WSOP World Series of Poker

The World Series of Poker, also known as the World Series of Poker, is the largest live poker tournament. It has been running since 1970 and is the most iconic event in the poker industry. The WSOP is impressive in its size as it attracts a huge number of poker enthusiasts each year. These include both the players themselves and the spectators. The tournament is often the ultimate dream for aspiring poker players.

Historical background

Today poker is such a popular card game thanks to an event that happened in 1951. At the time, Nick Dandolos came up with the idea to Benny Bininon, the founder of the gambling establishment. The man came up with the idea of creating a poker tournament. The tournament at the time featured two professionals – Johnny Mossa and Nick Dandolos himself – at the table.

The competition between the two poker players lasted for five months. Each time, an untold number of spectators gathered to watch the game. In such a fierce battle, Johnny Mossa was victorious, racking up a prize of $2 million. This leaves the casino with a win, as the casino managed to improve its financial situation significantly thanks to the event.

The World Series of Poker as we know it today was already formed in 1970. Tom Moore and Vic Vickrey decided in that year to bring together gambling enthusiasts from across the state of Texas. Gradually, the event has improved and today includes many tournaments. In total, the series today includes more than 60 tournaments. They are distinguished by their time limit.

Reasons for the popularity of the WSOP

Specialists divide the history of the Championship into two periods. The first one covers the years 1970-2003. At that time, the tournament was an international poker competition featuring professional players. Some tournaments of the series did not even have more than a hundred participants. This is not surprising as poker was not very popular back then.

In 2003, the second period began. The turning point was the victory of a simple accountant from Georgia named Chris Manimaker. He first won the PokerStars Settelite in the Main Event and then left his rivals in the Championship with a nosedive. His winnings amounted to $2.5 million.

Chris’s win attracted the attention of the public. Interest in poker grew lightning fast, which ensured an increase in the number of players. As a result, a small PokerStars room turned into a full-fledged concern known throughout the world and leading the gambling business today.

Thanks to the rise in popularity, total winnings at the World Championship have increased significantly. The absolute record is the mark of 12 million dollars. That was the amount of money taken by the winner of the Main Event tournament Jamie Goldom in 2006. Except that it provoked a number of problems with the authorities. After that the satellites had to be removed from the Championship programme.

Despite the difficulties and some decline in demand for the tournament, there are still a huge number of fans and players today. But the prize money limit for the Main Event is now $8 million.

In 2012, the World Series held its first-ever charity tournament. To take part in the tournament, you need to donate $1 million. The $18 million prize went to Antonio Esfandiari.