WSOP Top 10 Tuesday - from the World's Greatest Unknown WSOP Historian

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WSOP Top 10 Tuesday - from the World's Greatest Unknown WSOP Historian

OP
414 posts · member since Apr 2018
2yr ago

Welcome to the World Series of Poker Top Ten Tuesday thread. Having spent the last ten+ years researching and analyzing

28 May 2024 at 07:05 PM
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Earlier posts are available on our legacy forum HERE
4058 posts · member since Jun 2024
10mo ago

Carlos Mortenson also got his 2nd; Ivey DNegs AC Annie got silvers; mixed games on the rise but A-5 Draw & Limit Omaha still around.

It would’ve been for hardcore nerds like me only but there could've been a great 10 year anniversary oral history about all the preliminaries to supplement When We Held Kings.

OP
414 posts · member since Apr 2018
10mo ago

Most Bracelets in 2010

  • 2. 60 players tied, 1

  • 1. Frank Kassela, 2

Most Final Tables in 2010

  • 4. Alex Kravchenko, 3

  • 4. Chris Bjorin, 3

  • 4. Dan Heimiller, 3

  • 4. David Chiu, 3

  • 4. Eugene Katchalov, 3

  • 4. Frank Kassela, 3

  • 4. Jameson Painter, 3

  • 4. Robert Mizrachi, 3

  • 1. John Juanda, 4

  • 1. Michael Mizrachi, 4

  • 1. Vladimir Shchemelev, 4

Most Cashes in 2010

  • 6. Christian Harder, 7

  • 6. Dan Heimiller, 7

  • 6. Pat Pezzin, 7

  • 6. Tad Jurgens, 7

  • 6. Will Failla, 7

  • 2. Chris Bjorin, 8

  • 2. David Baker (ODB), 8

  • 2. Jordan Siegel, 8

  • 2. Shawn Buchanan, 8

  • 1. Allen Kessler, 9

Most Winnings in 2010

  • 10. Frank Kassela, $1,255,314

  • 9. James Bord, $1,297,806

  • 8. Dan Kelly, $1,338,609

  • 7. Jason Senti, $1,356,720

  • 6. John Dolan, $1,869,304

  • 5. Filippo Candio, $3,096,005

  • 4. Michael Mizrachi, $4,017,043

  • 3. Joseph Cheong, $4,161,113

  • 2. John Racener, $5,648,028

  • 1. Jonathan Duhamel, $8,987,310
OP
414 posts · member since Apr 2018
10mo ago

Most Bracelets in 2011

  • 2. 64 players tied, 1

  • 1. Brian Rast, 2

Most Final Tables in 2011

  • 6. Ali Eslami, 3

  • 6. Bertrand Grospellier, 3

  • 6. Chris Moorman, 3

  • 6. Gerard Rechnitzer, 3

  • 6. Josh Evans, 3

  • 6. Mitch Schock, 3

  • 6. Steve Billirakis, 3

  • 6. Travis Pearson, 3

  • 6. Tristan Wade, 3

  • 1. Ben Lamb, 4

  • 1. Jason Mercier, 4

  • 1. Nick Schulman, 4

  • 1. Phil Hellmuth, 4

  • 1. Shawn Buchanan, 4

Most Cashes in 2011

  • 8. 29 players tied, 6

  • 4. Ben Yu, 7

  • 4. Erik Seidel, 7

  • 4. Jason Mercier, 7

  • 4. Kirill Rabtsov, 7

  • 2. Tommy Vedes, 8

  • 2. Victor Ramdin, 8

  • 1. Shawn Buchanan, 9

Note: the 29 players with 6 cashes are Alex Dovzhenko, Antony Lellouche, Brian Powell, Bryce Yockey, Chris Klodnicki, Chris Moorman, Dan Kelly, Dan O'Brien, David Baker (ODB), Davidi Kitai, Freddy Deeb, Gabriel Nassif, James Carroll, Jason Koon, John Eames, Kenny Nguyen, Lars Bonding, Matt Waxman, Max Pescatori, Melanie Weisner, Michael Hallen, Mike Leah, Paul Volpe, Phil Hellmuth, Roland Israelashvili, Shaun Deeb, Shawn Busse, Simon Charette, and Taylor Paur.

Most Winnings in 2011

  • 10. Phil Hellmuth, $1,623,309

  • 9. Eoghan O'Dea, $1,758,398

  • 8. Elio Fox, $1,870,208

  • 7. Brian Rast, $1,952,443

  • 6. Chris Moorman, $2,120,156

  • 5. Phil Collins, $2,273,379

  • 4. Matt Giannetti, $3,028,514

  • 3. Ben Lamb, $5,352,970

  • 2. Martin Staszko, $5,455,961

  • 1. Pius Heinz, $8,798,924
OP
414 posts · member since Apr 2018
10mo ago

Most Bracelets in 2012

  • 4. 63 players tied, 1

  • 1. Antonio Esfandiari, 2

  • 1. Greg Merson, 2

  • 1. Phil Hellmuth, 2

Most Final Tables in 2012

  • 7. Andy Frankenberger, 3

  • 7. Antonio Esfandiari, 3

  • 7. Brandon Cantu, 3

  • 7. Greg Merson, 3

  • 7. Jason Mercier, 3

  • 7. Joseph Cheong, 3

  • 7. Konstantin Puchkov, 3

  • 7. Layne Flack, 3

  • 7. Timothy Adams, 3

  • 7. Tom Chambers, 3

  • 7. Vanessa Selbst, 3

  • 2. Andrew Lichtenberger, 4

  • 2. David Baker (ODB), 4

  • 2. John Monnette, 4

  • 2. Michael Mizrachi, 4

  • 2. Phil Hellmuth, 4

  • 1. Phil Ivey, 5

Most Cashes in 2012

  • 5. Andrew Lichtenberger, 9

  • 5. David Baker (ODB), 9

  • 5. Jeff Madsen, 9

  • 5. Jeremy Ausmus, 9

  • 5. Joe Tehan, 9

  • 5. Zach Clark, 9

  • 2. Jason Mercier, 10

  • 2. Phil Hellmuth, 10

  • 2. Terrence Chan, 10

  • 1. Konstantin Puchkov, 12

Most Winnings in 2012

  • 10. Guy Laliberte, $1,834,666

  • 9. Jeremy Ausmus, $2,221,457

  • 8. Russell Thomas, $2,851,537

  • 7. Jake Balsiger, $3,802,604

  • 6. David Einhorn, $4,352,000

  • 5. Phil Hellmuth, $4,359,810

  • 4. Jesse Sylvia, $5,295,149

  • 3. Greg Merson, $9,755,180

  • 2. Sam Trickett, $10,112,001

  • 1. Antonio Esfandiari, $18,749,468
OP
414 posts · member since Apr 2018
10mo ago

