The first WSOP Europe begins this week on September 6th at the LCI Leicester Casino. The events will be played at three different venues; the LCI Leicester Square, The Sportsman Casino and the Fifty.

The WSOP at LCI Leicester Casino consists of a three-day 2500-pound H.O.R.S.E tournament. They’ll also host some of the $10,000 main event players until the number shrinks down to a number the Fifty can handle for the later stages of the tournament.

The WSOP at the Sportsman Casino has the 5000-pound Pot Limit Omaha Championship. They will also share in the main event action until numbers reduce. The Fifty hosts the main event including the final table starting on September 10th.

Many top pros have pre-registered and the industry is looking to expand successfully into the fast-growing European poker market. Notable competitors include Phil Ivey, Allen Cunningham, Howard Lederer, Jennifer Harman, Gus Hanson, Doyle Brunson, Eric Seidel and Phil Hellmuth.

Photo of University to Pro Poker Player

Poker has been one the most popular forms of recreation for university students for at least four or five years now. Lots of us spent more time playing cards than we did reading books, and some played so well that attending class meant losing money. There are many young players today that are finishing university and trying poker out for size. It’s the new ‘backpacking trip through Europe for a year expedition before you start your career’ thing. Smart people recognize the huge amounts of money that are up for grabs for a skilled and intelligent player.

There are a lot of things to consider before one decides to tell their parents that the money they just spent on your education will not start to return anything on their investment quite yet. Choosing to create a future for yourself that has you earning a living by playing poker is no easy feat. Beyond the doubt and raised eyebrows you will face from family and friends, there are many obstacles to face as a professional player.

We’ve all heard the success stories about players still in school amassing a huge bankroll or winning a WSOP bracelet. Phil Hellmuth is the most famous example of a player that went right into poker from university and never looked back. It can be done if you have what it takes. What does it take, you ask? That’s not easily answered, but I’ll say what I say to other players that talk about going pro. If you truly want to be a winning poker player it can be achieved, you just have to be willing to deal with any obstacle you may face in your journey towards that achievement.

Let your bankroll dictate whether you can live off of your play, and be willing to do whatever is required so that everything that needs to be taken care of every month does in fact get taken care of. Learn everything you can and control your emotions. (I say that like it’s an easy task.)

I say it can be your reality if you believe it will be, and you’re willing to put in the effort required to develop your game to the highest of levels.