WSOP 2023 Starts Strong But Players Find Reasons to Complain

The 2023 World Series of Poker (WSOP) is in full swing and, so far, it’s been filled with success stories in every regard. Entry figures have exceeded expectations, novices have won million-dollar-prizes, and everyone, on the whole, is having a good time. 

However, it wouldn’t be a WSOP without a few complaints. This year it seems as though there are two main gripes: tournament times and resort prices. There have been a few grumbles about the late registration queues, but that’s a symptom of so many people wanting to play. 

The real issues irking players this year’s WSOP are ones that are costing time and money. For context, some tournaments at the 2023 WSOP are scheduled to start at 10am. For the early birds trying to catch worms, that’s not a problem. However, as John Monnette pointed out on Twitter, it’s a problem for those who make Day 2 of an event.

First-World Problems: Traffic Delays Affect WSOP Play

In his view, playing for over 14 hours and finishing after midnight causing a number of unforeseen problems. As well as contending with a long day of play, anyone not staying on the Vegas strip is forced to contend delays caused by construction work.

Hearing a lot of discussion about the 10k structures, but holy shit has anyone played a @wsop 10am event? Play 14.5 hours, quit at 12:30, return at 10:00. All while it takes an hour to get on and off the strip because of all the construction, who thought this was a good idea?

— John Monnette (@angryjmonnett) June 7, 2023

Monette isn’t the only one moaning about the logistics of making a Day 2. OxJomo.eth called the 10 am restarts a “travesty,” while Luke Reicheld said they’ve been “rough.” Abraham Lee pointed out that you have to take the rough with the smooth if you want lucrative prizepools. 

“How do you expect to have large prizepools without large crowds and traffic? You do have the option of not participating,” Lee tweeted on June 7.

Others in the thread believe it’s a deliberate ploy by the host venues, Bally’s and Paris, to get people to book hotel rooms. Of all the replies, Carson Williams offered the most sensible piece of advice. Instead of playing for 14 hours and fighting your way through Las Vegas traffic, just play to lose. 

“Just do like me and bust around 4 pm. You can have a nice dinner, hit the pool, and be in bed by 9! Think outside the box,” Williams wrote on June 7.

Williams has a point, but even those who don’t make Day 2 of an event have cause to complain, according to Norman Chad. The long-time WSOP commentator took to Twitter this week with what he believes is a valid criticism about Las Vegas prices. 

You Need to Win to Buy a Chocolate Bar

Chad has been working with the WSOP for more than 20 years, so he’s seen plenty of highs and lows. This year, he thinks the high prices are a new low. In his words, buying a chocolate bar shouldn’t “burn a hole” in your pocket.

“Dear Las Vegas, love ya, but there is a fine line between inflation and GREED. Actually, this is PURE GREED. You already crush us at the casino tables. Then you have to burn a hole in our pockets over a chocolate bar? I’d vote with my wallet but you all took it,” Chad tweeted on June 7. 

Chad’s tweet has received over 200 likes and counting. Jeromy Padgett called it “price gouging,” while Jesse Knight pointed out that the real bankroll-buster this year is banana bread at $5 per slice. 

Among the complaints was an offer that Chad, or anyone else for that matter, probably can’t afford to refuse. Embracing the spirit of the WSOP, GuyRillaPoker offered to buy Chad a chocolate bar. 

#BuyChadAChocolateBar campaign. Come find me and we will get you a chocolate bar. it’s all part of the #weLoveNormanChadEvebThoughHeHatesOurHoodies foundation pic.twitter.com/oLS5vZXEyJ

— GuyRillaPoker (@GuyRillaPoker) June 7, 2023

People like to complain, it’s human nature. However, Chad and those commenting on his tweet may have a point. 

An Expensive WSOP

Prices at this year’s WSOP have been a point of contention since day one. Anyone who wants a soda from the cafes at Bally’s or Paris has to pay upwards of $8. A bag of chips is similarly expensive at $9. 

Yup…. pic.twitter.com/YR6GijGq5h

— Greg Himmelbrand (@GregHPoker) June 4, 2023

Small price hikes are expected during major events. Indeed, those attending the WSOP are, essentially, a captive audience. Therefore, much like sports stadiums, prices are going to be higher than they would be elsewhere. 

However, even if people accept this as a standard business practice, it may be that the WSOP’s host venues are pushing it too far. That, of course, won’t affect the number of people attending the 2023 WSOP. Attendance figures have been strong so far, but over-inflated prices could leave some players with a sour taste that not even the sweet taste of victory can wash away.