Most higher stakes poker players over the age of 21 (and no doubt some under 21) are heading to Las Vegas this coming week for the start of the 2009 World Series of Poker. They just cannot bear not to be there. There is almost the feeling that in order to be a poker player you just have to try and go to Vegas and sample the atmosphere. Many players who specialise online will step away from their multi-widescreen monitors for a once a year trip to play live poker searching for bracelets, fame, sponsorship and cash profits.
Having never been there myself, I cannot say for sure what it is like. But I do know that surrounding yourself with like minded individuals is fun for anyone whether it be poker or something else. The sheer intensity of poker must be intoxicating and really harvest the mass poker playing that envelopes Vegas until the November 9 are announced after the many days the main event runs.
A lot of players do not necessarily travel to Vegas for the tournaments & bracelets, many travel for the juicy side games that develop. I heard that David Benyamine went on a tear in side games during the 2006 or 2007 World Series and won a reputed $20 million profit in side action and there are certainly plenty of players who look to win buy-ins into the full events either through cash profits or satellites. So there are plenty of reasons for players to travel and take a shot. It is probably the highest volume of poker seen anywhere in the world offline, but there will be gaps in the online world whilst these players head off in search of poker fame and fortune.
There is therefore a decent argument of why you should stay at home! Think about it; the better profitable players are bundling their stacks and heading to Vegas to play live and try and win big. The less profitable players, those with smaller bankrolls will just carry on as normal following results and playing as they usually do. For me this suggests that you may be able to increase your winrate having less sharks to attack you. Of course some of the fish will be life-rich and travel to Vegas chasing their dreams, but many will not and they will be right in the mood for some poker having it rammed down their throats by every poker media outlet news site.
So do not worry if you are not going to Vegas. Kick back, grab a drink and concentrate on having your very own winning 2009 WSOP from afar, and keep checking itsawinner for news, podcasts and poker articles.
