The countdown to the 2024 World Series of Poker is on. 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.
Daniel Weinman is the 2023 WSOP Main Event champion, a 2x WSOP bracelet winner and a 2x WPT Champion. He is the Chief Poker Officer for RF Labs and a founding Team Lucky member, along with Josh Arieh, Shaun Deeb, and Matt Glantz. Follow Dan on X.
How should players prep for the WSOP if they want to win the Main Event?
It's hard. Really hard. The days are longer than you think. If you're used to going and playing four hours of poker, this is three times longer than that.
It's a total zoo in there. Be prepared with packed food, have drinks on the ready, etc. I can't stress that enough. If you are unhappy or don't feel good in any way at the poker table, you will not play well.
What event are you most looking forward to playing?
I've been asked this question before. I usually say the $50K Poker Players Championship. It’s just such a fun event. You are playing with the best players in the world, and you feel like you’re the best player if you win.
But of course, I’m most looking forward to the Main Event this year. I’ll be defending the title. That’s going to be a lot of fun.
What do you like about the Players Championship?
When I started poker, I played no-limit hold'em, but I quickly got into the mixed games. I don't find no-limit hold'em all that interesting because everyone's kind of doing the same thing. My friend Shaun Deeb has been an invaluable resource as I've progressed in mixed games.
The Poker Players Championship will be the biggest buy-in event I play in this summer. I've played in the Players Championship the last three years and cashed it once. It's such a cool event. I’m looking forward to playing with the legends of the game such as Daniel Negreanu and Phil Hellmuth. When I was growing up and learning poker, it was a fan’s dream to be able to compete and play with those players.
Speaking of Mr. Hellmuth, have you talked to him since your monumental win?
Actually, I ran into him soon after the final table ended. I was in the payout line collecting the $12M. He was there. I don't think he's ever waited in that line but he saw me and said, “I can't skip the line now.” He was kind enough to wait in that line with all the regulars like me. That was hilarious.
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.
Additional image courtesy of PokerGO.
