegas, known for its large dance floor, outdoor pool area, and amazing DJ line-up. Names of DJs? You will groove to The Chainsmokers, Marshmello, Dillon Francis and Diplo and many alike. 

• Cost: $100+/per person (excluding cover charge of $25-$75)

Hakkasan 

Located at the MGM Grand, Hakkasan is a massive nightclub (sprawling 80,000-square-foot) known for its impressive production, world-class DJs, and luxurious ambiance. When it comes to DJs, you will be dancing to the tunes of world-famous pros like Lil Jon and Steve Aoki. Cost of dining differs depending on where you are seated in the club. Private dining area is also available. The private dining table prices range between $1,000-$3,000. 

• Cost: $200+/per person in general area

Marquee 

Found at The Cosmopolitan, Marquee is a multi-level nightclub with different rooms offering music from varied genres, along with a rooftop pool deck. Overall this spot can accommodate 5,000 party people across The Main Room, The Boom Box, and The Library, with each offering a vibe unlike other. 

• Cost: $120+/per person

Drai’s 

Drai’s, located at The Cromwell, can accommodate around 2,500 guests. This spot offers both indoor and outdoor party spaces, with live performances and a panoramic view of the strip. This party venue spans over 7,000 square feet and houses an 80-sided LED disco ball, cool, right? Party goers can enjoy the luxurious rooftop patio. 

• Cost: Starts at $700/for poolside table 

These are just a few of the many nightlife options available on the Las Vegas strip. Always check the club’s schedule and make reservations in advance, especially for special nights with star performers.

For budget party places, you can check out the below which cost approximately under $100 (excluding cover charge). 

• Jewel, ARIA Resort & Casino
• LIV, Fontainebleau Las Vegas
• Chateau, Paris Las Vegas

Coffee Spots

Coffee lovers are in for a treat as the Las Vegas strip and the area around has some great coffee spots. Check below:

Starbucks 

There are several Starbucks locations along the strip, offering a variety of coffee drinks in hot and cold coffee options. You can grab pastries, and other snacks along with your coffee.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf 

Just like the Starbucks stop, this one is a no-nonsense coffee outlet with a variety of coffee drinks available in hot and cold along with seasonal offerings.

Fuel Coffee Bar 

Located inside the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Fuel Coffee Bar offers a variety of coffee drinks, pastries, and sandwiches.

Sambalatte Torrefazione

This coffee shop at the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino offers a variety of coffee drinks made with their own roasted beans.

Café Belle Madeleine

Located at Paris Las Vegas, this café offers a variety of coffee drinks, pastries, and desserts in a French-inspired setting.

• Cost: $6.75-$7.50/per serving

Breakfast

Coming to the breakfast spots, there are some good places located at the strip and areas nearby which will ensure you never go on an empty stomach for your grind. 

Mon Ami Gabi 

Located at Paris Las Vegas, this French bistro offers a great breakfast menu with options like crepes, omelets, and French toast, along with a view of the Strip.

Hexx Kitchen + Bar 

Located at Paris Las Vegas, Hexx offers a breakfast menu featuring items like pancakes, waffles, and eggs benedict, made with locally sourced ingredients.

Hash House A Go Go

Located at The LINQ Hotel + Experience, Hash House A Go Go is known for its hearty breakfast dishes, including their famous twisted farm food creations like their oversized pancakes and creative hashes.

The Stove 

 

Located near the Horseshoe, The Stove offers a diverse breakfast menu with options like avocado toast, breakfast burritos, and creative pancake dishes.

Eggslut 

Located at The Cosmopolitan, Eggslut offers a menu focused on egg-centric dishes, including their popular ‘Slut’ (a smooth potato purée coupled with a coddled egg which is poached in a glass jar. Served with gray salt and chives on top with slices of baguette).

• Cost: $15-$30/per day

These are just a few options, and there are many more breakfast spots near Paris Las Vegas and Horseshoe to explore! Some budget options include restaurants like the ones listed below.  These will cost you a breakfast well under $20.

• Village Pub and Cafe
• Denny’s
• America at New York New York
• The BOSS Cafe
• Blondies Sports Bar & Grill 
• Sourdough 
• Cafe, Earl of Sandwich
• Primrose

Hookah Lovers

There are several places on the Las Vegas strip where you can enjoy hookah. Here are a few popular options:

Cleo at SLS Las Vegas 

Cleo offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu and a variety of hookah flavours in a stylish setting.

La Casa Cigars & Lounge 

Located at Tropicana Las Vegas, La Casa offers a selection of premium cigars and hookah, along with a full bar and comfortable seating.

Kush Fine Art Gallery 

 

Kush is a hookah lounge and art gallery located at Mandalay Bay, offering a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy hookah and view contemporary art.

Nebula Hookah Lounge 

Located at the MGM Grand, Nebula offers a variety of hookah flavours in a sleek and modern lounge setting.

Paymon’s Hookah Lounge

Located just off the strip, Paymon’s offers a cozy and relaxed atmosphere to enjoy hookah and Mediterranean cuisine.

Please note that smoking regulations in Las Vegas may vary, so be sure to check with the establishment regarding their rules.

Entertainment

The Las Vegas strip is home to several world-class theaters that host a variety of shows, including musicals, concerts, magic shows, and more. Here are some popular theater options along the strip:

The Colosseum at Caesars Palace

This iconic theater has hosted residency shows by artists like Celine Dion, Elton John, and Mariah Carey, among others.

• Cost: $84.39/per ticket

MGM Grand Garden Arena 

While primarily known as an arena for concerts and sporting events, MGM Grand Garden Arena also hosts theatrical performances and shows.

• Cost: $64-$650 (depending on the row)

Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood

This theater has hosted residency shows by artists like Jennifer Lopez, Gwen Stefani, and Shania Twain, as well as other entertainment events.

• Cost: $300-$3,000/per ticket depending on the event hosted

Sphere

If you wish to witness in person the world’s largest holographic display then visit Sphere without fail. This place is towards the east of the Las Vegas strip which offers a chance to interact with robots and more immersive experiences.

• Cost: Starts at $114/per ticket

We hope the above player guide and tips from seasoned pros help you in the best possible way when it comes to cruising through the upcoming WSOP 2024. If you have any recommendations or tips, do write to us at  contact@gutshotmagazine.com. For more such articles, keep reading Gutshot Magazine.

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