World Series of Poker

Texas Gamblers Reunion
The World Series of Poker (WSOP) began in 1969 with an event called the Texas Gamblers Reunion. It was sponsored by Tom Moore of Castle Hills, Texas, and held at the Holiday Hotel and Casino in Reno and won by Crandell Addington. The set of tournaments that the World Series of Poker would evolve into was the brainchild of Las Vegas casino owner Benny Binion.

In 1970, the first WSOP at Binion's Horseshoe took place as a series of cash games. The Main Event was won by Johnny Moss with a first place prize of $30,000. In 1971, all events were tournaments. In 1976, bracelets were awarded for the first time.

The tournament grew slowly for 12 years, reaching only 52 participants in 1982. In the early 1980s, satellite tournaments were introduced and allowed players to win their way into WSOP events. By 1987, there were over 2,100 entrants.

Acquisition by Harrah's
In 2004, Harrah's Entertainment (now Caesars Entertainment) purchased Binion's Horseshoe and the rights to the WSOP. Starting in 2005, the WSOP began the WSOP Circuit, a satellite series held at Harrah's properties around the U.S.

Around the World
Around the World In 2007, the World Series of Poker Europe began. The first event was in London and won by Norwegian Annette Obrestad on the day before her 19th birthday. This made her the youngest person ever to win a WSOP bracelet.

In 2010, the WSOP expanded to South Africa. In 2015, the WSOP launched in Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Super Charity Event
In June 2011, the World Series of Poker and Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté, (a player in Mollie’s Game), joined together to create a fundraising event, “The Big One for One Drop.” With a 1 million entry fee, 11% from each buy-in went to the charity and the WSOP waived its normal 10% rake of the entry fees. Antonio Esfandiari won the first prize of $18,346,673 and received a platinum WSOP bracelet.

Memorable WSOP Events
Jack Straus's 1982 comeback win after discovering he had one $500 chip left when he thought he was out of the tournament. Coining the phrase “Chip and a Chair.”

Chris Moneymaker and Greg Raymer, the winners in 2003 and 2004, both qualified for the Main Event through satellite tournaments on PokerStars.

The World Series of Poker Main Event has never been won with pocket aces. However, two players have lost the final hand having their aces cracked.

Phil Hellmuth has 17 WSOP bracelets and Doyle Brunson 10. Roland Israelashvili has 419 cashes and no bracelets and Maria Ho, has 82 cashes and no bracelets.