How to Qualify for Major Poker Events

Posted on by Seth Griffin

Dreaming of playing in the World Series of Poker, the EPT, or a high-stakes televised final table? You’re not alone. While the buy-ins for major poker tournaments can be steep, thousands of players qualify each year without paying the full price—some for just a few dollars. The good news? You don’t need to be a pro to get there.

Here’s how players from all over the world qualify for the biggest poker events—and how you can, too.

1. Online Satellite Tournaments

Online satellites are the most popular and accessible way to win your seat into major live events. These tournaments Master Poker Indoesia allow players to start with a small buy-in and work their way into larger buy-in events.

Types of satellites:

  • Direct satellites: A single tournament where winners receive event seats

  • Step satellites: A series of progressively larger tournaments

  • Mega satellites: Large-field satellites that award multiple seats

Platforms that offer satellites:

  • GGPoker – Qualifiers for WSOP and other major series

  • PokerStars – EPT, PCA, and regional PokerStars Live events

  • 888poker – Smaller but regular qualifiers for live events

  • Partypoker – Known for WPT and MILLIONS event qualifiers

Many players have turned small $10 or $50 buy-ins into six- or seven-figure payouts using this route.

2. Live Casino Satellites

If you prefer brick-and-mortar poker, many casinos and card rooms offer live satellite tournaments. These are especially common leading up to major series like the WSOP or WPT.

What to expect:

  • Small buy-ins (often $100–$500)

  • Local and regional qualifiers for larger tour stops

  • Feeder events held weeks or months in advance

Check with your local poker room or casino schedule to see what’s coming up.

3. Package Promotions and Giveaways

Some online poker rooms and affiliates offer sponsored packages that include:

  • Buy-in to the main event

  • Hotel accommodations

  • Travel expenses

  • Branded merchandise or coaching

These are often awarded through freerolls, point systems, or leaderboard promotions. For example, Platinum Passes from PokerStars include a full PSPC package valued at over $30,000.

Always read the terms, and confirm whether the package is transferable or must be used by a specific date.

4. Freerolls and Loyalty Rewards

If you’re just getting started or playing on a budget, freeroll tournaments can be a way to earn your way into qualifiers without spending a dime.

Look out for:

  • Freeroll qualifiers into satellites

  • Points-based promotions on loyalty platforms

  • Invite-only tournaments for new players

These routes may take more time and grinding, but the payoff can be huge if you break through.

5. Qualify Through Step Tournaments

Step tournaments are a staged format where players start at low buy-ins and move up through multiple levels. Win a step, and you’re entered into the next one—eventually reaching the target tournament.

This system:

  • Reduces variance over a single satellite

  • Lets you progress at your own pace

  • Offers multiple paths to major event entries

PokerStars and older Full Tilt formats popularized this structure, and some sites still run step series today.