2011 Poker Year in Review: Key Events and Achievements

The year 2011 was a landmark year for poker, filled with remarkable achievements and significant events. One of the most notable developments was the doubling of players who have won the three major poker trophies: the World Series of Poker (WSOP), the World Poker Tour (WPT), and the European Poker Tour (EPT).

Jake Cody and Bertrand 'Elky' Grospellier became the newest additions to the Triple Crown club. Max Lykov and Andrey Pateychuk are just one step away from achieving this prestigious feat. Lykov needs to win a WPT event, while Pateychuk is aiming for a WSOP bracelet.

Pius Heinz made headlines by winning the World Championship of Poker. Despite starting with one of the shortest stacks and facing significant challenges, Heinz dominated the final table and secured his victory. Phil Hellmuth, another poker legend, had a mixed year. He won three second places in the WSOP 2011, showcasing his versatility and skill in various poker games.

April 15, 2011, marked a pivotal moment in poker history with the U.S. government's actions against major poker sites. The government blocked domains and bank accounts, leading to significant changes in the online poker industry. PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker, and Ultimate Bet were forced to leave the U.S. market but continued operations in Europe.

The Epic Poker League, organized by Annie Duke, began in 2011 with three tournaments. This high-stakes series features invited players and substantial prize pools, adding to the excitement and prestige of the poker world.