World Series of Poker is one of the most sought after poker tournament in the real world. Many poker professionals plan for the exciting events all year round. This tournament involves poker professional started way back in 1970 as an invitational tournament involving six of the world’s best poker professional during the time. The first tournament game was held in the Horseshoe Casino owned by Benny Binion, the founder of this tournament.
Year after year, the poker offerings of WSOP have been improving. The main event has already reached $10,000 in buy-in and this has been happening for many years now. However, this no limit hold’em main event is already falling as second best. This is because of the $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. table that happens within the 45 events tournament games. WSOP is definitely the most important event for you that play poker games and enjoy poker!
World Series of Poker likewise born some poker big names and millionaires as well. In fact, aside from prizes ranging from hundreds of thousands, one main event has netted the winner, Jamie Gold as much as $12,000,000.
There are other exciting prizes to be won in the tournament, one of which is the WSOP Gold Bracelet. The WSOP Gold Bracelet is considered the most coveted prize or trophy poker. Additionally, when you win WSOP championship, your picture will be posted in the Gallery of Champions at Binion’s, making the winner not just wealthy but famous as well.
World Series of Poker is now owned by Harrah’s Entertainment. Thus, the tournament events happen in the many properties owned by Harrah.
During the time of Benny Binion, the tournament is usually played at the Horseshoe Casino in Las Vegas. Then, it went to Rio upon acquisition by Harrah’s Entertainment. Now, WSOP events move around the properties owned by Harrah. While the series holds its headquarters in Las Vegas, there are instances that the game may move outside of the state.
Entry to the World Series of Poker ranges from hundreds to tens of thousands in buy-in. Even with this, players continue to flock the games. In fact, the highest number of tournament players was recorded in 2006. During this time, about 8,773 players grace the events. The following year however struggles because of the UIGEA or Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.
The booming numbers of tournament players may be attributed to satellite games online. Thus, when the UIGEA bill was passed, numbers in the tournament players nosedived even with the fact that there are 55 events in 2007 WSOP tour.
Today, even with the UIGEA still active and continuous to threaten US players, satellite games for WSOP is still happening online. However, there is much reduction in player traffic coming from the US.
Poker games in WSOP tournaments are likewise exciting. Games like 5-card Stud, Lowball, Razz, Seven-card Stud and Texas Hold’em are played in previous tournaments.
While games in WSOP tables now are dominated by Hold’em and its variation, the addition of H.O.R.S.E. in the major events made the games more exciting. However, because the buy-in in the H.O.R.S.E. event is usually $50,000 new poker players are unable to match that buy-in.
Finally, it may be noted that WSOP did not stop at providing exciting entertainment which is usually televised to the American gaming public, in fact, this tour have already expanded and thus gave birth to WSOPE otherwise known as the World Series of Poker Europe.
And did you know that the youngest poker player to be awarded the prestigious WSOP bracelet came from the WSOPE? Her name is Annette Obrestad, a Norwegian online poker prodigy. She won the main event in 2007 few days away from being 19 years old. This record is never going to be beaten in the US circuit because of the age limit set in the US, which is 21 years old.
