It’s time for another 888poker signature XL online poker series. Starting on February 6, XL Blizzard is back with 34-events over 11 days and more than $1.4 million in total guarantees.

No doubt, battling for an XL title and a share of $1.4 million sounds great. But even after you carve out the time on your schedule to the online grind, you have to come up with the buy-ins. If a grinder was to play the entire XL Blizzard series that would mean dedicating more than $2,200 of their bankroll to the pursuit of greatness.

Luckily for all players, 888poker understands the benefit of giving everyone – from micro-stakes players to everyday grinders – the opportunity to win their way into some of XL Blizzard’s biggest events. By using 888poker’s satellite system and limited-time promotions, a player could dramatically reduce their buy-ins over the course of the series.

Step Up To XL Blizzard

One of the most tried and true ways to win your way into an XL Blizzard event is through 888poker’s round-the-clock Step Satellites. Starting for a little as $0.01 (yes, one cent!) players can work their way up a satellite tree that earns them tournament tickets into a number of larger events.

Plus, depending on a player’s bankroll and comfort, they can start anywhere they wish on the satellite tree in an effort to turn a few pennies into a shot at a huge score.

Here are the details of the Step Satellite Options:

Step 1 – $0.01buy-in to win a Step 2 entry or tournament ticket
Step 2 – $0.10 buy-in (or ticket) to win a Step 3 entry or tournament ticket
Step 3 – $1 buy-in (or ticket) to win a Step 4 entry or tournament ticket
Step 4 – $5 buy-in (or ticket) to win a Step 5 entry or tournament ticket
Step 5 – $30 buy-in (or ticket) to win a Step 6 entry or tournament ticket
Step 6 – $160 buy-in to win (or ticket) to win a $1,050 tournament ticket

Massive Main Event

The $500,000 XL Blizzard Main Event is a must-play event as it promises the winner a major boost to their bankroll. Even though last year 888poker reduced the buy-in to the Main Event from $1,050 down to $250, for some it may still be a stretch to take a shot in the Main Event without winning their way in.

Direct satellites are routinely running for the Main Event. The buy-in is $33 and they promise that at least three tournament tickets will be given away. The $33 satellites have their own super-satellites, allowing players to win their way into the $33 for just $3.30.

As the Main Event gets closer, look for more direct satellites to be put into the tournament lobby as 888poker will need 2,000 entries just to cover their guarantee.

Depositor Freeroll

In addition to the Steps Satellites for tournament tickets and direct satellites to specific events like the Main Event, 888poker is rewarding new depositors with a pair of Qualifiers.

New depositors can pick up an entry into either the XL Blizzard Main Event Qualifier or the XL Blizzard Mini Tune Up Qualifier.

The XL Blizzard Main Event Qualifier runs every day at 20:00 GMT through February 15 and the top 15 players are slated to win a $250 ticket into the XL Blizzard Main Event.

It’s similar for the XL Blizzard Mini Tuen Up Event. Every day at 18:05 GMT through February 8 the tournament will run with the top 30 players picking up a $16.50 ticket to the Mini Tune Up.

For more information on satellites and to take a shot at a particular event, launch the 888poker client and click on the Tournaments Tab. From there, select the Satellites tab to launch into Step Satellites. Or, select the XL Blizzard tab to see all of the upcoming events and direct satellites for the Main Event.