Maybe introduced multiple table with progressive buy-in amount so that newbie and pro player will have a chance to play with their same level. I saw this same method on other competition thread here that new comer will go to the lowest tier then they will just have a chance to play on higher tier table after winning a table or playing for certain amount of time on the lower tier.

This way player can gain an experience until they become skilled to compete with higher skill player without the need to invest much money on game that they are still not familiar.