Most Bracelets in 2013

  • 3. 72 players tied, 1

  • 1. Daniel Negreanu, 2

  • 1. Tom Schneider, 2

Most Final Tables in 2013

  • 7. Chris Klodnicki, 3

  • 7. Erik Seidel, 3

  • 7. Greg Mueller, 3

  • 7. Jason Koon, 3

  • 7. Loni Hui, 3

  • 7. Marco Johnson, 3

  • 7. Matt Berkey, 3

  • 7. Max Steinberg, 3

  • 7. Mike Leah, 3

  • 7. Noah Schwartz, 3

  • 7. Scott Seiver, 3

  • 7. Shannon Shorr, 3

  • 2. Daniel Negreanu, 4

  • 2. David Baker (Bakes), 4

  • 2. Jeremy Ausmus, 4

  • 2. Mike Watson, 4

  • 2. Stephen Chidwick, 4

  • 1. Matthew Ashton, 5

Most Cashes in 2013

  • 8. Dan O'Brien, 8

  • 8. David Baker (Bakes), 8

  • 8. Erik Seidel, 8

  • 7. David Peters, 9

  • 2. Dan Kelly, 10

  • 2. Daniel Negreanu, 10

  • 2. Dominik Nitsche, 10

  • 2. Mike Watson, 10

  • 2. Stephen Chidwick, 10

  • 1. Jeremy Ausmus, 12

Most Winnings in 2013

  • 10. William Perkins, $1,965,163

  • 9. Matthew Ashton, $2,060,292

  • 8. J.C. Tran, $2,147,784

  • 7. Daniel Negreanu, $2,265,752

  • 6. Sylvain Loosli, $2,792,533

  • 5. Chris Klodnicki, $3,088,837

  • 4. Amir Lehavot, $3,752,766

  • 3. Tony Gregg, $4,830,619

  • 2. Jay Farber, $5,201,728

  • 1. Ryan Riess, $8,392,139
OP
414 posts · member since Apr 2018
10mo ago

Most Bracelets in 2014

  • 3. 71 players tied, 1

  • 2. Dominik Nitsche, 2

  • 1. George Danzer, 3

Most Final Tables in 2014

  • 7. Bill Chen, 3

  • 7. Bryn Kenney, 3

  • 7. Calvin Anderson, 3

  • 7. Frank Kassela, 3

  • 7. Gabriel Nassif, 3

  • 7. Jeff Lisandro, 3

  • 7. Jonathan Duhamel, 3

  • 7. Mustapha Kanit, 3

  • 7. Richard Ashby, 3

  • 7. Sam Khoueis, 3

  • 7. Taylor Paur, 3

  • 7. Zachary Gruneberg, 3

  • 4. Daniel Negreanu, 4

  • 4. Melissa Burr, 4

  • 4. Phil Hellmuth, 4

  • 2. Brandon Shack-Harris, 5

  • 2. Ismael Bojang, 5

  • 1. George Danzer, 6

Most Cashes in 2014

  • 6. Brandon Shack-Harris, 9

  • 6. Daniel Negreanu, 9

  • 6. Dylan Linde, 9

  • 6. Justin Zaki, 9

  • 6. Matt Glantz, 9

  • 6. Tom Koral, 9

  • 6. Tony Cousineau, 9

  • 2. George Danzer, 10

  • 2. Humberto Brenes, 10

  • 2. Jordan Siegel, 10

  • 2. Roland Israelashvili, 10

  • 1. Ismael Bojang, 13

Most Winnings in 2014

  • 10. Tobias Reinkemeier, $2,073,680

  • 9. Billy Pappas, $2,143,794

  • 8. Rick Salomon, $2,800,000

  • 7. William Tonking, $2,853,705

  • 6. Jorryt van Hoof, $3,807,753

  • 5. Christoph Vogelsang, $4,480,001

  • 4. Felix Stephensen, $5,147,911

  • 3. Daniel Negreanu, $8,545,390

  • 2. Martin Jacobson, $10,069,888

  • 1. Dan Colman, $15,440,919
OP
414 posts · member since Apr 2018
10mo ago

Most Bracelets in 2015

  • 6. 70 players tied, 1

  • 1. Brian Hastings, 2

  • 1. Cord Garcia, 2

  • 1. Jonathan Duhamel, 2

  • 1. Kevin MacPhee, 2

  • 1. Max Pescatori, 2

Most Final Tables in 2015

  • 4. Brian Hastings, 4

  • 4. Byron Kaverman, 4

  • 4. Eli Elezra, 4

  • 4. Ismael Bojang, 4

  • 4. Mike Gorodinsky, 4

  • 4. Paul Volpe, 4

  • 4. Scott Clements, 4

  • 1. Anthony Zinno, 5

  • 1. Max Pescatori, 5

  • 1. Shaun Deeb, 5

Most Cashes in 2015

  • 7. Dominik Nitsche, 9

  • 7. Jonathan Duhamel, 9

  • 7. Max Pescatori, 9

  • 7. Mohsin Charania, 9

  • 7. Noah Bronstein, 9

  • 2. Eric Baldwin, 10

  • 2. Joe Kuether, 10

  • 2. Kevin MacPhee, 10

  • 2. Mark Radoja, 10

  • 2. Shannon Shorr, 10

  • 1. Mike Leah, 11

Most Winnings in 2015

  • 10. Kevin MacPhee, $1,687,260

  • 9. Mike Gorodinsky, $1,766,828

  • 8. Anthony Zinno, $1,899,183

  • 7. Bill Klein, $2,465,522

  • 6. Max Steinberg, $2,615,361

  • 5. Neil Blumenfield, $3,400,750

  • 4. Zvi Stern, $3,854,834

  • 3. Joshua Beckley, $4,490,299

  • 2. Jonathan Duhamel, $4,702,101

  • 1. Joe McKeehen, $7,706,135
OP
414 posts · member since Apr 2018
10mo ago

Most Bracelets in 2016

  • 4. 65 players tied, 1

  • 1. Benny Glaser, 2

  • 1. Ian Johns, 2

  • 1. Jason Mercier, 2

Most Final Tables in 2016

  • 7. Bart Lybaert, 3

  • 7. Brandon Shack-Harris, 3

  • 7. Calvin Anderson, 3

  • 7. Dan Smith, 3

  • 7. Max Pescatori, 3

  • 7. Michael Gathy, 3

  • 7. Niall Farrell, 3

  • 7. Ryan D'Angelo, 3

  • 7. Tommy Le, 3

  • 2. Benny Glaser, 4

  • 2. Jason Mercier, 4

  • 2. Justin Bonomo, 4

  • 2. Michael Semenov, 4

  • 2. Randy Ohel, 4

  • 1. John Monnette, 6

Most Cashes in 2016

  • 7. Alex Rocha, 11

  • 7. Ben Yu, 11

  • 7. Darren Rabinowitz, 11

  • 7. David Vamplew, 11

  • 7. Jason Mercier, 11

  • 7. Mohsin Charania, 11

  • 7. Naoya Kihara, 11

  • 7. Thomas Taylor, 11

  • 2. Dan Dizenzo, 12

  • 2. Dan Kelly, 12

  • 2. Jordan Siegel, 12

  • 2. Michael Mizrachi, 12

  • 2. Ryan Laplante, 12

  • 1. Roland Israelashvili, 13

Most Winnings in 2016

  • 10. Kenny Hallaert, $1,466,789

  • 9. Jack Salter, $1,643,453

  • 8. Vojtech Ruzicka, $1,940,308

  • 7. Koray Aldemir, $2,455,112

  • 6. Michael Ruane, $2,576,003

  • 5. Cliff Josephy, $3,467,428

  • 4. Dan Smith, $3,593,697

