All You Need To Know About The World Series of Poker (WSOP) | Natural8 (2024)

Table of Contents
    • World Series of PokerJump to...Why Play in the WSOP?Jump to...A Brief History of the WSOPJump to...WSOP ExpansionsJump to...WSOP Hardware: Bracelets and RingsJump to...Notable WSOP WinnersJump to...WSOP Fun FactsJump to...WSOP Schedule at Natural8Jump to...
All You Need To Know About The World Series of Poker (WSOP) | Natural8 (1)

The World Series of Poker is a collection of tournaments held annually in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dating back to 1970, the WSOP is a truly historic and prestigious event, held in high regard by professionals and amateurs alike.

Read on and we’ll reveal everything you need to know about the official World Series of Poker.

Why Play in the WSOP?

There are many reasons why someone might want to play a World Series of Poker event. But the main factor is almost certainly the glory. Although other major poker events do exist, such as the World Poker Tour, none carry the same level of prestige as the WSOP.

The top professional players are used to winning large sums of money, in both cash games and tournaments. So how is it possible to distinguish themselves from other players? To show the world how good they really are?

If only there were an annual collection of tournaments, bringing together the world’s best poker pros to compete for titles. And that’s exactly why the World Series of Poker was devised.

A Brief History of the WSOP

The idea for a series of events to crown the world’s best poker player was first born in the late 1960s. But it was Las Vegas casino owner Benny Binion who finally made it happen. In 1970, the first ever WSOP took place.

The Early Days

The original WSOP format was a series of cash games in five different disciplines, including 5 Card Stud, 7 Card Stud and Texas Hold’em. At the end of the meeting, each player voted on the best player, eventually crowning Johnny Moss as the first ever champion.

The following year, five separate tournaments were held. Once again, Moss would claim the big prize, winning the first World Series of Poker Main Event. By the end of the 1970s, the WSOP had grown to a collection of 12 tournaments, with commemorative bracelets issued for the first time in 1976.

Throughout the 1980s and 90s, the WSOP format remained largely static. After all, this was long before the online poker boom which made the game much more accessible. Tournament buy-ins were fixed at between $1,000 and $5,000, with a $10,000 fee for the annual Main Event. In 1995 and 1996, the series had grown to 24 events in total.

2000 Until Today

By the early 2000s, people were beginning to play poker on the internet and the game was expanding quickly. The 2003 WSOP saw a total of 36 tournaments, but that year’s Main Event changed things forever. Chris Moneymaker took down the Main Event, having qualified through a satellite.

This type of online poker game, sponsored by the many emerging internet poker rooms, allowed regular Joes to qualify for small sums of money. Inspired by Moneymaker’s success, subsequent WSOP fields exploded. The 2006 Main Event remains the largest prize pool in history at $82,512,162 with a $12 million first prize.

Not only did field sizes and prize pools continue to expand, but so did the number of tournaments. In 2009, the series had grown to 59 events, but by the 2022 WSOP, there were a total of 118. Admittedly, 78 of these took place online, but this was necessary to rebuild in a post COVID-19 world. Even before lockdowns, the 2019 WSOP saw a total of 90 live events.

WSOP Expansions

Over the years, the World Series of Poker has sought to expand, with some projects proving more successful than others. Let’s take a quick look at the various expansions attempted by WSOP organizers.

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WSOP Circuit

The World Series of Poker Circuit kicked off in 2005. The idea was to play a collection of satellite events across the USA, hosted by Harrah's casinos. Each location held a $10,000 buy-in event, while the best performing players were invited to a final Tournament of Champions.

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WSOP Europe

Probably the most successful of the WSOP expansion attempts is the World Series of Poker Europe. Launched in 2007, the first event was held in London, UK and propelled Annette Obrestad to fame. The Norwegian winner of the inaugural WSOPE Main Event was just 18 years old at the time.

Other WSOP Expansions

WSOP Africa

This short-lived experiment began in 2010, with the first of just three series held at the Emerald Resort & Casino in South Africa.

