WSOP COVERAGE, SCHEDULES, AND HISTORY

The World Series of Poker

World Series of Poker (WSOP)

The World Series of Poker is a mecca of sorts for poker players around the world. What exactly is the WSOP? It's an annual series of poker tournaments held for years at the Horseshoe in Las Vegas. It was originally organized by Jack Binion and some of the biggest names in poker at the time including Doyle Brunson, Amarillo Slim, Johnny Moss, and Pug Pearson. Johnny Moss took the inaugural two events, which attracted less than 10 entrants each, and picked up $30,000 for his efforts. In the early years, the WSOP was a winner-take-all event.

These days, the WSOP plays at the Rio (except for the final 2 days of the Main Event which returns to the Horseshoe) and has been a direct reflection of poker's increasing popularity. In 2005, there were 37 events of all types of poker: Shorthanded Hold'em, Limit Hold'em, Pot-Limit Omaha, Omaha Hi-Low, Seven-Card Stud, and even Senior events. Besides first-place prize money, World Series of Poker Event winners have traditionally been given a gold-and-diamond bracelet as a trophy of shorts.

However, the most glory (and most money!) has always come with winning the Main Event. It's always been No-Limit Hold'em, and it's always had a $10,000 buy-in. A more economical option open to today's players is qualifying through an online satellite. This event always attracts the most entrants each year and in 2005 over 5,600 players battled for a $7.5 million first prize. In 2006, over 8,000 players competed for a $12 million prize. The Main Event in could draw over 10,000 players in 2007. Would Johnny Moss believe it if he saw it today?

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OUR WORLD SERIES OF POKER SECTIONS

• WSOP 2009 Schedule

• WSOP 2008 Schedule

• WSOP 2007 Schedule

• WSOP Freerolls

• 2007 WSOP Satellites

• WSOP Past Winners

• All WSOP Bracelet Winners