WSOP Poker Returns Home!
Poker has been a popular game of chance and skill for centuries, but it was not until the early 1970s that it became a widely recognized sport. The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is the ultimate championship for professional poker players, with the main event awarding millions of dollars in prize money and the coveted gold bracelet to the winner. Over the years, WSOP has evolved from a small gathering of gamblers into a global phenomenon, attracting thousands of players from all over the world to Las Vegas every summer.
“All In: The History of WSOP” is a comprehensive guide to the origins and evolution of the World Series of Poker. This book explores the rich history of the game, from its humble beginnings in the back rooms of saloons to its current status as a multi-million dollar industry. Readers will gain a deep understanding of how the WSOP has grown and changed over the years, and the impact it has had on the world of poker.
Chapter 1: Ante Up: The Roots of Poker Poker has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the 16th century. The game has its roots in Europe, and it was brought to America by French colonists in the early 1800s. The original version of poker was played with a deck of 20 cards, and it was a game that relied heavily on bluffing and psychological tactics.
As poker grew in popularity, so did the number of variations of the game. In the 1870s, a new version of poker called “stud” emerged, which was played with five cards dealt to each player. This game became hugely popular in the Wild West, where it was played in saloons and on riverboats.
In the early 1900s, the game of poker underwent a major transformation with the introduction of Texas Hold’em. This version of the game was first played in the town of Robstown, Texas, and it quickly gained a following in the state’s oil fields. Hold’em is now the most popular version of poker in the world, and it is the game played in the WSOP main event.
The WSOP was founded in 1970 by Benny Binion, a legendary figure in the world of poker. Binion was the owner of the Horseshoe Casino in downtown Las Vegas, and he saw an opportunity to showcase the best poker players in the world. The first WSOP was a small event, with just seven players competing for the title of world champion. The winner, Johnny Moss, was awarded a silver cup and bragging rights.