  • 3. Gordon Vayo, $4,718,509

  • 2. Fedor Holz, $5,023,694

  • 1. Qui Nguyen, $8,005,310
OP
414 posts · member since Apr 2018
10mo ago

Most Bracelets in 2017

  • 3. 85 players tied, 1

  • 1. David Bach, 2

  • 1. Nipun Java, 2

Most Final Tables in 2017

  • 2. Ben Yu, 4

  • 2. Bryce Yockey, 4

  • 2. Daniel Negreanu, 4

  • 2. Dario Sammartino, 4

  • 2. Esther Taylor-Brady, 4

  • 2. James Obst, 4

  • 2. John Monnette, 4

  • 2. Raymond Henson, 4

  • 2. Ryan Hughes, 4

  • 1. Anthony Zinno, 5

Most Cashes in 2017

  • 9. Ben Yu, 12

  • 9. Dan Dizenzo, 12

  • 9. Kevin Eyster, 12

  • 9. Manig Loeser, 12

  • 9. Michael Semenov, 12

  • 8. Barry Greenstein, 13

  • 6. John Monnette, 14

  • 6. Roland Israelashvili, 14

  • 5. Alex Foxen, 16

  • 4. Ryan Hughes, 19

  • 3. Mike Leah, 20

  • 2. John Racener, 21

  • 1. Chris Ferguson, 23

Most Winnings in 2017

  • 10. Antoine Saout, $2,093,044

  • 9. Dario Sammartino, $2,171,349

  • 8. Bertrand Grospellier, $2,304,922

  • 7. Andreas Eiler, $2,511,762

  • 6. John Hesp, $2,600,000

  • 5. Doug Polk, $3,687,240

  • 4. Benjamin Pollak, $4,036,212

  • 3. Dominik Nitsche, $4,116,529

  • 2. Dan Ott, $4,703,656

  • 1. Scott Blumstein, $8,150,000
OP
414 posts · member since Apr 2018
10mo ago

Most Bracelets in 2018

  • 7. 78 players tied, 1

  • 1. Hanh Tran, 2

  • 1. Joe Cada, 2

  • 1. Justin Bonomo, 2

  • 1. Michael Addamo, 2

  • 1. Shaun Deeb, 2

  • 1. Timur Margolin, 2

Most Final Tables in 2018

  • 9. Anthony Zinno, 3

  • 9. Christopher Vitch, 3

  • 9. Elio Fox, 3

  • 9. Hanh Tran, 3

  • 9. Jerry Wong, 3

  • 9. John Racener, 3

  • 9. Joshua Turner, 3

  • 9. Manig Loeser, 3

  • 9. Matt Glantz, 3

  • 9. Michael Addamo, 3

  • 9. Paul Volpe, 3

  • 9. Ryan Hughes, 3

  • 2. Ben Yu, 4

  • 2. Daniel Zack, 4

  • 2. Joe Cada, 4

  • 2. Mike Leah, 4

  • 2. Romain Lewis, 4

  • 2. Scott Bohlman, 4

  • 2. Shaun Deeb, 4

  • 1. John Hennigan, 5

Most Cashes in 2018

  • 7. Anthony Zinno, 14

  • 7. Benjamin Zamani, 14

  • 7. Jordan Siegel, 14

  • 7. Justin Young, 14

  • 7. Michael Semenov, 14

  • 5. Ben Yu, 15

  • 5. Steven Wolansky, 15

  • 4. Ryan Riess, 16

  • 2. Roland Israelashvili, 20

  • 2. Shaun Deeb, 20

  • 1. Chris Ferguson, 23

Most Winnings in 2018

  • 10. Rick Salomon, $2,840,000

  • 9. Joe Cada, $3,025,439

  • 8. Martin Kabrhel, $3,043,061

  • 7. Nick Petrangelo, $3,630,330

  • 6. Michael Dyer, $3,750,000

  • 5. Dan Smith, $4,548,206

  • 4. Tony Miles, $5,006,396

  • 3. Fedor Holz, $6,240,265

  • 2. John Cynn, $8,802,468

  • 1. Justin Bonomo, $10,198,296
OP
414 posts · member since Apr 2018
10mo ago

Most Bracelets in 2019

  • 5. 100 players tied, 1

  • 1. Asi Moshe, 2

  • 1. Dash Dudley, 2

  • 1. Kahle Burns, 2

  • 1. Robert Campbell, 2

Most Final Tables in 2019

  • 5. Alex Livingston, 4

  • 5. Anson Tsang, 4

  • 5. Anthony Zinno, 4

  • 5. Bryce Yockey, 4

  • 5. Cary Katz, 4

  • 5. Chris Ferguson, 4

  • 5. Kahle Burns, 4

  • 5. Phil Hellmuth, 4

  • 5. Shaun Deeb, 4

  • 3. Daniel Negreanu, 5

  • 3. Phillip Hui, 5

  • 1. Dario Sammartino, 6

  • 1. Robert Campbell, 6

Most Cashes in 2019

  • 8. David Baker (ODB), 16

  • 8. Jon Turner, 16

  • 8. Phil Hellmuth, 16

  • 8. Quan Zhou, 16

  • 8. Roland Israelashvili, 16

  • 7. Ismael Bojang, 17

  • 4. Jake Schwartz, 18

  • 4. Marcelo Giordano Mendes, 18

  • 4. Steven Wolansky, 18

  • 3. Shaun Deeb, 21

  • 1. Chris Ferguson, 23

  • 1. Daniel Negreanu, 23

Most Winnings in 2019

  • 10. Kevin Maahs, $2,200,000

  • 9. Daniel Negreanu, $2,201,854

  • 8. Christoph Vogelsang, $2,321,314

  • 7. Garry Gates, $3,006,881

  • 6. Keith Tilston, $3,068,280

  • 5. Alex Livingston, $4,079,223

  • 4. Chin Wei Lim, $4,358,667

  • 3. James Chen, $4,395,612

  • 2. Dario Sammartino, $6,879,728

  • 1. Hossein Ensan, $10,281,436
OP
414 posts · member since Apr 2018
9mo ago

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic most tournaments were held online, resulting in fewer events and a different mix of players.

Most Bracelets in 2020

  • 2. 86 players tied, 1

  • 1. Alek Stasiak, 2

Most Final Tables in 2020

  • 4. Belarmino De Souza, 3

  • 4. Dave Alfa, 3

  • 4. Ian Steinman, 3

  • 4. Michael Watson, 3

  • 4. Ryan Torgersen, 3

  • 4. Sergi Reixach, 3

  • 4. Shawn Daniels, 3

  • 4. Upeshka De Silva, 3

  • 1. Ajay Chabra, 4

  • 1. Brunno Botteon De Albuquerque, 4

  • 1. Connor Drinan, 4

Most Cashes in 2020

  • 7. Bernardo Da Silveira Dias, 21

  • 7. Chad Layne, 21

  • 7. Chris Ferguson, 21

  • 7. Connor Drinan, 21

  • 7. Kazuki Ikeuchi, 21

  • 7. Michelle Shah, 21

  • 5. James Carroll, 22

  • 5. Jose Severino, 22

  • 2. Arnaud Enselme, 23

  • 2. Chris Moorman, 23

  • 2. Ryan Riess, 23

  • 1. Daniel Negreanu, 37

Note: Michelle Shah crushed the women's record for cashes in a year, formerly held by Maria Ho, who had 8 in 2014.

