Updated on 04 Aug 26 by
Avatar photo PokerStrategy Editorial
Staff

Is WSOP Express good value?

Our resident satellite expert Barry Carter reviews the qualification system for this year's World Series of Poker, courtesy of GGPoker.

Poker
1,000+ players will qualify

Once again GGPoker have pledged to send over 1,000 players to the World Series of Poker. 

Now that the World Series of Poker schedule is out, as the resident satellite expert, I thought I would turn my attention to the WSOP Express system, which is the only way the global player pool can win a seat to the big one. 

The first notable thing is that the package itself is seat only, rather than most previous WSOP satellites that would include something in the region of $2.5k extra for hotel and flights. 

It's not entirely without perks, you do get the following when you win a $10k pass:

  • $10,000 WSOP Main Event seat
  • Hotel discount at Caesars properties
  • Access to the exclusive Platinum Lounge
  • Membership in GGPoker’s Platinum Discord channel
  • Access to a $10k last longer bet

Given the current global issues with jet fuel, it's a great time for GGPoker not to have to stump up the travel expenses. 

There is an advantage here for satellite experts, however. In previous years multiple ticket winners could take the second ticket as T$, but would be penalised the $2.5k in travel expenses. Now if they win multiple seats, they get the full value of the ticket, but it is to be used for other bracelet events. So the extra $10k might be used for two $5,000 events, or put towards a $25,000 event, etc.  

Geared towards satellite specalists

Poker
You can use $10k passes for any event

Onto the satellite tree itself, and it is surprisingly varied. Step 1 and 2 are both Spin & Gold, a three-handed one and a six handed one. These are winner-take all tournaments.

Step 3 is a $10 Target Stack Satellite. GGPoker so far are the only site to embrace the popular live satellite format. 

Step 4 is a $150 Phase Satellite, where you carry your chips into the final stage. This plays like Day 1 of a regular MTT for the most part.

Step 5 is a $1,200 regular satellite, using the chips you earned in Step 4. You can't make Step 5 a Target Stack because in theory somebody could win their pass in Step 4. 

  • Step 0: Daily free ticket giveaway promotions
  • Step 1: $0.50 All-in or Fold
  • Step 2: $2 Six Max Spin & Gold
  • Step 3: $10 On Demand Target Stack Satellite
  • Step 4: $150 Phase Satellite
  • Step 5: $1,200 Satellite for a $10k Pass

So if somebody qualifes from an early stage, they will have mastered every type of satellite - Winner Takes All, Target Stack, Phase and Traditional satellites. It really is a mix of every style. 

There is also a nice touch whereby if somebody wins a $150 ticket, it can also be used for the weekly GGMasters instead. 

WSOP Express seems geared towards satellite specalists rather than recreational players. There are no travel expenses covered, it's generous to multiple seat winners and you need to be skilled in every form of satellite to thrive.