World Series of Poker

Poker tournaments have been held in great numbers throughout the years. Amateurs try their luck against the professionals, and newcomers learn a lot by getting the chance to play against some of the best players of poker.

WPT or World Poker Tournaments are considered the biggest thing in the poker tournament world. Winning or even being in the cash at WPT is a very high honor for players. There are other tournaments of similar level held annually, such as the WSOP or World Series of Poker It follows a set list of regulations for qualification to play and one has to dish out a large amount of cash in entry fees. Champions and great players are sometimes requested to play as free contenders to make the game more attractive to poker fans. It is held in June and July on consecutive days.

WSOP origin

The WSOP started as a whim in 1970 when Benny Binion invited six top players of his time to contend against each other. The first two years were dominated by Johnny Moss. It has grown to have as many as 55 different events a year. There are Omaha, HORSE, 8-card, 7-card and No Limits events offered. No Limit is of course is the most popular event and attracts players in thousands. The 2007 series had more than 8000 players on the final count.

Players know that winning here will enhance their CV and make them a respected name in poker circuits. Players from all over the world to play, and there are household and bar tournaments to prepare for WSOP.

Prize Money

This is the big draw for most players- the large amount of money that is available to be won. The most popular variant – $10,000 No Limits assures the winner millions of dollars in prize money. He also gets a commemorative bracelet to keep. This is a prized trophy on the mantelpiece of any poker player. Other events also guarantee great prizes and players sometimes choose the events with a smaller number of quality players to increase their chances to be in the cash, even though it is a lower prize amount.

There has been an incredible increase in the prize money, thanks to the exploding popularity of poker. A player generally strives to at least just be in the cash. Just being on the final table assures them of much more than what they paid to entire the tournament. This of course, is easier said than done. There are a thousands of players playing all the different events and the final table offers space for 6 to a maximum of 10 players.

WSOP Winners

Stu Ungar holds the prime position among the past WSOP winners having won three bracelets total. Even Johnny Moss did that but his initial wins were through voting and so is generally discarded. Hoyt Corkins, Mike Matusow and a number of legendary names have made it to the final WSOP table. Phil Hellmuth Jr., the ‘Poker Brat’, has been the player with most cash wins, bracelets and appearances on the final table. He has won it twice. There is an impressive number of brilliant poker players who participate in WSOP.

The top players that make WSOP are so amazing and are sometimes joined by greats from other fields as well. A notable example is the small victory of the Australian leg spin wizard Shane Warne in 2009.