Most Winnings in 2020

  • 10. Thomas Ward, $1,363,820

  • 9. Daniel Dvoress, $1,499,840

  • 8. Joseph Hebert, $1,561,477

  • 7. Connor Drinan, $1,587,437

  • 6. Christian Rudolph, $1,829,067

  • 5. Tyler Rueger, $1,928,887

  • 4. Brunno Botteon De Albuquerque, $2,172,708

  • 3. Damian Salas, $2,613,374

  • 2. Wenling Gao, $2,748,605

  • 1. Stoyan Madanzhiev, $3,910,705

Note: Stoyan Madanzhiev and Wenling Gao were the winner and runner-up in the $5,000 Online Main Event, which some players mistakenly believed would be the Main Event for the year despite being online and having a lower buyin. Gao's only cash of the year broke the women's records for biggest cash, single-year winnings, and career winnings.

OP
414 posts · member since Apr 2018
9mo ago

Most Bracelets in 2021

  • 1. Anthony Zinno, 2

  • 1. Brad Ruben, 2

  • 1. Daniel Lazrus, 2

  • 1. Georgios Sotiropoulos, 2

  • 1. Jeremy Ausmus, 2

  • 1. Josh Arieh, 2

  • 1. Julien Martini, 2

  • 1. Kevin Gerhart, 2

  • 1. Mark Herm, 2

  • 1. Martin Zamani, 2

  • 1. Michael Addamo, 2

  • 1. Ryan Leng, 2

  • 1. Scott Ball, 2

Most Final Tables in 2021

  • 10. 14 players tied, 4

  • 5. Conrad Simpson, 5

  • 5. Dario Sammartino, 5

  • 5. Jake Schwartz, 5

  • 5. Jason Koon, 5

  • 5. Ryan Leng, 5

  • 4. Josh Arieh, 6

  • 1. Daniel Negreanu, 7

  • 1. Joao Vieira, 7

  • 1. Phil Hellmuth, 7

Note: the 14 players with 4 final tables are Adrian Mateos, Alex Foxen, Arthur Conan, Ben Yu, Benny Glaser, Chris Moorman, Erik Seidel, Felix Vandeput, Jeremy Ausmus, John Monnette, Mark Liedtke, Martin Zamani, Stephen Chidwick, and Tommy Le.

Most Cashes in 2021

  • 8. Ben Yu, 26

  • 8. Justin Lapka, 26

  • 8. Ryan Riess, 26

  • 5. Daniel Zack, 27

  • 5. Pete Chen, 27

  • 5. Yueqi Zhu, 27

  • 4. Joao Vieira, 30

  • 3. Daniel Negreanu, 32

  • 2. Arkadiy Tsinis, 33

  • 1. Roland Israelashvili, 39

Most Winnings in 2021

  • 10. Nikita Kuznetsov, $1,889,911

  • 9. Edson Tsutsumi, $1,915,278

  • 8. Ben Heath, $2,031,319

  • 7. Joshua Remitio, $2,300,000

  • 6. Aleksei Vandyshev, $2,545,962

  • 5. Jack Oliver, $3,003,005

  • 4. Michael Addamo, $3,191,500

  • 3. Adrian Mateos, $4,098,738

  • 2. George Holmes, $4,300,000

  • 1. Koray Aldemir, $8,049,309
OP
414 posts · member since Apr 2018
9mo ago

Most Bracelets in 2022

  • 9. 182 players tied, 1

  • 1. Claas Segebrecht, 2

  • 1. Daniel Zack, 2

  • 1. Espen Jorstad, 2

  • 1. Jacopo Achille, 2

  • 1. Jeremy Ausmus, 2

  • 1. Lawrence Brandt, 2

  • 1. Maxx Coleman, 2

  • 1. Tanner Bibat, 2

Most Final Tables in 2022

  • 9. 23 players tied, 4

  • 2. Brian Hastings, 5

  • 2. Dario Sammartino, 5

  • 2. David Peters, 5

  • 2. Jeff Madsen, 5

  • 2. Michael Holtz, 5

  • 2. Toby Lewis, 5

  • 2. Yuri Dzivielevski, 5

  • 1. Paul Scaturro, 6

Note: the 23 players with 4 final tables are Alex Foxen, Angel Lopez, Benjamin Miner, Claas Segebrecht, Dan Smith, Daniel Weinman, Daniel Zack, Guy Dunlap, Ioannis Konstas, Jeremiah Williams, Jesse Lonis, Jonathan Dokler, Koray Aldemir, Kyle Goodman, Matthew Paoletti, Nick Schulman, Pete Chen, Phil Ivey, Sean Winter, Stephen Song, Tony Lin, Yueqi Zhu, and Yuval Bronshtein.

Most Cashes in 2022

  • 10. Kazuki Ikeuchi, 25

  • 9. Felipe Ramos, 26

  • 8. Georgios Sotiropoulos, 27

  • 5. Ben Yu, 28

  • 5. Joao Vieira, 28

  • 5. Roland Israelashvili, 28

  • 4. Tony Lin, 30

  • 3. Yueqi Zhu, 31

  • 2. Arkadiy Tsinis, 34

  • 1. Dae Woong Song, 38

Most Winnings in 2022

  • 10. Kannapong Thanarattrakul, $2,108,148

  • 9. Jake Schindler, $2,256,883

  • 8. Matija Dobric, $2,259,150

  • 7. Brandon Steven, $2,820,581

  • 6. Eric Mattsson, $2,873,166

  • 5. John Eames, $3,000,000

  • 4. Michael Duek, $4,608,839

  • 3. Alex Foxen, $4,819,050

  • 2. Adrian Attenborough, $6,002,773

  • 1. Espen Jorstad, $10,081,308
OP
414 posts · member since Apr 2018
9mo ago

Most Bracelets in 2023

  • 1. Artur Martirosian, 2

  • 1. Calvin Anderson, 2

  • 1. Chad Eveslage, 2

  • 1. Christopher Brewer, 2

  • 1. Daniel Chan, 2

  • 1. Guy Dunlap, 2

  • 1. Hok Lee, 2

  • 1. John Riordan, 2

  • 1. Josh Arieh, 2

  • 1. Ryan Miller, 2

  • 1. Shannon Shorr, 2

  • 1. Yuri Dzivielevski, 2

Most Final Tables in 2023

  • 8. 15 players tied, 5

  • 4. Aram Zobian, 6

  • 4. Ian Matakis, 6

  • 4. Joao Vieira, 6

  • 4. Roland Israelashvili, 6

  • 3. Shannon Shorr, 7

  • 1. Ryan Riess, 8

  • 1. Yuri Dzivielevski, 8

Note: the 15 players with 5 final tables are Anthony Zinno, Chance Kornuth, Christopher Brewer, Elior Sion, Guy Dunlap, Ioannis Konstas, Jeremy Ausmus, John Ripnick, Kristen Foxen, Leon Sturm, Leonard August, Michael Rodrigues Pires Santos, Nick Pupillo, Nick Schulman, and Yuval Bronshtein.

