Incredible Stories from the World Series of Poker

The World Series of Poker is renowned for its high-stakes tournaments and the incredible stories that emerge from them. Here are some of the most remarkable tales from the series.

Unexpected Wins

In 2015, Christian Pham found himself in a peculiar situation. He accidentally registered for a $1,500 2-7 Lowball event, a game he didn't even know the rules to. Despite the initial shock, Pham invoked the help of fellow players to learn the game as he played and went on to win the event for $81,000.

Inside Deals

In 1972, the Main Event was a high-stakes sit-n-go with eight of the best poker players, including Doyle Brunson, Amarillo Slim, and Johnny Moss. During a coffee break, Brunson, Slim, and Puggy Pearson agreed to let Amarillo Slim win the tournament to avoid the spotlight, striking a deal that allowed Slim to be declared the winner.

Unusual Bets

Tom Dwan, known for his cash game skills, laid a bet in 2010 that he would win a World Series of Poker bracelet, offering 3-1 odds. Many players took him up on the bet, but Dwan's performance in a $1,500 No Limit Hold’em event left bettors nervous. Although Simon Watt eventually bested Dwan, the bet highlighted Dwan's confidence and the unpredictability of poker.

Odd Reactions

Dan Colman's reaction to winning a major tournament was far from typical. Instead of elation, Colman came off as sad and resigned, declining all media requests. He later told ESPN that he wasn't a fan of promoting himself, adding an unusual twist to his victory.

Earning Millions on a Whim

Felix Stephensen's journey to becoming a millionaire was as remarkable as it was unexpected. In 2014, he placed a $1,000 wager on Australia beating the Netherlands in the World Cup by the exact score of 3-2, earning $60,000. Inspired by his win, Stephensen decided to play in the Main Event and ended up taking second place for $5,147,911.