Live Poker Tournaments - FAQ

What is this FAQ about?
This FAQ answers questions you might have about playing satellites to live ("brick and mortar") tournaments, such as World Poker Tour (WPT) and World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) events. Please note that we have specific web pages (and FAQs) for the World Series of Poker (WSOP), the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure, (PCA) and the European Poker Tour (EPT).
What events are you offering satellites for right now?
Glad you asked! Check out the events for which we're currently offering satellites.
What is the general idea behind these satellites to brick and mortar events?
Many of our players want an opportunity to win a seat into a major live tournament. We are happy to provide satellites to many of those tournaments. In exchange, if you win a seat, you agree to represent PokerStars at that event.
Is there an agreement I need to sign to appear in one of these events?
Yes. Most events require all players to sign a waiver before playing in their events. You may safely assume that any tournament to which PokerStars provides satellites will have a waiver that you have to sign to participate. For more information about that waiver, please contact the sponsoring party.
How old do I have to be to participate?
Unless otherwise stated, you must be 21 to play in PokerStars satellites to live tournaments. Specifically, the WPT and WSOP require that you be 21. However, for the PCA and EPT, you must be 18.
What happens if I play in a satellite for an event, but I'm too young to attend it?
You will forfeit the seat without compensation.
Can I purchase a seat directly into one of these events with W$?
Yes - if you are one of our most loyal players. That means that you have a PlatinumStar or higher VIP status. If you think you might qualify for this, please send email to support@pokerstars.com and ask them how many FPPs you have. If you meet this criterion, then you may purchase the seat for W$ equivalent to the buy-in and entry fee. Otherwise, you will have to win your way into the the event via a PokerStars satellite. While you can use only W$ to buy directly into a live event, you may use either your W$ and T$ to buy into our online satellites to live events.
Assuming I meet the requirements above, what is the last date on which I can buy in directly with W$?
W$ buy-ins will only be available until the final day of PokerStars satellites to the event. Please contact registrations@pokerstars.com if you have problems or concerns.
Is there any travel money, hotel, or other incidentals associated with this promotion?
The answer is usually no. Unlike some of our other promotions, you win only the seat into the event.
If I win a satellite, can I transfer my seat in the event to somebody else?
No. You must play the first seat you win. If you are lucky enough to win additional seats, your PokerStars account will be credited with W$ equivalent to the buyin and entry fee. Please see our Terms and Conditions page for complete details.
Can I buy into preliminary events at major brick and mortar tournaments with W$?
No. With limited exceptions (e.g. the WSOP), we only provide satellites to the final events of live tournaments.
I won! What do I do now?
PokerStars will buy you into the event for which you've won a seat. We will contact you to discuss the exact mechanics of how you get your seat, etc.
Will I be required to wear PokerStars gear during the event?
Yes. In exchange for us providing this opportunity to get into the event, you are agreeing to represent PokerStars there. Whether you win a satellite on PokerStars or buy in with W$, you will have to wear PokerStars clothing throughout the event. We will provide you with the clothing and hope you'll wear it with pride.

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