Most Cashes in 2023

  • 9. Daniel Negreanu, 31

  • 9. Joao Vieira, 31

  • 8. Ioannis Konstas, 32

  • 6. David Mzareulov, 33

  • 6. Michael Holtz, 33

  • 5. Roland Israelashvili, 35

  • 3. Arkadiy Tsinis, 36

  • 3. Ben Yu, 36

  • 2. Ryan Riess, 39

  • 1. Yueqi Zhu, 45

Most Winnings in 2023

  • 10. Chance Kornuth, $3,109,335

  • 9. Masashi Oya, $3,240,151

  • 8. Jans Arends, $3,382,698

  • 7. Leon Sturm, $3,542,264

  • 6. Alex Kulev, $3,773,203

  • 5. Adam Walton, $4,161,795

  • 4. Artur Martirosian, $4,252,325

  • 3. Christopher Brewer, $6,471,555

  • 2. Steven Jones, $6,509,202

  • 1. Daniel Weinman, $12,135,495
OP
414 posts · member since Apr 2018
9mo ago

Most Bracelets in 2024

  • 10. 224 players tied, 1

  • 2. Alex Foxen, 2

  • 2. David Prociak, 2

  • 2. Joshua Remitio, 2

  • 2. Kyle Lorenz, 2

  • 2. Nick Schulman, 2

  • 2. Sergio Aido, 2

  • 2. Simone Andrian, 2

  • 2. Xixiang Luo, 2

  • 1. Scott Seiver, 3

Most Final Tables in 2024

  • 10. Ben Yu, 5

  • 10. Benny Glaser, 5

  • 10. David Benyamine, 5

  • 10. David Funkhouser, 5

  • 10. David Goodman, 5

  • 10. Mike Watson, 5

  • 10. Scott Seiver, 5

  • 4. Alex Foxen, 6

  • 4. John Racener, 6

  • 4. Joseph Couden, 6

  • 4. Michael Rocco, 6

  • 4. Shaun Deeb, 6

  • 4. Yueqi Zhu, 6

  • 2. Aneris Adomkevicius, 7

  • 2. Daniel Negreanu, 7

  • 1. Jeremy Ausmus, 8

Most Cashes in 2024

  • 10. Alex Foxen, 37

  • 9. Michael Holtz, 38

  • 8. Yueqi Zhu, 42

  • 7. David Mzareulov, 43

  • 5. Dae Woong Song, 44

  • 5. Jeff Gross, 44

  • 4. Chris Moorman, 45

  • 3. Arkadiy Tsinis, 46

  • 2. Ben Yu, 47

  • 1. Ryan Riess, 49

Most Winnings in 2024

  • 10. Sinan Unlu, $5,304,000

  • 9. Chris Hunichen, $5,544,132

  • 8. Jordan Griff, $6,002,004

  • 7. Ben Tollerene, $6,030,978

  • 6. Yinan Zhou, $6,032,862

  • 5. Santhosh Suvarna, $6,365,673

  • 4. Alex Foxen, $7,400,929

  • 3. Ben Heath, $8,536,762

  • 2. Jonathan Tamayo, $10,018,708

  • 1. Alejandro Lococo, $12,204,426
OP
414 posts · member since Apr 2018
9mo ago

Bonnie Baez was the first woman to cash in a WSOP bracelet event, finishing fourth in the 1974 $1,000 No-Limit Hold 'Em for a $50 profit.

Then in 1977, the WSOP introduced the overwhelmingly popular Ladies Event (originally called the $100 Women's Seven-Card Stud). Despite a record 93 entrants, only three players got paid.

Most Bracelets in 1977

  • 1. Jackie McDaniel, 1

Most Cashes (and Final Tables) in 1977

  • 1. Jackie McDaniel, 1

  • 1. Linda Davis, 1

  • 1. Pat Goodwin, 1

Most Winnings in 1977

  • 3. Pat Goodwin, $930

  • 2. Linda Davis, $2,790

  • 1. Jackie McDaniel, $5,580
OP
414 posts · member since Apr 2018
9mo ago

Most Bracelets in 1978, Women

  • 1. Terry King, 1

Most Cashes (and Final Tables) in 1978, Women

  • 1. Lynne Tokoph, 1

  • 1. Starla Brodie, 1

  • 1. Terry King, 1

Most Winnings in 1978, Women

  • 3. Lynne Tokoph, $1,680

  • 2. Starla Brodie, $5,040

  • 1. Terry King, $10,080
OP
414 posts · member since Apr 2018
9mo ago

In 1979, the WSOP added a Mixed Doubles tournament that ran through 1983.

