IMO, and I do this, it is better to play in the satellites win and entry and just sell the seat to someone for 10K if you can get it, or whatever you think is fair if you can't. I have made plenty doing that over the years, surely more than I would if I had played in the event itself. Because that payday stakes you to the HUGE, and I do mean huge side cash games that go on in that town for that month or so. A couple years ago I won 4 or 5 seats can't remember now, and I made a very nice income in side games from that cash. I didn't take one seat in the Main event, but I made more than most guys did I can tell you that. Of course now they will probably be paying the first 500 people if they get 5000 entrants, but even still that is a huge minefield to skip through, and then you basically get your entry fee back. I would rather take my shot at the cash games than the lottery that has become the main event at the WSOP.
but it is a snowball effect for sure. More guys showing up to play he Main Event, more guys in the cash games. So it is a douoble win for most local guys who do it that way. Some kids I know made their living last year, and the year before. You get saps with 25K in their pocket from East Bumfuck Egypt thinking they are the second coming of Stu Unger, or this years Moneymaker, and you can break them in a couple hours. I have seen it a lot the past few years. Guys don't even have to work now out here they just sit and play poker.
But of course they have the right mentality for it. Which is surprising after watching these guys bet sports for so many years.
