A bullet point history of the World Series Of Poker

The World Series of Poker is one of the most prestigious poker tournaments in the world. First played in 1970, the World Series of Poker has grown in popularity ever since.

As legend has it, the idea for the World Series of Poker has its genesis in a 1949 high-stakes poker tournament between Nicholas 'Nick the Greek' Dandolos and Johnny Moss which was arranged by Benny Binion. The tournament was held before a public audience and lasted five months. Dandolos and Moss went back and forth playing a variety of poker games. Ultimately Moss won all the money (an estimated $2 million).

The Beginning

• The year is 1949.
• 'Nick the Greek' Dandolos with the aid of casino owner and all round poker legend, Benny Binion, organises a high stakes poker marathon with Johnny Moss.
• The game lasts five months - we're not even joking!
• Moss eventually wins $2 million from 'the Greek'.
• His parting words 'Mr. Moss, I have to let you go' become one of poker's favourite quotes.
• What's that got to do with the WSOP? Let us explain...
• Benny Binion was inspired.
• The crowds that had gathered every day during the five month battle gave poker credibility as a spectator sport for the first time.
• The first official World Series of Poker was hosted by Benny and Jack Binion at their Horseshoe Casino in Las Vegas.
• Guess who won?
• Yup... Johnny Moss, albeit by a vote from the other players (it was a mixed game in those days).
• The start of the NL Texas Hold'em format that we see today.
• Johnny Moss won again!

The Poker Boom!

• The invention of satellites moved the goalposts, now it was not only the very high-stakes players that could enter.
• Between 1995 (273 players) and 2005 (5,619), there has been a 2,000% rise in entrants!
• It's fair to say that the online poker revolution of recent years can be credited with the astounding rise in popularity of the WSOP.
• Harrah's Entertainment bought the rights to the WSOP - already a worldwide phenomenon.
• Harrah's moved the WSOP to the Rio in 2005.
• In 2006 there were a record 8,773 players with a top prize of$12,000,000 - won by celebrity agent, Jamie Gold.

A New Chapter

• It was announced that three WSOP events would be held outside the USA for the first time.
• The WSOPE was born - Betfair.com saw the potential of this event to change European poker forever and here we are!
• In 2007, Betfair Poker Pro Annette Obrestad takes the first ever WSOPE title and £1 million first prize.
• And the United States saw its first WSOPE bracelet winner in 2008 as John Juanda won a marathon final table for the Main Event title.
• In 2009 Betfair is thrilled to bring the WSOPE to more people than ever before with The Free Million Dollar Game - $1 million first prize and free entry.