Most Bracelets in 1979, Women

  • 1. Barbara Freer, 1

  • 1. Starla Brodie, 1

Most Final Tables in 1979

  • 1. Barbara Freer, 1

  • 1. Jackie Mills, 1

  • 1. Natalie King, 1

  • 1. Pat Eister, 1

  • 1. Pat Sovoia, 1

  • 1. Rose Pifer, 1

  • 1. Starla Brodie, 1

Most Cashes in 1979, Women

  • 1. Barbara Freer, 1

  • 1. Jackie Mills, 1

  • 1. Natalie King, 1

  • 1. Pat Eister, 1

  • 1. Pat Sovoia, 1

  • 1. Rose Pifer, 1

  • 1. Starla Brodie, 1

Most Winnings in 1979, Women

  • 7. Rose Pifer, $750

  • 6. Natalie King, $2,120

  • 5. Pat Eister, $2,250

  • 4. Starla Brodie, $4,500

  • 3. Pat Sovoia, $6,360

  • 2. Jackie Mills, $11,400

  • 1. Barbara Freer, $12,720
OP
414 posts · member since Apr 2018
9mo ago

Most Bracelets in 1980, Women

  • 1. Debby Callihan, 1

  • 1. Lynn Harvey, 1

Most Cashes (and Final Tables) in 1980, Women

  • 2. Barbara Sheehan, 1

  • 2. Debby Callihan, 1

  • 2. Jackie McDaniel, 1

  • 2. Lynn Harvey, 1

  • 1. Linda Davis, 2

Most Winnings in 1980, Women

  • 5. Barbara Sheehan, $2,480

  • 4. Jackie McDaniel, $3,690

  • 3. Lynn Harvey, $7,380

  • 2. Linda Davis, $8,670

  • 1. Debby Callihan, $14,880
OP
414 posts · member since Apr 2018
9mo ago

Most Bracelets in 1981, Women

  • 1. Juanda Matthews, 1

  • 1. Ruth Godfrey, 1

Most Cashes (and Final Tables) in 1981, Women

  • 1. Carol Ranollo, 1

  • 1. Cathy Soutullo, 1

  • 1. Charlavan Hart, 1

  • 1. Dani Kelly, 1

  • 1. Jacki Jean, 1

  • 1. Jackie Mills, 1

  • 1. Juanda Matthews, 1

  • 1. Judy Dold, 1

  • 1. Karen Mauro, 1

  • 1. Katie Ulanski, 1

  • 1. Ruth Godfrey, 1

Most Winnings in 1981, Women

  • 10. Karen Mauro, $1,560

  • 9. Cathy Soutullo, $1,760

  • 8. Dani Kelly, $2,340

  • 7. Katie Ulanski, $3,120

  • 6. Carol Ranollo, $3,520

  • 5. Charlavan Hart, $5,280

  • 4. Jacki Jean, $7,040

  • 3. Jackie Mills, $7,200

  • 2. Juanda Matthews, $7,800

  • 1. Ruth Godfrey, $17,600
OP
414 posts · member since Apr 2018
9mo ago

Most Bracelets in 1982, Women

  • 1. Dani Kelly, 1

  • 1. June Field, 1

  • 1. Vera Richmond, 1

Note: Vera Richmond became the first female to win an open event ($1,000 Ace-to-Five Draw).

Most Cashes (and Final Tables) in 1982, Women

  • 2. Cindy Maderra, 1

  • 2. Dani Kelly, 1

  • 2. Gertrude Schimmel, 1

  • 2. Glenda Bridges, 1

  • 2. Joyce Ross, 1

  • 2. June Field, 1

  • 2. Lanette Rocheleau, 1

  • 2. Linda Johnson, 1

  • 2. Mary DeMarie, 1

  • 2. Starla Brodie, 1

  • 2. Terry King, 1

  • 2. Vera Richmond, 1

  • 1. Jacki Jean, 2

Most Winnings in 1982, Women

  • 10. Joyce Ross, $1,280

  • 9. Glenda Bridges, $1,600

  • 8. Terry King, $1,760

  • 7. Linda Johnson, $1,920

  • 6. Starla Brodie, $3,200

  • 5. Lanette Rocheleau, $3,520

  • 4. Dani Kelly, $8,800

  • 3. Jacki Jean, $9,040

  • 2. June Field, $16,000

  • 1. Vera Richmond, $38,500
OP
414 posts · member since Apr 2018
9mo ago

Most Bracelets in 1983, Women

  • 1. Carolyn Gardner, 1

  • 1. Donna Doman, 1

Most Cashes (and Final Tables) in 1983, Women

  • 1. Barbara Freer, 1

  • 1. Betty Carey, 1

  • 1. Carolyn Gardner, 1

  • 1. Cecelia Anne, 1

  • 1. Cheryl Davis, 1

  • 1. Donna Doman, 1

  • 1. Jacki Jean, 1

  • 1. Jane Nowlin, 1

  • 1. Joy Speno, 1

  • 1. Kimberly Bye, 1

  • 1. Marcia Raleigh, 1

  • 1. Mary Bailey, 1

  • 1. Rose Cales, 1

  • 1. Ruth Torgman, 1

  • 1. Sandi Glover, 1

  • 1. Sunny Lord, 1

Most Winnings in 1983, Women

  • 10. Marcia Raleigh, $2,000

  • 9. Ruth Torgman, $3,000

  • 8. Jacki Jean, $3,200

  • 7. Cheryl Davis, $4,000

  • 6. Sunny Lord, $4,680

  • 5. Barbara Freer, $5,820

  • 4. Kimberly Bye, $6,400

  • 3. Donna Doman, $10,000

  • 2. Carolyn Gardner, $16,000

  • 1. Betty Carey, $24,800
OP
414 posts · member since Apr 2018
9mo ago

Most Bracelets in 1984, Women

  • 1. Karen Wolfson, 1

Most Cashes (and Final Tables) in 1984, Women

  • 1. Beverly Bergman, 1

  • 1. Dalene Kent, 1

  • 1. Gwen Ross, 1

  • 1. Karen Wolfson, 1

  • 1. Lynne Tokoph, 1

  • 1. Marsha Waggoner, 1

  • 1. Nell Kelly, 1

  • 1. Ruth Godfrey, 1

  • 1. Tanna Wyatt, 1

Most Winnings in 1984, Women

  • 9. Nell Kelly, $620

  • 8. Lynne Tokoph, $930

  • 7. Gwen Ross, $1,240

  • 6. Ruth Godfrey, $1,550

  • 5. Beverly Bergman, $1,860

  • 4. Tanna Wyatt, $3,100

  • 3. Marsha Waggoner, $6,200

  • 2. Dalene Kent, $13,500

  • 1. Karen Wolfson, $15,500
OP
414 posts · member since Apr 2018
9mo ago

Most Bracelets in 1985, Women

  • 1. Rose Pifer, 1

Most Cashes (and Final Tables) in 1985, Women

  • 2. Angela Gallina, 1

  • 2. Flo Rettig, 1

  • 2. Glenda Bridges, 1

  • 2. Joyce Ross, 1

  • 2. Kathy Hudson, 1

  • 2. Nell Kelly, 1

  • 2. Rose Pifer, 1

  • 1. Ruth Goldstein, 2

Most Winnings in 1985, Women

  • 8. Nell Kelly, $740

  • 7. Angela Gallina, $1,110

  • 6. Glenda Bridges, $1,400

  • 5. Joyce Ross, $1,850

  • 4. Flo Rettig, $2,220

  • 3. Kathy Hudson, $7,400

  • 2. Ruth Goldstein, $10,050

  • 1. Rose Pifer, $18,500
Reply...

About OP

rjen47
centurion

Top Posts

rjen47
2yr ago

Lightning does strike twice (or more).

  • 10. Father-Son: In 1983, Donnacha O'Dea reaches the Main Event final table and finishes sixth. In 2011, his son Eoghan O'Dea reaches the Main Event final table and finishes sixth. They are still the only father and son to both make the WSOP Main Event final table.

  • 9. Biggest Women's Cash: On May 5, 1989, Thomas Chung wins the $2,000 Limit Hold 'Em for his first bracelet as Robin Brown finishes third for a WSOP women's-record $53,000. Two years later, on May 10, 1991, Chung wins the $5,000 Seven-Card Stud for his only other bracelet as Mim Penney finishes second for a WSOP women's-record $88,750, breaking Brown's record.

  • 8. Party Crashers: In 1996, Huck Seed is the last of the 295 entrants to register for the Main Event as he has to beg to be allowed to play as he's technically too late. He wins the championship. The very next year, Stu Ungar is the last of the 312 entrants to register for the Main Event as he has to beg Bill Baxter for a buyin. He wins the championship.

  • 7. Employee Omens: In 2002, Mike Majerus finishes third in the Employee event then goes on to win the $2,000 Limit Hold 'Em the next day for his first bracelet. The next year John Arrage finishes third in the Employee event then goes on to win the $1,500 Limit Hold 'Em two weeks later for his first bracelet.

  • 6. Back-to-Back: Only four players have won the Main Event at least twice. If you include Johnny Moss's 1970 win by vote, all four of them won it back-to-back -- Johnny Moss: 1970-71 (and 1974), Doyle Brunson 1976-77, Stu Ungar 1980-81 (and 1997), and Johnny Chan 1987-88.

