The PokerStars download offers multiple ways to get to the PCA next year, but possibly the most original opportunity comes with the World Cup of Poker (WCP). A total of 56 national teams will compete to win their way to the live final table. The live final takes place in the Bahamas in January 2011 where 45 players will compete for a $100,000 first place prize.
Each team consists of the country’s best online poker player, three satellite winners, and a PokerStars pro for a total of five players. To qualify as your country’s best player, you must be the highest ranked player of your country on the 2010 PokerStars tournament leaderboard. Most people will not place well enough on the leaderboard, however, so they must play satellites for a place on the team. Those new to poker will appreciate that these satellites are very affordable. The FPP satellites cost 1 FPP, the cash satellites cost $1, and there are even freeroll satellites. It is a good idea to use the PokerStars bonus code and enter the cash and FPP satellites because every player that tries them gets the opportunity in a $100,000 freeroll on January 30, 2011 if their region wins the final!
Once the teams are solidified, they are divided into divisions. Only one team out of every division will move to the next round, so plenty of experience on money poker sites will be a big advantage. Several tournaments will be played, and players earn points based on where they place. The teams with the most points win their divisions.
The teams that win their divisions will receive an invitation to ditch their US poker sites in favor of the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure. Each winner gets free accommodations at the Atlantis as well as cash for their flights. When they get to Paradise Island, every satellite qualifier competes in a single table tournament in hopes of winning their team a large starting stack for the final table.
The World Cup of Poker is one of a kind and its format is not seen in online poker rooms. Each team member receives some chips and receives cards for an orbit when it is their turn to play. After every team member has had to chance to add their chips and play an orbit, it becomes a fight for survival. There is a cash prize for each final table finish, but the team winning it all receives $100k. Because the PokerStars professional represents the PokerStars marketing code, they are not entitled to any of this prize. Because of this, the $100k prize would be divided by 4 people rather than 5!
The team at PokerStars puts a ton of resources into making PCA a top notch experience. It is also important to them to have as much participation as possible. If you are looking for a new hobby or a way to pass time, download free poker and participate in some satellites. Be quick if you intend on getting into the World Cup of Poker, though. Your last opportunity to play Round 1 satellites is today!
