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In high-stakes gambling, there exists a gathering of the world’s most skilled poker players. The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is a prestigious annual event that hosts different tournaments for poker players from around the globe. And the said event has been running since 1970.
For more than fifty years now, many notable events have impacted the entire history of WSOP. The regular poker tournaments, where players look for the best places to sell action for the WSOP and test their skills and luck, also have many unbelievable tales worth remembering. Here are some of them:
1. The Moneymaker Effect
In 2003, Chris Moneymaker lived to his name as one of the most remarkable poker champions in WSOP history. Chris is only an amateur player who participated in the online satellite tournament with a $39 buy-in.
From there, he earned a spot in the Main Event and won a whopping $2.5 million first prize. Chris, indeed, is a moneymaker. His winning moment paved the way for the online poker boom and increased WSOP entries in the following years.
2. The Dead Man’s Hand
In 1876, James Butler Hickok, popularly known as “Wild Bill” Hickok, was shot dead while playing poker in Deadwood, South Dakota. Hickok held a card combination of two pairs of black aces and eights.
Since then, poker players often referred to the combination as the Dead Man’s Hand. Ominous superstitious beliefs surrounded the Dead Man’s Hand over the years. But did you know that the card variation was the one that led Chris Moneymaker to win the Main Event last 2003?
3. Phil Hellmuth’s Grand Entrance
From a staggering winning story to a deadly tale, WSOP has its fair share of hilarious moments to remember. Wearing costumes and making epic entrances has been Phil Hellmuth’s trademark since he joined WSOP.
Last 2022, Phil wore a Darth Vader costume and made his entrance with matching background music of “The Imperial March.” Though he didn’t win the event, at least he created another moment to remember (or not) in WSOP history.
4. Jamie Gold’s Massive Chip Lead
The 2006 WSOP champion is Jamie Gold, who won the highest prize in WSOP history of $12 million. His winning moment is noteworthy when he leads half the chips in play over his opponents. Jamie’s win also created a change in the poker rule book, or what is known as the Jamie Gold Rule.
5. Ben Lamb’s Triple Final Table
In the 2011 WSOP, Ben Lamb achieved a remarkable feat by reaching three final tables. Ben finished third in the $10,000 Pot-Limit Omaha Championship. He also landed second in the $50,000 Poker Players Championship and fourth in the WSOP Main Event.
With Ben’s triple final table win, he showcases exceptional skill, consistency, and luck in the poker world.
6. The Stolen Bracelet
Jonathan Duhamel won the 2010 WSOP Main Event and claimed the gold bracelet. For sure, life was good with Jonathan after winning. But an incident made a twist in his story.
A few months later, he was the victim of a home invasion in Montreal, Canada. The thief managed to steal his championship bracelet and other cash and loot. Worse, Jonathan also suffered minor injuries. Thankfully, he easily recovered, and the bracelet was later retrieved.
Be Part of the Main Event
The World Series of Poker (WSOP) has a long history filled with thrilling and bizarre occurrences. But all these moments make WSOP one of the most prestigious poker events. Hence, who wouldn’t want to be part of this moment? So if you want to test your skills and luck, join this year’s Main Event. Who knows, your winning story could be the next tale to remember in WSOP history.
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