World Series of Poker

World Series of Poker
Current season, competition or edition:
Current sports event 2024 World Series of Poker
SportPoker
FoundedLas Vegas, Nevada, U.S. (1970)
FounderBenny Binion
Owner(s)Binion's Horseshoe (1970–2004)
Harrah's Entertainment (2004–2020)
Caesars Entertainment (2020–present)
Most recent
champion(s)
United States Jonathan Tamayo
Most titlesUnited States Phil Hellmuth
(most bracelets, 17);
United States Johnny Moss,
United States Stu Ungar
(most Main Event wins, 3)
Official websiteOfficial website

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is a series of poker tournaments[1] held annually in Paradise, Nevada and, since 2004, sponsored by Caesars Entertainment. It dates its origins to 1970, when Benny Binion invited seven of the best-known poker players to the Horseshoe Casino for a single tournament, with a set start and stop time, and a winner determined by a secret ballot of the seven players.[2]

As of 2020, the WSOP consists of 101 events, with most major poker variants featured. However, in recent years, over half of the events have been variants of Texas hold 'em. Events traditionally take place during one day or over several consecutive days during the series in June and July. However, starting in 2008, the Main Event final table was delayed until November. The 2012 and 2016 Main Event final tables commenced in October because of the United States presidential election.[3][4] As of May 2017, the World Series of Poker has done away with the November Nine concept and instead gone back to the old format of crowning the Main Event winner in July.[5] After adopting a hybrid online format in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Series of Poker announced a return to in-person play for the next series in September 2021, in Paradise, Nevada.[6][7]

  1. ^ Dalla, Nolan. "WSOP History". World Series of Poker. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
  2. ^ "A History of the WSOP: The Champions". PokerRoom.com. Ongame Network Ltd. June 13, 2007. Archived from the original on November 10, 2007. Retrieved July 17, 2007.
  3. ^ Fast, Erik (February 1, 2012). "2012 World Series of Poker Final Table Moved To October". CardPlayer. Retrieved June 4, 2014.
  4. ^ "It's Here! 2012 World Series of Poker Tournament Schedule Announced". World Series of Poker. February 27, 2012. Retrieved June 4, 2014.
  5. ^ "World Series of Poker News Update: November Nine Nixed for 2017 Tournament". Bleacher Report. May 17, 2017. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
  6. ^ "World Series of Poker sets dates for in-person play in Vegas". The Denver Post. Associated Press. April 1, 2021. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
  7. ^ Ryder, Chelsea (April 1, 2021). "World Series of Poker Announces Plans for 2021". World Series of Poker. Retrieved April 1, 2021.