A history of the World Series of Poker:
In 1970, Benny Binion - a legendary Vegas casino owner brought together a handful of poker players from around the globe. The invitation-only tournament, played at the world-famous Horseshoe Casino had only one goal in mind - determine who is the world's number one poker player.
In 1970, the WSOP had only six players but by the mid-1980s over 2000 players entered the fray and in the 2006 the tournament broke new ground with more than 8000 players taking part in the 'Main Event' no-limit hold em tournament and taking home over $12 million. The winner also takes home the coveted WSOP Champion bracelet.
Here are some interesting statistics about the WSOP
Since the early 70s when it was first created, the buy-in for the no-limit hold 'em tournament at the WSOP has stayed the same - $10,000.
Playing in the WSOP for 41 years, Doyle Brunson is considered by many as the Old Hand of Poker, and a WSOP loyalist from1972 up to his retirement in 2013.
Since 1970, over 963,644 players have registered for the World Series of Poker.
Perhaps the largest tournament of them all, the WSOP is a goal for most budding poker enthusiasts and serious professionals.
