World Series of Poker

The World Series of Poker is the oldest and definitely the most prestige of poker tournaments in the world. The World Series of Poker has been played since 1970 and has just grown in popularity over the years.

The first winner of the World Series of Poker in 1970, Johnny Moss won no money at all, but $30 000 in the following year when he took the title again. As the popularity of the World Series of Poker exploded in the past few years, the winners became instant millionaires. Last year Chris Moneymaker won an astounding $2 500 000 when he won the World Series of Poker in 2003, this was however eclipsed by Greg Raymer (a.k.a. Fossilman) when he won $5 000 000 in 2004!.

With huge amounts like this to be won the total participants in the World Series of Poker has grown a lot over the past few years. The normal buy-in into the tournament being $10 000 draws the seasoned professionals. However with all the satellite tournaments offering seats to the World Series of Poker when you play online, the number of players has increased dramatically allowing everyone a shot at the big time. By the way the last two winners, Moneymaker and Raymer, qualified through satellites such as this.