The Epic History of the World Series of Poker (WSOP)

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) was first held in 1970 by Benny Binion, inviting top players to his Horseshoe casino. The first WSOP featured seven top players: Amarillo Slim, Doyle Brunson, Puggy Pearson, Crandell Addington, Sailor Roberts, Carla Cannon, and Johnny Moss.

Johnny Moss won the first WSOP championship, receiving a silver cup. The championship bracelets were introduced in 1976. In 1973, the main tournament had 13 players and was broadcast on television for the first time. Doyle Brunson won his first gold bracelets in 1976, including the main tournament.

In 1978, the winner Bobby Baldwin shared the prize money with the top five finalists. In 1979, Hal Fowler, an amateur, won the main tournament, shocking the professionals. In 1980, 73 players participated in the main tournament, and Stu Ungar won the championship. In 1981, Stu Ungar became the third player to win two consecutive main tournaments.