Poker aficionados and anyone who enjoys playing online casino games will have heard about, watched or perhaps even participated in the World Series of Poker (WSOP) event — the biggest and longest-running poker tournament in the world. It’s the ultimate high-stakes competition, bursting at the seams with unparalleled skill and unyielding determination. Although there are some top players who may not yet have won at the WSOP, it’s the grand stage where the best of the best converge to test their mettle and claim the coveted title of world poker champion.
Even if you’ve been a fan of the WSOP event for a long time, here are some interesting, lesser-known facts guaranteed to get you excited. Dive in.
What Is the WSOP?
Established in 1970 by the visionary Benny Binion, the WSOP is a series of poker tournaments held annually in Las Vegas, Nevada (although, in recent years, additional WSOP events have been hosted in other locations worldwide.) The series typically spans several weeks during the summer and features a diverse range of poker variants and formats.
The most coveted event of the WSOP is the $10,000 No-Limit Texas Hold’em Main Event, which crowns the world champion of poker. This particular tournament has seen legendary moments and remarkable stories, such as Chris Moneymaker’s historic win in 2003. Chris Moneymaker was an accountant who won the WSOP Main Event after qualifying through an online satellite tournament with a mere $86 entry fee. Moneymaker’s unlikely victory became known as the “Moneymaker Effect” and popularized online poker, attracting a new generation of players to the game.
Speaking of which, it’s now possible to participate in the World Series of Poker online. Online satellite tournaments allow players to win their way into the live events, making the dream of competing in the WSOP more accessible to a wider audience.
Read on for a few more facts.
Who Has the Most WSOP Bracelets?
American poker pro Phil Hellmuth holds the record for the most WSOP bracelets won by an individual player. Hellmuth has an astonishing 16 bracelets to his name. His victories span across various poker variants, including No-Limit Hold’em, Limit Hold’em, Seven-Card Razz and more.
Humble Beginnings
Nowadays, the WSOP’s main event alone receives thousands of enthusiastic entrants each year. But back in 1970, when the first WSOP event took place, only seven players participated in a single tournament. The event was held at Binion’s Horseshoe Casino in Las Vegas, where Johnny Moss was crowned the champion by a vote from his peers.
Jaw-Dropping Prize Pools
Over the years, the WSOP prize pools have experienced exponential growth. In the 2022 main event, the prize pool was a staggering $80,782,475 and the winner, Norwegian poker pro Espen Jørstad, walked away with an impressive $10 million.
The “November Nine”
Up until 2007, the WSOP main event was played without interruption. However, from 2008 to 2016, the main event final table was delayed until November, creating the “November Nine” concept. This change allowed for increased television coverage and anticipation leading up to the final table, as well as a chance for players to gain exposure and sponsorship opportunities.
Women Poker Power
While poker has traditionally been male-dominated, several talented female poker pros have triumphed at the WSOP. Notably, Barbara Enright became the first woman to reach the Main Event final table in 1995. Additionally, female players, such as Vanessa Selbst, Annette Obrestad (also the youngest person ever to win a WSOP bracelet at the age of 19) and Liv Boeree, have secured WSOP bracelets in various events, proving their skill and competitiveness.
The Media Side
The WSOP is not just about the poker players; it has also attracted notable media personalities over the years. Commentators such as Lon McEachern and Norman Chad have become synonymous with WSOP coverage, providing colorful commentary and memorable catchphrases. Their insights and banter have added an entertaining dimension to the tournament’s television broadcasts.
The “Robin Hood of Poker”
Many players participate in the WSOP for the chance to snag their share of the profits, but some players use the platform as a means to help others. Barry Greenstein is an example of one of these inspirational players. A professional poker player and philanthropist, he earned the nickname the “Robin Hood of Poker” due to his charitable contributions. In WSOP events, Greenstein donates his winnings from tournaments to various charities, putting his poker skills to good use and making a positive impact beyond the game itself.
Mind-Blowing Records
Over the years, the WSOP has witnessed remarkable records. The youngest main event champion is Joe Cada, who won in 2009 at the age of 21, just eight days shy of his 22nd birthday. The oldest main event champion was Johnny Moss, who won the inaugural event in 1970 at the age of 63. Finally, Phil Hellmuth holds the record for the most cashes in WSOP history, with over 154 in-the-money finishes.
Want more? Take a look at this list of insightful WSOP facts here.
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