Chris Moneymaker Gives Tips on Finding Success at WSOP

08:51
24 Jun

The 2023 WSOP marks the 20th anniversary of Chris Moneymaker and his historic run to victory in the Main Event after nabbing a seat to the tournament via an online satellite.

The $2.5 million payday certainly changed Moneymaker's life. He is currently a Team Pro at Americas Cardroom with an additional $1.5 million in tourney cashes on his resume since that fateful championship that sent droves of new players to the poker tables in hopes of perhaps duplicating Chris' feat.

For those preparing to take a shot in this year's Main Event - or any of the other WSOP tournaments on the 2023 schedule for that matter - Moneymaker recently imparted some tips and advice on what to do, and what not to do, to maximize your chances of success at the summer festival.

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Discipline

First on the list, it's best to keep in mind that Las Vegas is party city with round-the-clock action and a vibrant nightlife. Are you going there for the poker, the partying, or perhaps a bit of both?

"You have no idea how many times I see people who can’t keep their eyes open on a Day 2 because they stayed out partying the night before," Moneymaker said in a Poker.org article.

You can bet that there will be plenty of well-rested, sharp players lying in wait to take the chips of the partygoers who stumbled back to their hotel rooms in the wee hours of the morning. In other words, keep your priorities straight, especially if you happen to bag and tag and have a Day 2 or Day 3 to attend.

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Plan Ahead

Moneymaker also advises to "know which events you plan to play before you step foot off the plane." Going there with the intention to wing it, jumping in whatever tournaments happen to be available is certainly not the optimal strategy.

Playing in more than two events in one day isn't recommended either, as multiple busts can be devastating to your peace of mind - as well as your wallet. Chris has been there and done that, and is dead set against it.

Making a plan that includes plenty of rest, a bit of walking around for exercise, and sticking to playing events that have been highlighted well beforehand is the way to go. It also makes sense to plan some of your meals ahead of time, particularly those during the scheduled dinner break of your tournament, according to Moneymaker.

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Pace Yourself

Long days at the poker table can be grueling. There are stimuli and distractions all around you. It can be exhausting even for those who are well-rested and primed for action.

“Vegas will kick your butt if you’re not ready,” Moneymaker said. It's up to you to make sure that you're fully prepared and aware of all the things that can push you off of your game and ruin your effectiveness at the poker table.