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.
Josh Arieh is a six-time WSOP bracelet champion. He finished third in the 2004 WSOP Main Event behind eventual winner Greg Raymer. Josh recently married the love of his life, Rachel, and is part of a group of friends who call themselves Team Lucky (along with Dan Weinman, Shaun Deeb, and Matt Glantz). You can buy pieces of Team Lucky at PokerStake and follow Josh on X.
How should players prep for the 2024 WSOP?
The main thing that people should focus on is having their life in order, so that you can focus on ‘poker only’ for seven weeks. This is the one thing that my wife, Rachel, has really helped me with the last few years. I’m able to put everything on her and can just focus on poker. She is a godsend! She literally encourages me to be a complete WSOP degen!
This year I will be working hard in the gym and also working on my mental toughness. I’m in better shape than I’ve ever been, so I’m excited to see how that plays out on the tables.
I’ve noticed that my mental game has been lacking lately. Small things have greatly affected my mood at the table, things that haven’t in the past.
I’m going to spend the next three weeks fixing that leak. The WSOP is a marathon and I will experience lots of highs and lows. To be prepared, I need to keep my emotions and my mood in check, so that I’m able to play to the best of my ability for as long as possible.
What are you favorite mixed game events?
My favorite mixed events are the big bet mixes and the 8 game mix with the lower buy-in levels. I like playing against all levels of competition and thinking of creative ways to make the most out of those opportunities.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the $50k Players Championship, but it’s grueling. Three days vs. the top players in the world in an event that they want win really bad can be draining! Therefore I choose to enjoy a little less stressful environment of the lower buy-ins.
You just got in shape for your wedding. How are you going to maintain this at the WSOP?
Eating good and exercising regularly is hard to stay committed when I’m playing 12-14 hours a day. So doing my best to put an emphasis on that during the series is going to be very tough.
I will make sure to get to the gym a few days a week because it truly makes me feel better. As far as food, yes, I will eat halfway decent. But I won’t be too strict. June and July is all about poker and making sure I get enough rest to perform at my best.
What tips can you share to help players get in better shape for the WSOP?
These are my top three tips for fitness success.
- Eating good was very hard to get used to. I have always eaten for pleasure, not for fuel. Realize that you don’t have to enjoy every meal to the max!
- Find a go-to meal that you like for breakfast. One that you know the calorie count and the macros.
- Mess around with different types of lifting in the gym. This was the first time in my life trying weightlifting. I’m really enjoying it. My trainer is great and I really like going to the gym now.
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.
