The second installment of the World Series of Poker takes a story-based approach, as players are guided through the circuit under the tutelage of a renowned professional poker player, Chris Ferguson. Players can test their Hold'em skills against over 30 professional players, competing in circuit events to qualify for the Tournament of Champions at the Rio Resort in Las Vegas.
The game also includes other poker variants: Omaha, Omaha Hi-Lo, Seven Card Stud, Seven Car Hi-Lo, Razz and HORSE. Via the PlayStation 2's built-in camera, players can map their own faces into the Xbox 360 version for both single player and multiplayer game modes.
Gameplay in World Series of Poker is focused on poker strategy and skill, with an emphasis on learning from mistakes and adapting to different playing styles. Players must manage their chips carefully, weighing risk and reward as they navigate the various tournament events.