WSOP Asia Pacific

In 2013, the WSOP tried to move into the Asia Pacific region, hosting a series of tournaments in Melbourne, Australia. Daniel Negreanu claimed the first Main Event bracelet, but the series did not return after 2014.

WSOP International Circuit

Since 2015, the circuit has expanded globally, with tournaments played on multiple continents. From the 2017/18 season, there have been 13 international events on the calendar, with winners contesting the WSOP Global Casino Championship.

WSOP Online

Prompted by COVID-19 lockdowns, the WSOP looked to continue their annual series via the internet in 2020 and 2021. Subsequently, there now exists a dedicated WSOP online series where players can join the WSOP and play online poker.

WSOP Hardware: Bracelets and Rings

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Tournament winners earn more than just prize money when taking down a prestigious WSOP title. There’s a coveted piece of jewelry to be won, too.

Although bracelets have long been awarded to tournament winners, in the early days of the WSOP it was not the case. The bracelet tradition began in 1976, though some players objected, claiming they were too feminine. As a result, gold watches were issued for the 1982 series. But these were also unpopular, so officials reverted to bracelets the following year.

Today, the hardware is supplied by a company called Jostens, though several other manufacturers have been used over the years. The 10 karat gold bracelet also features black diamonds and rubies, which are used to create depictions of the playing card suits.

If you’re not lucky enough to secure a bracelet, the next most prestigious thing would be a WSOP Circuit ring. Take down any event on the circuit and you’ll collect a gold ring.

Notable WSOP Winners

When Espen Jorstad defeated Adrian Attenborough to win the 2022 World Series of Poker Main Event, he etched his name into poker history. Jorstad joins an illustrious list of names that features some of the very best players in the world.

Let’s take a look at some other notable WSOP title winners.

Phil Hellmuth

When Phil Hellmuth Jr won the 1989 Main Event, he was the youngest ever to do so, aged 24. That stood until 2008, when 22 year old Peter Eastgate claimed the record. Hellmuth is also the only player to win both the WSOP and WSOPE Main Event bracelets.

Now into his late 50s, his longevity is incredible. In winning his 16th WSOP bracelet, Hellmuth moved a full six ahead of his nearest rivals. In addition, he has more final table appearances than any other player in WSOP history, including 14 runner-up finishes.

His most notable near miss came in the 2011 $50,000 Poker Players Championship, the premier WSOP high roller event. Losing to Brian Rast, Hellmuth still pocketed $1,063,034 for second place.

Doyle Brunson

One of the old-school legends at the World Series of Poker, “Texas Dolly” is still playing the game deep into his 80s. A back-to-back WSOP Main Event winner in 1976 and 1977, only Phil Hellmuth has won more than Brunson’s 10 bracelets.

Known as a ferocious cash game player, Brunson excelled in No Limit Texas Holdem. Many would try to mimic his style, paving the way for younger generations to succeed in the game. In fact, his book “Doyle Brunson’s Super System: A Course in Power Poker” would become the definitive manual for crushing cash games.

Phil Ivey

Arguably the greatest all-round poker player in poker history, Phil Ivey burst onto the scene around the turn of the millennium. The first of his 10 bracelets came in 2000, aged just 23. And just two years later, he claimed three more at the 2002 WSOP.

Phil Ivey is the youngest player to secure 10 WSOP bracelets, doing so aged 38. Phil Hellmuth had previously achieved the same feat aged 42. But perhaps the most remarkable thing about Ivey, is that none of his 10 bracelets came in a Texas Hold’em tournament.

Johnny Chan

One of just four players to reach double figures, Johnny Chan was the first to collect 10 WSOP bracelets. The man known as the “Orient Express” won consecutive Main Event titles in 1987 and 1988. Incredibly, he also finished second in 1989, denied a third straight success by Phil Hellmuth.

Chan’s heads up victory over Erik Seidel in the 1988 Main Event was immortalized in the 1998 movie Rounders, starring Matt Damon.

Daniel Negreanu

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This popular Canadian player first won a WSOP bracelet in 1998 at the tender age of 23. Negreanu’s feat made him the youngest ever bracelet winner at that time, earning him the nickname “Kid Poker”.

