WSOP is the single most prestigious poker tournament with the longest history; during its 42 years of existence so far, over $1 billion has been distributed among its winners and ITM finishers. More than 70,000 players registered to last year’s events and the total prize pool exceeded $180 million. Although a minor decline in numbers is possible due to Black Friday, tournament management does not expect a major drop.
WSOP was brought to life by casino owner Benny Binion. The idea was formed in his head on the basis of one of the biggest poker duels of the age: a couple of years after WWII, the infamous grinder Nicholas ‘Nick the Greek’ Dandolos challenged Johnny Moss for an epic session to decide which one of them is better at poker. The several months long match that was played in front of an audience ended with Moss’ victory, who managed to win about $2 million from Dandolos.
The first WSOP took place in 1970, when Binion called the greatest grinders of the age to Las Vegas; Amarillo Slim, Doyle Brunson, Johnny Moss, ‘Corky’ McCorquodale and Puggy Pearson participated, among others. Since there were no MTTs back then, participants played a number of different cash game types and voted on the best player. Eventually, Johnny Moss emerged as champion and won the silver cup.
Although WSOP instantly became immensely popular with grinders, railbirds and journalists were not that enthusiastic, so a new structure had to be introduced. In 1971, Binion organised the event in a tournament setup, laying down the foundations of freezout championships. WSOP was set on a path of fast evolution, having more events, more participants and greater prize pools by each year.
As usual, the 42nd WSOP started with the $500 Casino Employees No-Limit Hold'em, which was won by Hoai Pham in 2010. Event #2 $25,000 Heads Up No-Limit Hold'em Championship is one of the major events of the tourney and is part of the WSOP schedule for the first time ever.
On the happenings at the WSOP, we will keep you posted.
42nd WSOP Official Schedule Released
WSOP was brought to life by casino owner Benny Binion. The idea was formed in his head on the basis of one of the biggest poker duels of the age: a couple of years after WWII, the infamous grinder Nicholas ‘Nick the Greek’ Dandolos challenged Johnny Moss for an epic session to decide which one of them is better at poker. The several months long match that was played in front of an audience ended with Moss’ victory, who managed to win about $2 million from Dandolos.
The first WSOP took place in 1970, when Binion called the greatest grinders of the age to Las Vegas; Amarillo Slim, Doyle Brunson, Johnny Moss, ‘Corky’ McCorquodale and Puggy Pearson participated, among others. Since there were no MTTs back then, participants played a number of different cash game types and voted on the best player. Eventually, Johnny Moss emerged as champion and won the silver cup.
Although WSOP instantly became immensely popular with grinders, railbirds and journalists were not that enthusiastic, so a new structure had to be introduced. In 1971, Binion organised the event in a tournament setup, laying down the foundations of freezout championships. WSOP was set on a path of fast evolution, having more events, more participants and greater prize pools by each year.
As usual, the 42nd WSOP started with the $500 Casino Employees No-Limit Hold'em, which was won by Hoai Pham in 2010. Event #2 $25,000 Heads Up No-Limit Hold'em Championship is one of the major events of the tourney and is part of the WSOP schedule for the first time ever.
On the happenings at the WSOP, we will keep you posted.
42nd WSOP Official Schedule Released
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