With the 24th World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP) scheduled from September 7 to October 1, 2025, PokerStars has partnered with BBZ Poker to present the WCOOP Boot Camp, a dynamic warm-up series running from August 3 to August 18. This preparatory event features 137 tournaments, over $9 million in guaranteed prize pools, and exclusive coaching sessions led by BBZ Poker’s elite team, designed to equip players for the challenges of the main WCOOP series.
WCOOP Boot Camp: A Testing Ground for All Players
The WCOOP Boot Camp offers a diverse lineup of 69 events across Low and High buy-in tiers, encompassing formats such as No-Limit Hold’em, 8-Game, HORSE, Razz, and PL Badugi. Buy-ins range from $2.20 to $5,200, with satellites starting at just $1.10, ensuring accessibility for players of all skill levels. The series concludes with two Main Events on August 17:
- $109 NLHE Main Event (Low) – $600,000 guaranteed
- $1,050 NLHE Main Event (High) – $400,000 guaranteed
These tournaments provide an ideal opportunity to refine strategies and build momentum before the WCOOP begins.
Expert Coaching from BBZ Poker’s Top Minds
Through this collaboration, PokerStars and BBZ Poker will host three free coaching sessions on August 1, 8, and 15, from 10 AM to 2 PM ET, accessible via the BBZ Discord server in the WCOOP Boot Camp channel. These sessions will deliver WCOOP-focused strategies, insights into various game formats, and opportunities to win tournament tickets. Recordings will be available for those unable to attend live.The coaching team, led by BBZ Poker founder Jordan “bigbluffzinc” Drummond, includes professional coaching from some of poker’s most qualified experts:
- Alex “Pwndidi” Theologis, WSOP bracelet winner and high stakes professional
- Jon “apestyles” Van Fleet, long time high stakes MTT professional
- Andy “bowieeffect” Wilson, WPT Champion, high stakes professional
- Jargo “bungakat” Alavalli, expert in ICM and MTTs
- Tobias “senkel92” Leknes, mixed game MTT specialist
- Ryan “newguy89” McEathron, long time multi-format professional, satellite expert
- Brian “bfizz11” Fite, 18 yeas as a professional low-mid stakes specialist
These sessions offer players a chance to gain critical knowledge and enhance their competitive edge.
Opportunities to Qualify for WCOOP
The WCOOP Boot Camp includes two exciting pathways to secure entry into the main WCOOP series. Players can compete in events with buy-ins up to $215 to rank on the WCOOP Boot Camp Leaderboard, which distributes $60,000 in Power Passes to the top 100 performers:
- 1st–4th: $10,300 Gold Power Pass (ticket bundle)
- 5th–8th: $2,500 Silver Power Pass
- 9th–100th: $109 Bronze Power Pass
Additionally, the WCOOP Boot Camp Ticket Machine offers $150,000 in WCOOP tickets through two prize draws on August 12 and August 19. Players can opt in via the PokerStars Challenges window starting July 31 and complete one or both challenges—playing 10 Boot Camp events or finishing in the money in two events—to earn entries into the draws, each awarding $75,000 in tickets.
A Foundation for WCOOP Success
The WCOOP Boot Camp serves as more than a tournament series; it’s a platform to prepare players for one of online poker’s most prestigious events. BBZ Poker’s coaching team, trusted by PokerStars Ambassadors such as Lex Veldhuis, Ben “spraggy” Spragg and Parker “tonkaaap” Talbot, along with hundreds of BBZ Students brings unparalleled expertise to help participants succeed. Whether aiming for leaderboard rewards, WCOOP tickets, or skill improvement, the Boot Camp offers a comprehensive starting point. The full WCOOP 2025 schedule will be revealed in the coming weeks. Players can join the WCOOP Boot Camp from August 3–18, check PokerStars for the complete schedule and opt-in details, and connect via the PokerStars Discord to begin their WCOOP journey.
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