GGPoker, the world’s largest online poker room, has unveiled a brand-new online qualification route that allows players to qualify for live WSOP events.
Named WSOP Express, this new system is clearly inspired by PokerStars’ Power Path and uses a similar step-based progression. Players begin with a very low buy-in and work their way up through a series of steps to earn coveted Passes for major live events.
While Power Path offers qualification to both live and online PokerStars-branded events, GGPoker’s new qualification route is focused entirely on live WSOP tournaments, at least for now. These include events such as the WSOP Super Circuit, the WSOP Main Event in Las Vegas, and the WSOP Paradise 2025 Super Main Event.
Just like Power Path, WSOP Express consists of a four-step satellite structure. The progression begins with a $0.50 buy-in and leads up to Step 4, priced at $150. Winning Step 4 puts players in line for tournament packages, with Passes starting at buy-ins of $1,000 or more.
WSOP Express Step Progression, Buy-ins and Prizes
| Progress | Format | Buy-in | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | All-In or Fold 4-Max SNG | $0.50 or Step 1 Ticket | Step 2 Ticket |
| Step 2 | Spin & Gold 6-Max | $2 or Step 2 Ticket | Step 2-4 Ticket, WSOP Pass Prize |
| Step 3 | Turbo Tournament (On-Demand Target Stack – 10 Players) | $10 or Step 3 Ticket | Step 4 Ticket |
| Step 4 | Regular Tournament | $150 or Step 4 Ticket | Ring Pass or Bracelet Pass |
- Or get up to $100 worth of rewards
- Available in many regulated markets
- Great MTT schedule including WSOP events
Each of the four steps features a unique tournament format. Step 1 is an All-In or Fold 4-max Sit & Go, available for a $0.50 buy-in or via a Step 1 ticket. Winners of this round advance to Step 2.
Step 2 is a Spin & Go 6-max tournament that costs $2 or requires a Step 2 ticket. This round can award prizes ranging from Step 2 to Step 4 tickets, and in rare cases, even a WSOP Pass worth up to $30,000.
Step 3 is a Turbo on-demand Target Stack tournament with a $10 buy-in, launching once ten players have registered. It can also be accessed with a Step 3 ticket. Winners of Step 3 receive a Step 4 ticket.
Step 4 is a traditional multi-table tournament with a $150 buy-in, also open to players with Step 4 tickets. These tournaments run several times daily and offer prize pools starting at $5,000 and going up to $20,000. Winners from Step 4 earn access to special step tournaments: Bracelet Step (valued at $1,000), the Super Step ($2,500), and can win a variety of passes, such as the Bracelet Pass, Ring Pass, and more, depending on the entries.
The Super Step, which has a $2,500 buy-in, runs daily and guarantees at least two seats via the Super Pass, valued at $30,000. This includes a full package for the WSOP Paradise 2025 Super Main Event.
Special Step Tournaments
| Step | Format | Buy-in | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bracelet Step | Regular Tournament | $1,000 or Ticket | Bracelet Pass |
| Super Step | Regular Tournament | $2,500 or Ticket | Super Pass |
Players can also win WSOP Express tickets through various promotions, such as cash game challenges and other giveaways. In addition, GGPoker will be distributing free tickets every day. Furthermore, players who complete 100 hands in cash games will receive a Step 1 ticket worth $0.50, and those who complete 300 hands will receive a Step 2 ticket worth $2.
Once a player wins a Step 4 ticket, they can choose which Pass tournament to enter. Options include the Ring Pass (valued at $5,000), which grants entry into WSOP Super Circuit events and includes expenses; the Bracelet Pass (valued at $10,000), which grants entry into the WSOP Main Event in Las Vegas; and the Super Pass (valued at $30,000), which can be used to enter the WSOP Paradise Super Main Event. The Super Pass also includes accommodation at the Atlantis Paradise Island resort in the Bahamas.
Much like Power Path, players can buy in directly to any of the first three steps, but players must win Step 3 in order to enter Step 4.
WSOP Express Passes:
- $5,000 Ring Pass: Ticket to WSOP Super Circuit Events, plus expenses
- $10,000 Bracelet Pass: Entry to WSOP $10,000 buy-in events, including WSOP 2026 Main Event
- $30,000 Super Pass: Package for WSOP Paradise 2025 Super Main Event
According to GGPoker, the main goal of WSOP Express is to make the WSOP Paradise 2025 Super Main Event more accessible. This year, GGPoker and WSOP have raised the stakes, increasing the tournament’s guarantee from an already record-breaking $50 million to a staggering $60 million.
“This is a game-changer for the GGPoker community, literally,” said Sarne Lightman, Managing Director of GGPoker, in a press release. “Imagine starting with a tiny buy-in and winning your way into the biggest live poker events on the planet, including the record-breaking $60,000,000 guaranteed WSOP Paradise Super Main Event in the Bahamas! WSOP Express is designed to turn dreams into reality, making the pinnacle of poker truly accessible for everyone – play WSOP Express and take the fast track to the WSOP!”
