Layers Are Everything: Top Tips for WSOP First-Timers

#1 Bring Layers

A casino is a magical place where it’s impossible to predict the temperature at any given time of day. To avoid physical discomfort, players recommend choosing comfortable, clean clothing first, especially bringing several layers in your backpack in case you get cold.

Remember that taking off extra clothes when you’re hot is much easier than trying to warm up when you forgot to bring a hoodie or sweatshirt.

If possible, rent a room or accommodation within walking distance of the WSOP venue so you have access to a shower and a change of clothes in your backpack during breaks.

#2 Don’t Skip on Going to the Restroom

Missing a few spots in a live tournament will never hurt you as much as not fulfilling a natural need — especially in casinos, where everyone rushes to the bathroom at the same time during breaks.

Live tournaments are structured to go very slowly, and at the 2026 WSOP, many dealers are also dealing cards in Zen mode, so even the slowest trip to the restroom is unlikely to cost you more than a couple of hands.

Plus, going to the restroom during a tournament is more likely to help you avoid the exhaustion of standing in line during breaks.

#3 Make Dinner Reservations in Advance

The quality and, most importantly, the cost of food at casinos during the WSOP are legendary — and not in a good way. The food there is mostly unhealthy with the prices so high as if you were eating at a full-fledged, high-quality restaurant.

Additionally, during a dinner break, thousands of people form giant queues to eat, resulting in breaks that consist largely of waiting, followed by a hasty consumption of overpriced, not very good food.

You can avoid all of this by ordering healthy food delivery or making a reservation at a restaurant in advance.

Players also recommend choosing light foods that won’t weigh you down at the table or cause drowsiness, burping, or breaking wind. Believe us: you definitely don’t want any of these during a long gaming session at your table, no matter who is a source of them.

#4 Pack Supplements

The WSOP doesn’t have five-minute breaks every hour, like online poker. Instead, there are 20-minute breaks every two hours, and there’s only one lunch break per day. Between breaks, you’ll definitely need access to water and snacks. Since casino staff is quite busy during tournaments and products are overpriced, it’s in your best interest to bring your own supplies.

It’s the same story with mobile devices. If you need to stay connected or want to distract yourself when you’re not playing, bringing a power bank with you is a more convenient solution than using public charging spots inside the casino.

Given the casino’s variable temperature and air conditioning, you may also want to bring wet and dry wipes, moisturizer, lip balm, and other essentials for your comfort.

Don’t forget about the general comfort of those around you too. Avoid fragrant products or scented personal care items, and remember to clean and dry your hands before handling the community cards and chips.

#5 Be Patient and Don’t Rush

Live poker tournaments teach patience, and the WSOP Main Event especially so, because you can’t sprint to the ITM: in recent years, this tournament has been a marathon.

That’s why it’s in your best interest to take your time, try to play mindfully, and avoid making decisions on the fly. If the slow pace is causing you to tilt, try to find something to do during hands you’re not playing to avoid losing focus and tilting. Closely watching your opponents, reading a book, or even solving a Rubik’s cube — choose activities that don’t violate the rules of the series or disturb others.

Remember, one rash moment can be enough to lose your stack and be eliminated from the tournament. Don’t contribute to this by being impatience — enjoy the process patiently and the unique experience that live poker provides.