Are you a fan of the World Series of Poker (WSOP)? Have you ever wondered about its history and some amazing facts that come with it? Well, if so, today is your day! Today we’re diving deep into how this legendary tournament began and why it has become such an exciting event for poker players worldwide.
We’ll look at some fun trivia about the WSOP that even seasoned players may need to learn. So grab your chips and sit tight; there’s just one more round before we get started on this wild ride through WSOP history.
- In 2006, the WSOP Main Event set a record with 8,773 entrants–nearly 1,500 more than its closest competitor in 2010, which drew 7,319 participants.
- In 2008, the WSOP debuted its groundbreaking November Nine concept, altering the landscape of poker tournaments until ultimately retiring it in 2016.
- In the 2016 WSOP Main Event, the average age of participants was 40.09 years old–a testament to how poker has become an ageless sport.
- In 1973, the WSOP made its television debut with a CBS documentary narrated by renowned sports broadcaster Jimmy “The Greek” Snyder.
- Standing tall at 6’7″, 1996 WSOP champion Huck Seed used his height to his advantage by playing basketball while studying for a degree in electrical engineering from the California Institute of Technology.
- Born Amir Esfandiari in Iran, Antonio Esfandiari successfully clinched the inaugural $1 million Big One for One Drop Tournament in 2012.
- Maurice Hawkins holds the prestigious record of accumulating ten WSOP Circuit rings, making him the champion.
- Phil Hellmuth has established an impressive record for WSOP cash, with an astonishing 119 all-time. Not too far behind is Erik Seidel, who trails at a still impressive 101 total WSOP cashes.
- In 2011, Jonathan Duhamel, winner of the World Series of Poker (WSOP), suffered a traumatic physical assault that cost him cash and took away his championship bracelet. Although it was later found in pieces by authorities, WSOP officials understood the significance, and their kindness replaced it with an impeccable new one.
- Tony Cousineau is the record holder for most WSOP poker cash-ins (74) without earning a gold bracelet.
- Joe Cada made history in 2009 when he became the youngest player to win the World Series of Poker Main Event at just 21 and 11 months old.
- In the 2007 WSOP Event #29 $1,500 Razz Tournament featuring the late Eskimo Clark, a seizure occurred mid-game and necessitated medical attention. Nonetheless, he persisted and eventually secured 4th place, taking home an impressive prize of $31,186 in total winnings!
- Ellix Powers, the man they fearlessly dared to challenge with a “jack high” at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in 2004, was trumped by Jim McManus’ queen high. Sadly, Powers passed away on September 11, 2015, at 62.
- The WSOP (both live and WSOP online) had gone 33 years without offering a team event, such as “mixed doubles.” These competitions were finally reintroduced to their calendar in 2016.
- The World Series of Poker (WSOP) 2016 grand prize winner walked away with an impressive $555,475–a mere $3,096 less than the year prior.
- Berry Johnston holds the record for most WSOP Main Event cashes with a whopping ten (including his win in 1986), while Humberto Brenes follows closely behind with nine.
- In 2016, an astounding 107 countries were represented at the World Series of Poker.
- After the commencement of the Main Event in 2006, six exhilarating No Limit Hold’em gold bracelet events were hosted.
- Ireland’s own Noel Furlong made history in 1999 when he became the oldest player to win a WSOP at age 61. His victory was profound–since then, no one over 50 has won the Main Event.
- In 2002, during the Main Event coverage, Phil Hellmuth proclaimed that if Robert Varkonyi won, he would shave his head. And amazingly enough, Varkonyi did win! True to his word and in an incredible show of sportsmanship and respect for a worthy opponent, Hellmuth then humbly shaved off all his hair–right there on camera.
- In 1991, the winner of the WSOP Main Event was destined for greatness. Brad Daugherty emerged victorious as champion and had a million-dollar cash prize waiting to be claimed!
- Due to a falling out within the Binion family, legendary poker pros like Doyle Brunson refused to attend the World Series of Poker from 1999 until 2002.
- Who could forget the iconic Oakley sunglasses gracing Chris Moneymaker’s face while he made his way to winning the 2003 World Series of Poker? Unfortunately, all celebrations must end–and it was during a night out with family and friends that these remarkable shades were lost.
- Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi is the only poker game player to have earned two victories in the prestigious $50,000 Poker Players’ Championship (2010 & 2012).
- The WSOP was revolutionary in 1982 when they awarded gold wristwatches instead of conventional bracelets.
- It was in 1984 that Pot-Limit Omaha events first made their grand introduction at the World Series of Poker.
- Doyle Brunson made history by winning the illustrious WSOP two years in a row (1976 and 1977), with 10-2 as his hand–an achievement subsequently named “The Brunson.”
- Years ago, poker players were given tournament chips equivalent to the buy-in amount. For instance, if someone bought into a $10,000 Main Event, their stack would equal 10,000 in chips; however, with 5X more chip denominations available for each buy-in, that number has risen drastically! Participants can receive 50,000 in chips when purchasing a $10K ticket.
- For the final time, Binion’s downtown played host to the Main Event Final Table of 2005 when WSOP made its debut at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino.
Wrapping Up
Trivia can be a fun way to test your knowledge, but it can also be an excellent opportunity to learn something new. Whether you’re looking for some light entertainment or want to expand your horizons, WSOP trivia is the perfect place to start. And if you’re feeling competitive, there are plenty of opportunities to put your skills to the test and win big prizes. So what are you waiting for? Sign up now at GGPoker and see how far you can go.
