Poker, for most players, is neither a profession nor a profitable venture. It is entertainment, and often very high quality entertainment, that has a lot of value beyond the money won or lost in the game. Most players aren’t pros and most never get the chance to play in a World Series of Poker event, much less the Main Event. Some don’t for financial reasons, but many feel they are outclassed or don’t belong.

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First off, that is just not true. You find as wide of an array of skills and styles at the WSOP as you will at any poker gathering anywhere in the world. In the Main Event, the skill gap is even more amplified, as celebrities who have never played enter for publicity and all sorts of people win seats through poker and non-poker-related giveaways, some who have never even played a hand.

More importantly, though, the events are open events, and what makes them great is the amazing differences between players at the table. A few years ago in the Main Event, I was seated next to a gentleman from Hawaii who had saved his vacation money for a couple of years to come to Vegas with his family and play in the Main Event. It was his dream, even though before the Main Event, the largest buy-in tournament he had ever played was a two-table tournament with some of his buddies for $100 each.

I was moved to balance tables midway through Day 1 and when I saw him in the hall before the start of Day 2, he came up to me and was overwhelmed with excitement, telling me that even if he busted on the first hand of the day, it was the best vacation he had ever had and that he was relishing the experience.

Relishing the experience. That is what it is about, and should be about, for most players. It is easy to get caught up in the pros and wannabes, but the real heart and soul that makes poker and the World Series of Poker so great are those who are there for the experience.

If you are interested in poker, then I would suggest that you make an effort to be a part of the experience. You don’t have to go as far as the guy from Hawaii, but with the smaller buy-in events spread throughout the summer, there are more opportunities than ever for the casual player to fit a WSOP event into their schedule.

Don’t worry about being not being good enough or being out of place. You are the exact person who makes the WSOP what it is. So, go if you can, budget for it, make it a gift to yourself if you can afford it, and spend a few days at the WSOP. If you go with the right attitude, you won’t regret it and will have a great experience. Relish it!

Court Harrington has worked on the business side of the poker industry in roles including tournament reporting for PocketFives, radio hosting for PokerRoad Radio, coaching for the WSOP Academy and privately, and a variety of behind-the-scenes responsibilities for poker media businesses. He also plays in cash games and tournaments. Harrington is currently doing consulting work and exploring business opportunities outside of the poker industry. You can contact him at Court@CourtHarrington.com.

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