I've had two threads on this before, one on the structure, and another on some initial thoughts.

We're now 10 of 15 games in, the league is going strong, time for an update!

This is a brag post, as I am blown away by how successful this year's league has been. I took in feedback from everybody regarding last year's, and we worked out a good balance of skill and luck, with a system that has kept it competitive for a large number of people, even this far in. If you want to run your own WSOP league, you should read this.

...

Summary (still tl;dr):

We're running a series of 15 tournaments for multiple entries into $1500 NLHE WSOP events. Same chips and structure, except shorter rounds (35 minutes first four, 30 otherwise). One $60 buyin ($45 to tourney, $15 to league fund), and one $40 rebuy when busto (first four rounds, $25 tourney / $15 league). I pay 30% of the field, first place wins about 30% of the tourney fund.

The games are ~26 players each, first is ~$500. They run for seven hours.

We're giving away five WSOP seats on points, one in a freeroll.

The top 10 out of 15 scores count for the seats. First place is worth 150 regardless of attendance, the rest linearly scale down to zero. Bonus points are awarded for cash, at 10% of the prize value. A $500 first prize is worth 50 bonus points, so first becomes 200 points.

Those who win seats keep 75% of any WSOP cash, with the rest spread among the league. Shares are based on participation, at a geometric scale. The more tourneys you play, the more each is worth towards shares.

There is an end-of-league freeroll open to anybody who played any game. The chip stacks are also based on participation, at an even larger geometric rate, with tier bonuses. There are additional chip incentives for those who play 4 out of the last 5 games, and another bonus for playing all 5. Roughly, 1 tourney will give 3000 chips in the freeroll, 10 are worth 9000, but someone who plays all 15 will have 20,000 to start.

The freeroll is a shootout, with chip stacks seeded. Still random draw, but it will distribute the chips evenly across the tables. This will be a tourney in two days, with the first round played on a weekend, big barbecue, the works. The final table will run concurrent with the following week's regular cash game, so that everyone can be there to celebrate the winner.

...

This thing is a TREMENDOUS success. We have about 20 people I can rely on as regulars, and we've been recruiting friends and pestering those who only play occasionally to keep the roster filled, and so far so good. Our first game had 27 people, our ninth game had thirty! Even people who have no shot at a seat are playing games here and there simply because it's still a good tournament value.

Something that I feel contributes is the food/drink situation. I ask for a generous $10 donation, with which I buy pizzas, provide a keg for the kegerator, and stock whiskey. I know a lot of people just get by on BYOB and eat before you play, and I don't think anybody would say they show up for the food and booze specifically, but I think having it all there helps everybody relax and feel like they're part of a party. It's a perhaps subtle effect, but I'm convinced it's a significant contributing factor to our success.

I also run a tight ship. I use Dr. Neau's TD with a custom-designed layout, up on a 24" display. I have chips set up on the tables before people arrive, decks spaded. I use a belt, suspenders, and staple-gun system to triple-check the buyins and rebuys to make sure the cash is right and to keep it all in line (computer, paper, and buyin/rebuy token). I harp on folks to keep the flow smooth, pay attention to antes, etc. And I occasionally let the stress get to me and snap at people from time to time, which keeps everybody in line.

...

I've been publishing the running totals, and also doing a top-ten of the best 67% of scores so far, just to help keep people aware of how balanced it is. But now that we're at ten scores, and we're keeping the ten best, we have an idea of what it takes to win. Those with mostly good scores don't have much room to improve, but those with a few bad results (or missing games) stand to jump considerably in the rankings. I'm sadly 5th in total points so far, and looking at the results I see 10-15 people who can realistically beat me. This thing has turned out to remain wonderfully balanced. But at the same time, those at the top are those you'd expect. This is rewarding skill, but giving a fighting chance to luck. At least enough to keep 'em roped in, contributing to the fund.

So anyway, that's it, just thought I'd share a bit. These games are my children, my pride and joy, and they've grown up so well. I'm happy to answer any questions or address concerns; I hope this proves helpful for any of you interested in doing something similar.

I couldn't have done any of this if I didn't have such a wonderful group of people playing in them. I got a bit lucky with convergence, in that I obtained my current space at a time when I had my fingers in a few different games and circles, and we had a couple of waves of the friends of friends playing for a while, then once we vet them they bring their friends, etc. A couple of people a few levels in turned out to be fountainheads for groups who are now cornerstones of the game. If you build it, they will come, but you gotta look under a lot of rocks, too.

Do you allow women to play? Oh wait that is another thread.

I really like the free roll idea and the WSOP shares based on participation. I think those things will keep players coming back even if they get behind early.

Did I understand the structure correctly that the number of seats you are giving out for points is predetermined?--and that the number of seats given out in the freeroll is variable depending on participation? If you had significantly greater participation than expected, would that effect the number of "points" seats? What do you plan to do with the odd amount short of $1500?

Thanks,
Doug

Giving away one in the freeroll. Seats for points varies based on participation, but it's looking like we'll have six total.

Thankfully it looks like we'll be very close to $9k. I'm going to start talking to folks to see what they want to do if we're off. If it's a little low, one idea is to have it be a "$5-roll" or something. Another is for the lowest point winner to kick in the extra (that's what we did last year). If we're over, either give it as second prize in the freeroll, or use it for food/booze for the freeroll.

Well done. I would definitely be in if I lived in your city.

<<<<Might even bring my wife.

Heh, yes, we have women, one of whom is a contender if she pulls in a few more good results.

I think the shares are getting them back, but it has to be more than that. Last year's league had the same idea with shares, but the last game of the league had half as many players as the first.

I think a big factor is the freeroll, and that you get so many more chips for continuing to play. Also, the payout structure. I pay a lot of the field, so a lot of people get money back. This mean a lot of people are close to the money and can taste it for next time. And despite the consistent winners, we've had enough people cash here and there to distribute the points, keeping it competitive. I'm hoping the extra chip boost will keep folks playing these last few, we'll see how it goes.

Wait... you're joking on that one, right? If not, she runs good.

(geddit?)

You wouldn't believe how many game WE get invited to.