We're just seven days away from the start of the 2024 World Series of Poker, and we're getting excited. Each day until the start of the series on May 28, we'll bring you tips and insider info from some of the biggest names in the game.
Norman Chad is the voice of the WSOP, alongside Lon McEachern, and the host of the Gambling Mad podcast. You can follow Norman on X.
You've seen it all... What's your advice for players this summer?
1. Say a heartfelt goodbye to loved ones; you might never see them again.
2. Take breaks from the WSOP madness, whether it's one afternoon at Mount Charleston or three games of bowling at Gold Coast.
3. If you are driving to Las Vegas from Los Angeles, it is a run-good must to make a pit stop at EddieWorld in Yermo, the best gas station/mini-mart on the face of the earth.
4. Keep a healthy supply of Fritos and Fresca in your hotel room or Air BnB.
What advice do you have for the new slimline Shaun Deeb?
You lost the weight and won the bet. This now puts you in tip-top shape to take down two bracelets, all while regaining the weight and betting this sucker again that you can lose it back again. Cha-ching!
What's your favorite all-time WSOP moment?
Second-favorite moment: Getting angled in 2005 by the late Puggy Pearson in a cash game during the series.
Favorite moment: Greg Merson's tear-filled reaction to winning the Main Event in 2012, culminating his remarkable recovery from substance addiction.
Who's your favorite poker commentator and why?
First of all, let's never forget the joy of the late, great Mike Sexton on WPT telecasts.
Props to David Tuchman, Kara Scott, James Hartigan, Maria Ho, Joe Stapleton and -- when he's in a good mood -- Ali Nejad.
(I should apologize to those I left out, but I left them out for a reason.)
But my favorite is my partner, lanky Lon McEachern. I thought his first name was Ron the first four years we worked together. When he thunderously calls a Day 7 flop with two suited cards, it still sends a chill down my spine.
Check out the full schedule for the 2024 WSOP and plan which events you're going to target this summer. If you're looking at the lower end of the buy-ins, check out The Rec's guide to the WSOP. If you're looking for action with a bigger budget, follow what Jennifer Tilly is doing.
Image courtesy of PokerGO/WSOP
