World Series of Poker: Legacy and Impact Since 1970

In the world of poker, one particular brand is known all over the world and victory at the biggest of stages remains the dream of the vast majority of all card sharks – the World Series of Poker. More than fifty years ago in 1970, casino mogul Benny Binion invited seven of the best-known poker players to the Horseshoe Casino for a single tournament. No cards were dealt back then, as the winner was decided upon via secret ballot.

Since then, the WSOP brand has become a global operation and was purchased in 2024 by leading online poker operator GGPoker from Caesars Entertainment to mark the end of an era. The annual trip for the summer series in Las Vegas in pursuit of the gold bracelet remains the pivotal moment for poker enthusiasts from all over the world, but the WSOP itself has expanded its operations significantly throughout the decades.

Hundreds of gold bracelets can be won every year through live competitions. Sin City awards the majority of them, but players are also able to compete in other locations thanks to the WSOP Asia-Pacific, WSOP Europe and WSOP Paradise. The top eight largest prize pools in a live poker tournament were achieved in the annual WSOP $10,000 Main Event in Las Vegas with the largest tally emerging in 2024 (10,112 entries – $94,041,600 prize money).

 Players also have the opportunity to compete for WSOP bracelets in ring-fenced US markets as well as on the global GGPoker network. Furthermore, the brand also hosts WSOP Circuit festivals during which WSOP circuit rings can be won. Until the end of 2024 and throughout 54 annual editions, Phil Hellmuth holds the most WSOP gold bracelets with 17 while Ari Engel has earned as many circuit rings.