Last year's version (WSOB III) was played and filmed in early 2006 at the Las Vegas Hilton, where 40 players competed for the million dollar prize pool. Dr Jeff Bernstein emerged victorious, collecting $500,000 in cash for his efforts. The competition aired on the GSN TV network starting June 5^th, 2006 and continuing in subsequent weeks for a total of thirteen hour-long episodes.

With each seat in the event likely worth $25,000 ($1 million divided by 40 players), avid tournament players are already hoping to win a seat in WSOB IV. The first season of WSOB used a strictly invitational selection process, but last year's event and the upcoming fourth season have moved to a more democratic process, awarding most seats in the final event to players who have won their seat in a qualifying tournament.

The official announcement for these qualifying events wasn't made until late in October, so unless a casino in your area publicized their participation, you may not have heard anything about them. Although it's late in the process to be looking for a way to qualify, I wanted to lay out the entire schedule available at this time.

The AC Hilton hosted a series of weekly events, starting in October and finishing up December 8^th. Each Friday during that time, any visitor with a player’s club card could compete for free in an attempt to qualify. You get to play 10 hands, in an attempt to turn your starting chips into a huge stack. The highest chip total for the day (1 pm to 7 pm), wins $1000, and the chance to come back December 9^th to play a final Championship event. The top two players in this $50,000 event win seats in WSOB IV.

Last chance: December 8^th, 2006

At Pearl River's Golden Moon casino, they are holding weekly satellite events on Thursdays, starting November 24^th and continuing for 7 weeks, ending January 4^th, 2007. With an entry fee of $200, only one player each week wins prize money. First place each week wins $1,000 and a seat at a championship final table of 7 players on January 4^th. At that table, everyone wins $1,000 except the first place finisher, who gets $5,000, and a coveted seat in WSOB IV in Las Vegas.

With at least two casinos under the Choctaw Casino name offering qualifiers, these events offer several opportunities per week. Play Wednesday, Friday, & Saturday through December 9th for daily cash prizes. Top players each week will compete December 16^th where the winner will receive $20,000 in spending cash and a seat in WSOB IV.

Mystic Lake ran four qualifying rounds in November 2006, on each Tuesday. With a $150 entry fee, each weekly event had a $15,800 prize pool. In addition, the seven finalists each week got to come back for the championship on December 5^th.

First place in the championship event held on December 5^th got the WSOB seat plus airfare, food, hotel, and $5,000 cash.

Soaring Eagle's qualifying process is structured much like Pearl River Resort's satellite in Mississippi. A $125 entry fee into one of 7 feeder events (Oct 14, 21, 28; Nov 19, 25; and Dec 9, 16) gives you a shot at a $1,000 first place prize, and a seat at the championship final table of 7 players, held December 23^rd, 2006. Unlike at Pearl River, each satellite pays 7 places. The winner of the championship event December 23^rd gets a seat at WSOB IV.

In Washington State, Lucky Eagle Casino is again providing a way for that area's tournament players to get involved. Their qualifying tournaments run August 6^th, September 10^th, November 5^th, December 10^th and January 7^th. In addition, there are invitational events on August 20^th and December 10^th. Each event has an $85 entry fee and is limited to 84 players. Awarding a $5,000 prize pool and $2,500 first place, these events also send the top seven players to a final event held January 14^th. First place in that event goes to WSOB IV.

The Silver Legacy held daily events that allowed players to win a seat in monthly events that eventually lead to a seat in WSOB IV. With no information available about any of this on their website, it appears the Silver Legacy prefers a cloud of mystery over their promotions.

Thunder Valley's qualifiers for WSOB IV were strictly invitational, and again, information about them was scarce. If you have rated play there, maybe you can find out details.

More events may be announced between now and the big event, so stay tuned at BlackjackTournaments.com. Good luck!