  • 5. First Foreigner, Part 1: In 1982, twelve years and more than 100 tournaments after the World Series of Poker's debut, Dennis Zervos finally becomes the first non-American to make the money as the Greek finishes third in the $1,000 Limit Hold 'Em for $20,200. Less than a week later in the next two events, England's Barry Clayton, South Africa's Hugh Todd, and the Philippines's Noli Francisco become the second, third, and fourth.

  • 4. First Foreigner, Part 2: In the first 18 years of the World Series of Poker, every bracelet was won by an American. After the first four events of the 1988 WSOP, nearly 200 bracelets had been awarded, none to a foreigner. On May 7, 1988, Norway's Thor Hansen finally breaks through, winning the $5,000 Seven-Card Stud, defeating a field of 79 for $158,000. It had taken 6,594 days between the time Johnny Moss was voted the winner of the first World Series of Poker to the first foreign winner. It took just four days for the second non-American to collect a bracelet, as France's Gilbert Gross wins the $2,500 Pot-Limit Omaha over a field of 111 (70 rebuys) for $181,000.

  • 3. Still Short: In 2000, T.J. Cloutier reaches heads up in the Main Event for a second time, a record fifteen years after he lost to Bill Smith. He falls short again, this time to Chris Ferguson for second place. The next year, Dewey Tomko reaches heads up in the Main Event for a second time, a record nineteen years after he lost to Jack Straus. He falls short again, this time to Carlos Mortensen for second place.

  • 2. Turning Lead Into Gold: In 1976, Doyle Brunson wins the final hand of the Main Event with Ten-Deuce, going runner-runner on the turn and river to make a full house. The next year, Brunson wins the final hand of the Main Event again with Ten-Deuce, going runner-runner on the turn and river to make a full house.

  • 1. Rematch Regulars: In 2002, Allen Cunningham beats O'Neil Longson heads up for the $5,000 No-Limit Deuce-to-Seven Draw title and his second bracelet. The next year in the same event, Longson again beats Cunningham heads up for the title and his second bracelet.
    Since then, only three heads-up rematches have occurred at the WSOP, and Shaun Deeb has been in all of them. He beat Paul Volpe in 2015 and 2018, split with Ben Yu in 2017 and 2018, and split with Adam Friedman in 2016 and 2019.
    The previous two decades had only three heads-up rematches, and Johnny Chan was in all of them. He beat Lyle Berman in 1985 and 1997, split with Erik Seidel in 1985 and 1997, and split with Phil Hellmuth in 1989 and 2002.
    In the known history of the WSOP, hundreds of thousands of players have competed and only ten heads up rematches have occurred; Chan and Deeb have been involved in six of them.

Honorable Mention:

  • Born on December 14, 1939, Bobby Hoff finishes second in the 1979 Main Event. Born on December 14, 1931, Frank Henderson finishes second in the 1987 Main Event; he was born eight years before but finishes second eight years after Hoff. {This factoid and the next might sound like they belong on the list, but the birthday paradox assures us that there's a better than 50% chance of having a pair of shared birthdays among a group of 23 people, so having two pairs in 50+ years isn't unexpected.}

  • Born on Christmas Day in 1937, Noel Furlong reaches the 9-player final table of the 1999 WSOP Main Event fourth in chips and goes on to win his first and only bracelet. Born on Christmas Day in 1984, John Cynn reaches the 9-player final table of the 2018 WSOP Main Event fourth in chips and goes on to win his first and only bracelet.

  • On May 11, 1981 Dave Hampton reaches the final table of the $10,000 Deuce-to-Seven and finishes fourth for $19,000. A year later on May 14, 1982 Hampton reaches the final table of the $10,000 Deuce-to-Seven and finishes fourth for $19,000. They are his only two career cashes, and Bobby Baldwin joins him at both final tables.

  • In 1995, Dan Harrington wins the final hand of the Main Event with the Nine and Eight of diamonds. The next year, Huck Seed wins the final hand of the Main Event with the Nine and Eight of diamonds. Both champs are behind preflop and win with Two Pairs against a Pair. {This would have made the list if not for Brunson's more amazing pair of hands.}
...
rjen47
2yr ago

Welcome to the World Series of Poker Top Ten Tuesday thread. Having spent the last ten+ years researching and analyzing the WSOP, I'd like to share some of my favorite findings each week, with a primary focus on the bracelet events.

Some of these lists are very subjective, so have fun arguing about what's been underrated, overrated, or completely missed.

Other lists are fairly objective but will include unknown factoids and more than a few error corrections (I'll cite my original sources when possible).

Enjoy!...

rjen47
2yr ago

Best WSOP Myths, Busted

  • 10. 1989 Main Event Last Woman Standing

    MYTH: Carmen Valenti was the Last Woman Standing in the 1989 Main Event, finishing 13th for $12,500. This was reported in the annual WSOP pre-Main Event press release in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018.

    REALITY: No women cashed in the 1989 Main Event. Carmen Valenti was a male pro poker player from New York. {I reported this error to the WSOP on March 9, 2016, but they never fixed it (2018 was their final annual media guide but oddly the only one that's no longer online).}


  • 9. 1971 Main Event Runner-Up

    MYTH: Puggy Pearson was the runner-up in the 1971 Main Event, losing to Johnny Moss heads up. This is reported by credible sources such as PokerNews and the Hendon Mob.

    REALITY: Jack Straus was the runner-up. The December 15, 1971 Amarillo Globe Times says on page 2, "Straus has come in second in the World Series of poker {the Ace-to-Five Draw and the Main Event}, held in Las Vegas, losing both times to Johnny Moss of Lubbock, Tex., and Las Vegas. Straus, who thinks of himself as a money player, commented: 'Moss won the trophy (a plaque), but I won most of the money." Amarillo Slim Preston's "Amarillo Slim in a World Full of Fat People" confirms this on page 158: "Well that day apparently the Lord didn't want me to hold on to mine [money], because that giant [Straus] busted me, and there were no prizes for third place. Too bad for Treetop that there weren't any for second either, because Johnny busted him to become the 1971 World Series of Poker champion and took home all $30,000." Another point in favor of Straus over Pearson is that when Puggy won the 1974 Main Event, nobody said anything about what would have been a remarkable 2nd-2nd-1st streak.


  • 8. 1970 Second Vote

    MYTH: Johnny Moss won the 1970 WSOP championship on the second vote, after everyone had voted for themselves the first time.

    REALITY: Moss dominated the cash games and was the obvious choice for "World's Champion Poker Player". The vote may not have been unanimous, but several of the players were single-game specialists while more than a few others finished the games in the red, so this story is undoubtedly apocryphal.


  • 7. First Married Couple With WSOP Bracelets

    MYTH 1: Sandy and Bob Stupak were the first married couple to both win bracelets. Bob Stupak's Wikipedia page and his own web site both make this claim.

    REALITY 1: Although Bob did win a legitimate bracelet in the 1989 Deuce-to-Seven Draw, Sandy's victory in the 1984 Special Casino Operators tournament wasn't considered a bracelet at the time, as she won $14,000 and a trophy. Of the major results sites, only WSOP.com's tournament page deems this a bracelet. They wouldn't have been the first couple anyway (see below).

