The countdown to the 2024 World Series of Poker is on. Each day until the start of the series on May 28, we'll bring you tips and insider info from some of the biggest names in the game.
David Lappin is a poker pro, Unibet Poker ambassador, commentator, and writer. In his own words, he's "sometimes outside the tent pissing in, sometimes inside the tent pissing out." You can follow David on X/Twitter.
How do you prepare for the WSOP summer grind?
My WSOP Summer is always just a July fortnight in the desert, so, unlike others, I don’t have to pace myself. I might take one day off to make content, but otherwise, it will be 10-14 hour poker days sitting at the table.
I’ll be well rested before, and I will take a few days off after, so I know I can go hell for leather and empty the tank. I won’t do any meditation, and I won’t hit the gym, but I will try to eat reasonably responsibly and drink in moderation (a nightcap or two helps me sleep). I’ll chug my one Red Bull the night I arrive to help fight off the jet lag.
Then, I’ll go to the Lavazza stand in Ballys daily for my morning soya milk flat white because I detest Starbucks. I’ll share Chinese food with Dara O’Kearney, not because I am too cheap to buy a whole meal for myself, but because the portions in America are ridiculous and I am too cheap to buy a whole meal for myself.
If I have time before I leave for Vegas, I will go to my favourite restaurants in Malta and ask the hosts to make me wait outside for 30 minutes so that I can practice my queuing. I will also ask them to give me menus on which only a fraction of the actual price is listed.
David Lappin at the 2024 Irish Poker Open
What event are you most looking forward to playing?
It will always be the Main Event. It’s a special tournament. I’ve been lucky enough to run semi-deep twice in the four times that I’ve played it, and there is nothing quite like the buzz of being in that tournament.
What's the biggest event you're going to play?
Unless somebody wants to make me an indecent proposal (which I am absolutely open to), it will be the Main Event. I only play two $10Ks each year: the Main and the WPT World Championship.
Check out the full schedule for the 2024 WSOP and plan which events you're going to target this summer. If you're looking at the lower end of the buy-ins, check out The Rec's guide to the WSOP. If you're looking for action with a bigger budget, follow what Jennifer Tilly is doing.
Additional image courtesy of PokerStars/Danny Maxwell
