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The History of the WSOP

The origins of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) can be traced back to an event in Las Vegas in 1969. The event was called the Texas Gambling Reunion and it was a chance for Texas gamblers, such as Crandell Addington Amarillo Slim and Doyle Brunson, to show off their card playing skills. The event was hosted by a San Antonio resident, Tom Moore. The most important thing about it was not who hosted it, but, rather, whose attention it captured, though.

Casino owner Benny Binion was so enthralled by the event that he started the WSOP a year later, in 1970. The 1970 version of the WSOP featured many cash games, including 7 Card Stud, Texas Holdem, Deuce to Seven Lowball Draw, 5 Card Stud and Razz. It took place at Binion's Horseshoe Casino. The following year, the WSOP main event was a freeze-out Texas Holdem game.

In 1970, Johnny Moss was elected, by his peers, as the winner. Mr. Moss was declared the World Champion of Poker. As a prize, he received a silver cup. These days, WSOP event winners receive bracelets and, of course, prize money.

External Links

  • Official website - World Series of Poker's Official Website.
  • WSOP - Live reporting, news and history at Pokernews.com
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