How to qualify for the BSOP on a budget: satellites explained

The BSOP (Brazilian Series of Poker) is the largest live poker circuit in Brazil — and playing a stage is the dream of many people. The good news: you don't need to pay the full buy-in for the Main Event (which can be more than R$4,000). The cheap way is called satellite.

What is a satellite?

Satellite is a cheap tournament whose prize is a seat in a expensive tournament (instead of money). Instead of paying R$4,000 in the Main, you play a satellite of, sometimes, R$30–R$300 and, if you pass, win the seat.

It's like a ladder: small satellites enter larger satellites, which give up their place in the main event.

Types of satellites

• Online → live: play online (GGPoker, etc.) and win a package (seat plus, in some cases, hotel or travel) for the in-person BSOP.
• Direct satellite: awards a seat at the event.
• Step/ladder: win one, go up to the next level.
• Mega satellites: many guaranteed spots, close to the event date.

Step by step to win a seat

1. Choose the stage (e.g.: BSOP São Paulo, Florianópolis, Millions) and see the date.
2. Look for the satellites in the partner poker site (online) or in the casino itself (live).
3. Start cheap and move up the satellite ladder - you don't need to win everything at once.
4. Play for the spot, not for 1st place: on satellite, finishing among the players awarded a seat is already a win (strategy changes - surviving is worth more than accumulating).

BSOP 2026 Calendar (stages)

Summer Millions (Jan) · São Paulo (Mar) · Rio Quente (Apr-May) · Winter Millions (21-31/Jul) · Floripa (4-8/Sep) · Millions (13-28/Nov). Buy-ins vary from ~R$500 to R$4,000 — and there is satellite for almost everything.

The difference between going and going PREPARED

Stamping the spot is half the battle. The other half is arriving playing well - especially in short stack decisions and bubble spots, where satellite and MTT decide.

In the GTO Vyve you train push/fold, review your hands and correct your leaks before sitting at the BSOP table - with clear explanations, for free to start.

👉 Train for BSOP for free on GTO Vyve. (play responsibly · +18)