Daniel Negreanu is undoubtedly one of the greatest players in WSOP history. In addition to a total of six bracelets and a WSOP Circuit ring, no player has more World Series cashes. Further, he was the first (and currently only) person to win the WSOP Player of the Year title twice.

WSOP Fun Facts

#1 - The First WSOP Main Event Prize

We already talked about how the first ever WSOP title was decided upon by a vote after a series of cash games. But in 1971, the first Main Event proper was also won by Johnny Moss. His prize for that achievement? $30,000. Just six players paid the $5,000 buy-in, with Moss taking the entire pool.

#2 - The Biggest Main Event Field

When Jamie Gold claimed the $12 million first prize in the 2006 Main Event, he beat the biggest field in WSOP history. But do you know how many entrants took part? It was a massive 8,773 players.

#3 - The Winner of the First WSOP Bracelet

Johnny Moss won a trophy for being voted the first ever WSOP champion and bracelets were not issued until 1976. Although successes prior to that date are now classed as bracelet wins, no jewelry was awarded at the time. So the first player to ever receive a WSOP bracelet was actually Doyle Brunson, for his 1976 Main Event win.

#4 - The First Non-American Main Event Winner

Given its origins, it’s no surprise that the World Series of Poker was dominated by Americans for a long time. In 1989, Johnny Chan was the first non US-born player to win the Main Event. Although originally hailing from China, Chan was actually a US citizen. A year later, Iranian-born Mansour Matloubi became the first non-American to win the Main Event.

WSOP Schedule at Natural8

12th December 2021 - 9th January 2022

WSOP Winter Circuit - $100,000,000 Guaranteed with 18 Circuit Rings

March 24th - April 17th 2022

WSOP Spring Circuit - $100,000,000 Guaranteed with 18 Circuit Rings

Starts 3rd April 2022

WSOP Road To Vegas - Qualify for the WSOP Main Event in Las Vegas with a travel package worth more than $10,000. Package includes Main Event entry worth $10,000, travel expenses worth $1,200, and accommodation for 7 Nights in Bally’s Las Vegas.

August 14th - 27th September 2022

WSOP Online - 33 WSOP Bracelet Events

October 12th - November 3rd 2022

Road to WSOPE - Qualify for the €10,350 Main Event Online. Satellites from €25

December 4th 2022 - January 9th 2023

WSOP Winter Circuit - $150,000,000 GTD with 18 Circuit Rings

March 5th - 28th 2023

WSOP Spring Circuit - $100,000,000 GTD with 18 Circuit Rings

July 2nd - 31st 2023

WSOP Summer Circuit - $100,000,000 GTD with 18 Circuit Rings

August 20th - Oct 2nd 2023

WSOP Online - 33 Online Bracelets & Continental Leaderboards

March 3rd - April 1st 2024

WSOP Super Circuit - $100,000,000 GTD with 18 Circuit Rings

And More Events Coming Soon

*Please visit WSOP for a full schedule of events

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MILLION$ - $3,500,000 GTD Weekly GGMasters on Natural8
All You Need To Know About The World Series of Poker (WSOP) | Natural8 (2024)

FAQs

How does the World Series of Poker work? ›

Players bring a set amount of money to the table, and play continues until only one player survives. For scheduled tournaments players sign up to play for a set amount of prize money. They must pay a “buy-in” fee, and they each receive the same number of chips for play. They play until there is a single winner.

How much does it cost to play in the World Series of Poker? ›

2024 WSOP Main Event FAQs

The Main Event kicks off July 3. How much does it cost to enter the WSOP Main Event? Each year, the buy-in for the WSOP Main Event is $10,000.

Do they play with real money in World Series of Poker? ›

The winner of the World Series of Poker Main Event is considered to be the World Champion of Poker. Since 1971, all WSOP events have been tournaments with cash prizes.