    MYTH 2: Max and Maria Stern became the first married couple with bracelets when Maria won the 1997 $1,500 Seven-Card Stud. Her husband Max had already won the 1995 $1,500 Limit Omaha 8 or Better. E.g., Shulmans are Third Married Couple to Win... and Day 4 Highlights.

    REALITY 2: The Sterns were the first to both win open bracelets, but Donna and Jim Doman won the 1983 $800 Mixed Doubles tournament together to become the first couple with bracelets.


  • 6. Only Two 1972 Bracelet Winners are Known

    MYTH: Hendon, the Global Poker Index, and CardPlayer.com only acknowledge two WSOP tournaments in 1972 (Five-Card Stud and the Main Event), while WSOP.com says that the Five-Card Stud was Event #2 and the Main Event was Event #5 but has no information on the other three events.

    REALITY: By historical chance, less is known about the 1972 WSOP than the 1971 WSOP, but the same five games were probably played, with Ace-to-Five Draw, Seven-Card Stud, and Razz completing the set. Unfortunately, two of these three winners are still unknown, but Puggy Pearson won in Seven-Card Stud. In an article titled "Amarillo Slim Paid $31,000", page 3 of the November 30, 1972 Big Spring Herald says, "Slim won the so-called world series of poker here earlier this year. His partners apparently were no slouches in that contest. Pearson won top honors as the best seven-card stud player, and Boyd took top honors in five-card stud." {See followup post.}


  • 5. Three Consecutive Bracelets for Hellmuth and Forrest

    MYTH: Phil Hellmuth and Ted Forrest each won three consecutive events during the 1993 WSOP. Hellmuth won events 7, 8, and 9, then Forrest matched him in events 11, 12, and 13.

    REALITY: Forrest actually won his third bracelet of the year first, but his victories were in events 5, 6, and 17, while Hellmuth's were in events 7, 18, and 19. Hellmuth discusses his feat with the correct dates in his book "Poker Brat" on pages 169-170. (See next list item.)


  • 4. WSOP Tournament Chronology, 1976 to 1993

    MYTH: WSOP.com, the Hendon Mob, the Global Poker Index, and CardPlayer.com all agree on the order of the WSOP tournaments from 1976 to 1993, so they must be right.

    REALITY: There was a site called PokerPages.com that posted historical WSOP tournament results in April 2000. I don't know where they got their data from, so it might not be their fault, BUT they listed most of the early years' results alphabetically by the winner's last name. WSOP, Hendon, et al., all copied this incorrect order! Even more bizarrely, 1991 to 1993 are in reverse alphabetical order. 1990 is actually correct somehow, while 1986 is about half correct. 1975 was the one year when alphabetical order would have been correct, but they moved Johnny Moss's win from #4 to #1! The dates of the tournaments are then incorrectly guestimated by working backward from the Main Event, which is correctly listed last at least.


  • 3. Chris Moneymaker's Satellite Buyin

    MYTH: In 2003, Chris Moneymaker qualified for the WSOP Main Event via a $39 online satellite. Even his 2005 autobiography, "Moneymaker", touts a rounded version of this in its front cover subtitle, "How an amateur poker player turned $40 into $2.5 million at the World Series of Poker".

    REALITY: A few years later PokerStars unearthed the correction that the satellite had an $86 entry fee. And that only won him entry into a second satellite, which got him his Main Event ticket.


  • 2. Dandolos-Moss Match

    MYTH: Benny Binion was inspired to create the World Series of Poker by a marathon multi-month Nick Dandolos-Johnny Moss cash session in front of his casino two decades earlier. This story was first told in depth in Jon Bradshaw's 1975 book, "Fast Company", starting on page 148 (in the chapter on Johnny Moss), including Dandolos's famous quote after losing a million dollars or so over five months, "Well, I guess I got to let you go, Mr. Moss." Al Alvarez further popularized the story in his 1983 book, "The Biggest Game in Town".

    REALITY: Most of the details of this match have been exaggerated beyond recognition. It either occurred in 1949, as Alvarez claims, or in 1951, as Bradshaw states (both authors place the game at the Horseshoe, which opened in 1951). The event merited no press coverage in either year. In actuality, the World Series of Poker was inherited from Tom Moore and his 1969 Texas Gambler's Reunion in Reno, which featured a similar setup (and a similar result according to Johnny Moss, who claims to have been declared the champion). When Mary Ellen Glass asked Binion, "How did you start that [the World Series of Poker]?", he gave full credit to the Texas Gambler's Reunion in his 1973 University of Nevada Oral History i....


  • 1. Jack Straus's Chip and a Chair

    MYTH: Jack Straus came back to win the 1982 Main Event after being down to "a chip and a chair".

    REALITY: Jack Straus made a great comeback to win the Main Event, but at his lowest point he had at least two chips (and possibly six or more). The May 25, 1982 Las Vegas Sun says on page 6, "At one time in this championship go-round, he was down to his last $525." This got rounded down to 500 just one day later in the WSOP's handwritten player notes, which said, "at one point he was down to one hidden chip." The May 26, 1982 UPI article (e.g., Brownsville Herald, page 9) echoed this: "Strauss [sic], down to a single $500 chip on the first night of the four-day no limit Hold 'em event, beat out 103 of the world's best poker players." The December 1982 issue of "Hustler" magazine, page 38, then made up the part about the chip being "stuck between the rail and the table" when his opponent carefully bet an amount equal to the visible chips (FWIW, Straus then called the bet, so he wasn't bluffing), while more recent retellings say the rogue chip was under a napkin under his drink or "between a napkin and the bumper" as Jonathan Grotenstein and Storms Reback's claim on pages 100-101 of "All In".


Etymology of "A Chip and a Chair"

Poker tournaments basically didn't exist before the 1971 WSOP, but the phrase, "a chip and a chair" was already popular enough by early 1965 that Aviation Week, Volume 83, page 99 used it. The difference is that the full phrase back then was "all you need is a chip and a chair to enter the game" (i.e., to play not to win).

The first reference I've seen in poker literature occurs much later and has the same meaning despite coming almost two years after Jack Straus's comeback. In the January 9, 1984 Poker Player newspaper, page 9, the article, "Brunson Picks Reese as Top Pro", includes in its list of top poker players, "4. Johnny Chan. A young player who took a chip and a chair and has shown his versatility regularly."

The first documented usage in the comeback sense was a full three years after Straus but already considers it a well-worn phrase. On page 5 of the July 22, 1985 Poker Player newspaper, an article titled "It’s Time to Live It Up at the Union Plaza" says, "Over at the Stardust, a visitor from Indianapolis, Indiana, once again demonstrated the significance of what tournament coordinator Bob Thompson insisted is the old adage: 'If you have a chip and a chair, you still have a prayer.'" Tex Sheahan then mentions Straus: "With one exception, I have never seen a player win a tournament with only one chip left. That one exception was Jack Straus when he won the World Series of Poker a few years ago."

Certainly, earlier references for both senses of the phrase must exist. Anyone?...