What is a WSOP Step Satellite?

The World Series of Poker is right around the corner, and thousands of hopeful poker players will be looking for ways to take a shot at the big game. Since most people do not have $10,000 to risk on a poker tournament, they will be looking to the satellite system to earn their seat. One satellite method for getting into the World Series of Poker will be the step satellite.

Why are There WSOP Step Satellites?

In a traditional satellite, ten players compete in a single table winner-take-all tournament. Each player puts up a tenth of the fee for the main tournament (plus a small service charge to the casino) and whoever has all the chips at the end has enough to play in the main event. To play in the main event of the WSOP, ten players would put up $1,000 + casino fee, and the $10,000 in the prize pool would be enough to pay for one seat.

The problem is that even $1,000 may be a little steep for someone who doesn’t know what his or her chances are of cashing in the main event. That’s where the step satellite comes in. A step satellite allows a player a shot at the main event for $100 or less, which is within the means of most players.

How Does the WSOP Step Satellite Work?

Essentially, it is a multi-level satellite system. If you win the first satellite, you advance to the next “step.” Win that one, and you may have enough for a seat, or you may have to play one more. For example, you put down $100 for a single table step satellite. If you beat the other nine players at the table, you get a seat at the next step, which is worth $1,000. Nine other players who won their first step compete against you, creating the $1,000 needed for the seat.

Are There Different Kinds of WSOP Step Satellites?

Yes, there can be different numbers of steps and more than one seat – read poker room reviews to find a satellite tournament structure that suits you. The step satellite mentioned above is a “double shootout,” since you have to be the outright winner of two tables. However, there can be a three or more steps satellite that results in a prize pool of over $10,000 at the final step, allowing more than one player in the final step to win a seat. The type of step satellites available will depend on the site or casino where you are trying to earn your way in.