PokerStars Challenges WSOP
The World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP) established in 2002, was PokerStars' attempt to establish the online equivalent of the World Series of Poker. Today, the WCOOP is one of the most anticipated events in the world and is a global phenomenon that attracts thousands.
One of the reasons for the growth of the WCOOP is the convenience it offers to players. Traditional live tournaments, require travel expenses and accommodations, the WCOOP allows participants to compete from the comfort of their own homes. This accessibility has attracted a vast number of recreational players who might otherwise have been unable or unwilling to participate in live events.
Notable Winners
Two months after the 2002 World Series of Poker, PokerStars launched their online version of the series. One of the most notable moments occurred in 2003 when a relatively unknown player named Chris Moneymaker with an entry from the online tournament won the WSOP Main Event. This victory was significant because it marked the first time an online qualifier won the WSOP tournament.
In 2007, another remarkable moment unfolded during the WCOOP when Jerry Yang emerged victorious in the WCOOP Main Event. What made this win so extraordinary was that Yang had already achieved poker stardom earlier that year by winning the World Series of Poker Main Event.
Fast forward to 2010, Tyson Marks became the youngest player ever to win the WCOOP Main Event at just 20 years old.
Daniel Negreanu’s victory in the 2013 WCOOP Main Event solidified his status as one of the greatest players in the game. The 2023 edition featured a guaranteed prize pool of $80 million across 110 events. The WCOOP is the world’s oldest and biggest online tournament of all time.
Poker Origins