Here’s a look at one of the trophies to be handed out to the winners of the 16 tournaments in the Harrah’s Resort World Series of Poker satellite meet (in this case event 13). The satellite event begins Wednesday, but is not an official “circuit” event of the World Series, such as the WSOP circuit event at Caesars earlier this year. At circuit events, winners get WSOP rings as sort of a bracelet tease. Still, since Harrah’s Entertainment owns the WSOP, the trophies are pretty official, especially since you get the money from winning a tournament as well. Players can also win $10,000 seats at the WSOP Main Event in July at The Rio in event 11 and event 16, which we have to admit is probably cooler than the trophy. Go to our previous post for the schedule.

Organizer’s of the World Series of Poker say early registrations for the WSOP Main Event, which starts July 5 at the Rio in Las Vegas, are coming in at a record pace. After a couple of years of decline in the field, the WSOP is gearing up for a big showing and has even increased the size of the Rio’s playing area by about 20 percent. This year there will be 377 tables and opening day play will be split over four days.

And you could be there, even without coming up with the $10,000 buy-in, thanks to the WSOP satellite event starting at Harrah’s Resort May 12, probably the last major satellite event available before the WSOP starts May 28.

The 16-event meet includes two chances to win seats at the WSOP Main Event. The winner of Event 11, a $1,000 + $150 Deep Stack No Limit tournament that starts May 22 wins a seat. But the real action starts May 27 when Event 16, a $1035 + $65 No Limit event begins. One $10,000 seat at the WSOP Main Event will be awarded for every 10 players in the tournament. A field of 100 means 10 seats.

Satellites for both events, as well as Event 4, a $1,000 + $100 Deep Stack, will be held for a few days prior to each event. Satellites for Event 16 are $115 + $25. So for just a $140 investment, you could be the next Chris Moneymaker.

Here’s a look at the satellite event schedule (after the jump): (more…)