What is the WSOP? The World Series of Poker explained

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is the most famous poker tournament series in the world. Every summer in Las Vegas it runs dozens of events in many poker variants, ending with the Main Event, a no-limit Texas Hold’em tournament with a $10,000 buy-in.

How it started

In 1970 the series began at Binion’s Horseshoe in Las Vegas. A small group of top players played for several days and then voted Johnny Moss the first champion.
In 1971 the first proper tournament Main Event was held, again won by Moss, with a $5,000 buy-in.
From 1972 the Main Event buy-in became $10,000.
In 2005 the series moved to the Rio in Las Vegas; in later years it moved on to new venues on the Las Vegas Strip.

Bracelets

Winners of WSOP events receive a gold bracelet, poker’s most famous trophy. The number of bracelets a player has won is a measure of their tournament career.

The Moneymaker effect

In 2003, Chris Moneymaker qualified for the Main Event through an online satellite that cost him $86 — and won it, taking $2.5 million. Ordinary players saw that anyone could win, and the poker boom took off. The Main Event field grew from 839 players in 2003 to over 5,000 just two years later.

Can a beginner play?

Yes — anyone of legal age can enter if they pay the buy-in. Many players:

Play lower buy-in events during the series.
Win their seat through satellites. See satellite strategy.
Play regional WSOP Circuit and international events.

Before a big event, practise tournament strategy and read about multi-day tournaments.

FAQ

What is the WSOP?

The World Series of Poker, the most famous series of poker tournaments, held every year in Las Vegas.

How much is the WSOP Main Event buy-in?

$10,000, a level it has had since 1972.

What do WSOP winners get?

Prize money and a gold bracelet, poker’s best-known trophy.

Who was Chris Moneymaker?

An amateur who qualified online for $86 and won the 2003 WSOP Main Event, sparking the poker boom.