No. The WSOP is not the Olympics of poker. The Olympics are held every four years, while the WSOP is an annual event. So the WSOP would compare better to the World Championships, not the Olympics. Most athletes that get there only get one or two chances to win the Olympics in their lifetime. Poker players can play in the WSOP 50 times or more in their lifetime. The WSOP is open to anyone who can afford the price of the buy-in. The Olympics require that you qualify by winning national events first. Only the best get to play in the Olympics, anyone can play in the WSOP.

The Olympics are about representing your country in amateur sport. The WSOP has nothing to do with nationality. Players are there to win money, not to become a national hero. Let’s remember that this is only poker, not world-class sport.