How to Avoid Burnout During the WSOP – Three Tips From a Champ
The World Series of Poker is now in full force. Players from all over the world have converged in Las Vegas to compete for a chance at poker's ultimate prize and glory, a WSOP bracelet.
It's not just the professional players who are feeling the pressure to perform at their best. With the rising popularity of poker, amateurs are also feeling the need to step up their game. And you can feel it at the tables.
For many people, the World Series of Poker is the highlight of their year.
With an abundance of tournaments and so much at stake, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement and push yourself too hard. Burnout is a real danger during the WSOP, and it can have a serious impact on your performance.
Below are my three best tips to help you avoid burnout during the WSOP. This is what I’ve found have worked for me over the years.
3 steps to avoid burnout during WSOP
1. Get enough sleep
This may seem obvious, but it's important to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night even during the WSOP. It can be tempting to stay up late and either play more poker or participate in fun Sin City activities, but you'll perform much better if you're well-rested.
2. Take breaks
It's important to take breaks during the WSOP, both mentally and physically. Step away from the poker tables and go on a day-trip hike at Red Rock, get a massage or do something else to relax. This will help you avoid burnout and stay sharp for the long grind of the tournament.
3. Eat healthy
It's easy to indulge in all the junk food that's available during the WSOP, but it's important to get enough nutrients as well. Make sure to have plenty of nuts and green vegetables and stay away from too much caffeine or sugar as these will spike your insulin levels. Eating healthy will help you stay energized and focused during the entire tournament series.
Follow these tips and you'll be on your way to limit the risk of burnout during the WSOP. Good luck and don’t forget to enjoy the experience.
Bonus tip:
I personally like to evaluate how I feel on the day and utilize my option to late register some events if I feel a bit run down. Sometimes I take the entire day off if I feel that burnout is creeping up on me and I need time to recover. This way I stay fresh both mentally and physically throughout the series while still being able to maximise the number of events I can play.
/ Martin
