Do you want to learn more about the history of the World Series Of Poker or check out current WSOP online poker tournaments? Well good news, you're in the right place!
When did it start?
It all goes back to 1970 at the Horseshoe Casino. Founder Benny Binion had made the decision to invite seven of the best known poker players for a single tournament. At this tournament there was a set start and stop time where the winner was determined by a voting of all participants. This was the start of the glorious World Series of Poker Events, that we know today!
In 2004, Caesars Entertainment (formerly Harrah's Entertainment) acquired Binion's Horseshoe, maintaining ownership of the Horseshoe and World Series of Poker brands.
One important fact to mention here; one year before the official WSOP history beginnings, it all began at the Texas Gamblers Reunion event (1969) with an idea. One year later the fun began!
Expansion World Wide!
At first, the WSOP events were available in the states only. Over the years, the World Series of Poker gained popularity, and it was just a matter of time until it expanded, giving poker players all around the world a chance to win one of the WSOP bracelets.
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2005 - WSOP Circuit
These events are meant to be some kind of advertisement for the main events going on from May to July in the Las Vegas Strip. The winners of the satellite series are getting a golden ring for their victory in addition to their winnings! -
2007 - Europe
It was the first time that the WSOP championship event was held outside of Las Vegas. The WSOP Europe included three events in London, where the youngest poker player ever has won! That year, WSOP commissioner Jeffrey Pollack indicated that other expansions might follow in the upcoming year. -
2010 - Africa
Shortly after teased, the WSOP expanded. This time to Africa, where winners, unfortunately, did not get awarded with a gold ring or a standing for the WSOPC National Championship, which usually was given at other events. However, after a break of one year, this rule was changed in 2012. -
2013 - Asia Pacific
Announced in 2012, the first edition of the WSOP Asia Pacific was held in 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. At this location, five bracelet events were held. The expansion continued. -
2015 - International Circuit
Ten years after the implementation of the circuit events, those have been expanded to be available worldwide. That being said, there were events in Canada, the Caribbean, Latin America, and other locations! Searching for the champion can be challenging, right? So why not make it fun at least? -
2020 - Online
The WSOP online poker was a quick fix during the lockdown. Since there were no personal gatherings allowed, the poker community switched to online poker rooms.
World Series of Poker 2023
With every year, the poker series is growing. Not only in popularity but also in events they contain each season. Back in its first year, the world series of Poker consisted only of one event series, which were cash games only. Through the years, the events are getting bigger in number. That being said, this year 129 events are included in this year's world series, where one may win one of the stunning bracelets. If you count the 15 events of the Europe poker series to it, you end up with 144!
Final Table
On the 3rd of July, the main event of the World Series of Poker 2023 will begin. It will be the 54th anniversary of the series. The buy-in to the final table is at $10.000, and only the best poker players will compete against each other. The final table will be played over the days from July 16 to July 17 with no limit Hold'em games.
Bracelets and Prizes
Besides the prize money of each tournament, the winners also takes home a bracelet or a golden ring, depending on the event they attend. With the WSOP bracelet lot of recognition comes along and some poker player may say it is the Oscar award of the Poker tables.
Be aware that if one won such a bracelet it will not automatically include him at the poker hall of fame. To be listed in the hall of fame there are certain requirements one needs to fulfill.
Did you know that Doyle Brunson, god bless him, achieved to win 10 such bracelets? Also he is in the Hall of Fame of Poker since 1988.
Player Of The Year (POY)
Since 2004 there has been a player of the year award. Each year it is given to the player who collected the most points through all poker events across the world. The results from the World Series of Poker online are not taken into consideration. Due to the pandemic, there was no POY award given in 2020.
Impressive Facts:
Daniel Negreanu is the only player who got announced as player of the year so far.
Amongst all bracelet winners, Phil Hellmuth (Nickname the Poker Brat) has won the most. With 16 won tournaments, he holds the record so far.
The youngest person to ever win a bracelet in WSOP history is Norwegian Annette Obrestad. At the time she won, it was one day before her 19th birthday! In Europe, playing poker is legally allowed as soon as you turn 18.
Are you following the WSOP tournaments? If you need a foretaste of the feeling on the tables, you may want to join us on our weekly Twitch streams!