World Series of Poker

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is the largest, richest and most prestigious gaming event in the world. Featuring a comprehensive schedule of tournaments that include nearly every form of poker ever conceived, the WSOP is poker’s longest running tournament in the world, dating back to 1970. In 2008, the event shattered all records when it seated over 54,000 players from 87 different countries at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas and awarded just under $160 million in prize money. Harrah’s License Company, LLC has owned and operated the WSOP since 2004 and over the last four years, the number of participants has increased by over 300%, while successfully expanding the brand internationally with the introduction in 2007 of the World Series of Poker Europe. In 1970, the first World Series of Poker was held at Binion's Horseshoe as a series of cash games and Johnny Moss, the first champion, was awarded a silver cup. Games such as Five-card stud, Deuce to seven low-ball draw, Razz, Seven-card stud, and Texas Hold'em were played. Cash prizes were awarded from the second championship held in 1971. Five-card stud was introduced to the schedule along with Omaha Hold'em and Seven-card stud and their variants. Recently the addition of HORSE has also increased the number of tournaments from just 2 in 1972, to 55 events in 2008. The cash prize is still awarded to the winner in a cardboard box and since 1976 the bracelet has been considered the most coveted non-monetary prize a poker player can win and the ultimate achievement. Even if the victory occurred before 1976, WSOP championships are now counted as "bracelets". With more history and mystique than any other tournament the WSOP is unequalled by any other poker event in the world today. To arrange a package to the WSOP 2009 you can Email or call our staff for a free quote. It is recommended to arrange your travel and accommodation at the soonest possible moment as accommodation and flights often sell out even months before. Sales of flights and accommodation saw following the announcement of the WSOP schedule.