How much is the entry fee for the World Series of Poker 2024? ›

The 2024 WSOP $10,000 buy-in World Championship is Event #81 out of 98 events, which will include The Closer, a $1,500 No-Limit Hold'em tournament starting July 15 to conclude the 55th annual World Series of Poker.

Can you cash out in World Series of Poker? ›

The minimum bank transfer (ACH) withdrawal amount is $10. The minimum withdrawal via Play+ is $10. The minimum withdrawal via PayPal is $10. The minimum withdrawal amount via the live cashier's cage is $50.

How many people get paid out in the World Series of Poker? ›

Poker's richest tournament will see its champion take home a $10 million first-place prize and pay out 1,517 players from a whopping $94,041,600 total prize pool.

Can anyone join the World Series of Poker? ›

Yes. If you wish to register for a tournament or play live-action games, you must have a Caesars Rewards Card. Visit any of our Caesars Entertainment Properties in the U.S., or by visiting the Caesars Rewards Desk in the WSOP TournamentArea, upon arrival at the Paris.

Who is the richest Poker player in the world? ›

Top 10 Richest Poker Players
  • Andy Beal. $14.6 billion.
  • Dan Bilzerian. $200 million.
  • Phil Ivey. $125 million.
  • Sam Farha. $100 million.
  • Chris Ferguson. $80 million.
  • Doyle Brunson. $75 million.
  • Daniel Negreanu. $70 million.
  • Bryn Kenney. $57 million.
May 13, 2024

How much is a WSOP bracelet worth? ›

How much is a bracelet worth? Over the years, the bracelets have changed, and so has their value, but the first bracelet in 1976 was worth around $500. The WSOP bracelets are pretty different nowadays, and the ones awarded in most events are worth around $1,500.

Do they use real money in WPT? ›

Do you have to Play for Real Money at WPT Global? Yes, currently WPT Global does not offer "Play Money" tables, so the only way to play on WPT Global is by participating in Real Money tables.

What playing cards are used in World Series of Poker? ›

Copag is proud to be the official playing card provider for the World Series of Poker. We take pride in supplying the world's best players with the world's best playing cards. Copag cards are 100% plastic and world renown for quality by providing a smooth slide and texture for supreme handling.

How many people buy into the World Series of Poker? ›

For the second consecutive year, the World Series of Poker Main Event has set a new record for the most participants ever to join the field. By the close of registration on Day 1D Monday, 10,112 players put up their $10,000 buy-in, eclipsing the previous record of 10,043 set in 2023.

How much is a seat at the World Series of Poker? ›

2022/23 WSOP Circuit - Horseshoe Las Vegas (Las Vegas, NV)
DateEventBuyin
Sat, Feb 18th 9:00 AM 1 Day$250 Mega Satellite ($1,700 Circuit Main Event) $250 Mega Satellite to $1 700 Circuit Main Event. One (1) seat guaranteed. INFO$250
27 more rows

What is the longest WSOP final table ever played? ›

Of course, the longest WSOP final table ever played happened only about a month ago at the WSOP-Europe at the Empire Casino in Leicester Square, where John Juanda won his fourth bracelet after a grueling 19.5 hours of play (nearly 22 hours including breaks). That marathon lasted 484 hands, over 200 of them heads-up.

How does the World Series of Poker pay out? ›

The WSOP pays out approximately 15% of the field size, but it varies slightly from event to event.

Can anyone enter the World Series of Poker? ›

MOST TRUSTED BRAND IN POKER

It's all the action and prestige of the World Series of Poker, from the comfort of your home or locale of choice. At WSOP.com, anyone can play and anyone can win.

What's it like playing in the WSOP main event? ›

The experience of playing in the main event may be worth something to you beyond your real money equity, though. Spending a few days immersed in the game and culture, potentially meeting and playing with some of the best players in the world, could be a valuable learning experience.

How much do WPT winners make? ›

WPT Prime Championship

The 10,516 entries made the $1,100 buy-in event the single largest live WPT-branded tournament field of all time, with a prize pool of $10,196,640 - double the $5 million guarantee. The winner of the No-Limit Hold 'em tournament will earn the top prize of $1,386,280.

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