It\u2019s time for the annual WSOP in Las Vegas \u2013 a poker player\u2019s opportunity for fame and fortune. I\u2019ve loved the WSOP since the first year I attended in 1984. I played in three events that year, made two final tables, and it literally changed my life. I knew right then that I would never miss another WSOP, and to this day, I haven\u2019t.<\/p>\n
I can\u2019t imagine anyone has enjoyed the WSOP over the years more than me. That is with the possible exception of Phil Hellmuth \u2013 or any of the main event winners, or any of the $50k Players Championship winners, or the ONE DROP winners, or the \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026. winners.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve been asked by reporters, \u201cIf you could wish one thing for poker players, what would it be?\u201d My answer: \u201cI wish that every poker player in the world could just once in their lifetime experience the pure joy, self-satisfaction, and sense of accomplishment of winning a WSOP bracelet or a WPT title.\u201d And speaking of the World Poker Tour, please recognize that I nor anyone else at the WPT considers the WSOP to be a competitor. We consider them a partner in helping grow the game of poker.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve been fortunate to have cashed for $1m or more at the WSOP on two occasions \u2013 in the 2006 WSOP TOC (which was a freeroll that I won) and in the 2012 ONE DROP event (but it was $1m to enter that event). But I can honestly say that winning my first bracelet in \u201989 (Seven Card Stud 8 or Better) for much less money was the greatest pure joy that I\u2019ve ever experienced in poker. That was primarily because it was my \u2018world championship\u2019 as that was the game I played every day for a living back then.<\/p>\n
I will probably surpass the joy of that win if I\u2019m fortunate enough to win another bracelet at the WSOP in the next few years. That\u2019s because I now have a seven-year-old son who is always saying, \u201cDad, I want you to win a bracelet at the WSOP.\u201d I say, \u201cSon, I promise you I\u2019ll try, but they\u2019re not easy to win.\u201d But if I ever win another one, he will get it because he\u2019ll have provided me the inspiration and motivation to win. I would be so happy to win one for him.<\/p>\n
This summer will be special for me as my book, Life\u2019s A Gamble, comes out. The official launch date (when it will be available at Amazon.com and bookstores) is July 7th but it will be for sale at the WSOP in June. There will be a launch party, hosted by partypoker, on July 2nd during the WPT500 at Aria.<\/p>\n
Speaking of the WPT500 at Aria<\/a>, it is a unique, affordable, fun event with a $500+$65 buy-in with a $1m guarantee that takes place from June 27 – July 6. There are multiple Day 1\u2019s. Get through Day 1 and you\u2019re \u2018in the money\u2019. You\u2019ll come back for Day 2 on July 5th with the final table on July 6th. Hope to see you there!<\/p>\n And to all those attending the WSOP, let me say this: If you don\u2019t win a bracelet or don\u2019t even cash, don\u2019t feel bad because you lost and did your money. Feel good about yourself for having given yourself a chance to reach out and grab the brass ring, for giving yourself a chance to make your dreams come true. Never give up on your dreams. One thing is for sure – a number of people have dreams come true at the WSOP. Maybe it\u2019ll be you this year.<\/p>\n Good luck this summer!<\/p>\n Get all the latest partypoker updates from your favourite social media outlets. You can Follow us on Twitter<\/a><\/strong> and Like us on Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" It\u2019s time for the annual WSOP in Las Vegas \u2013 a poker player\u2019s opportunity for fame and fortune. I\u2019ve loved the WSOP since the first year I attended in 1984. I played in three events that year, made two final tables, and it literally changed my life. I knew right then that I would never<\/p>\nKeep up to date with all things partypoker!<\/strong><\/h3>\n