The World Series Of Poker

The World Series of Poker is probably the most widely known poker tournament, largely due to the enormous amount of press coverage it has attracted from around the world.

This popular series consists of over a month's worth of poker tournaments, with millions of dollars at stake and thousands of players competing. And, you don't have to be a poker guru to join in on the fun.

While only those who had a lot of money could afford to play the tournament at one point, the introduction of the satellite game during the 1980s where you could win your buy in has allowed everyone with a keen poker interest the opportunity to play.

Besides the money, many are drawn to the tournament in hopes of measuring the level of their poker skills and coming out on top to join the Poker Hall of Fame at Binion's Horseshoe.

The 2005 World Series Of Poker finished July 16, with Joseph Hachem emerging as Champion. A professional poker player residing in Melbourne Australia, Joseph took first place in his first WSOP event winning $7,500,000 in the main event. 5,619 players participated in the largest turnout yet.

World Series of Poker History

What was once considered a dull game to watch has been transformed into an exhilarating showdown by Benny Binion, founder of the Horseshoe gambling hall and hotel in Las Vegas.

The first unofficial World Series of Poker took place in 1949, when Binion organized a five-month long tournament between two poker giants. The games went on for five months, with the men only taking breaks to catch a bit of sleep.

During this match, people would gather outside the casino to watch. Binion noticed how the tournament had attracted spectators and started the World Series of Poker in 1970.

Although Benny Binion died in 1989, the World Series of Poker has gained momentum. The series has taken off, going from 52 players in 1982 to 7,595 in 2002. The amount of competitors isn't the only thing on the rise-the jackpot has more than doubled over the years and sat at almost $20 million in 2002. It is expected this tournament will continue to grow in popularity, carrying on Binion's legacy.

World Series of Poker Champions

Stu Ungar has been hailed as the best player to have ever taken part in the World Series of Poker. He was one of two men to win the world championship three times, the other being Johnny Moss.

Doyle Brunson is known for being the first to take home $1 million from tournament play and also has two world titles under his belt.

"Amarillo Slim" Preston took the world title in 1972 and rose to fame by going on many national talk shows after his big win.

Johnny Chan has won more money than anyone in the history of the World Series of Poker, earning over $3 million. In 1987 and 1988, he was the winner of the No-limit Hold'em world championship event.

Annie Duke finished in 10th place in 2000 when she was eight months pregnant and is known to be the best female player around.

The 2003 World Series of Poker champion was Chris Moneymaker, who invested $40 in an online poker tournament and came out with the largest poker tournament win ever-$2.5 million.

World Series of Poker Big Wins

Joseph Hachem - $7,500,000
Johnny Chan - $3,091,494
T.J. Cloutier - $2,927,286
Phil Hellmuth Jr. - $2,865,490
Chris Moneymaker - $2.5 million
Chris Ferguson - $2,147,652
Erik Seidel - $2,084,161
Stu Ungar - $2,081,478
Robert Varkonyi - $2,000,000

Casino Satellites

For those who don't have the money but would love to take part in the 2004 World Series of Poker, single table satellite games are available, with the prize being a tournament entry plus some money.

The single table satellites will be start on April 21, 2004. They will continue 24 hours a day until May 22, 2004, which is when the World Championship Event begins.

The other option is the double shootout satellites, which have already started and will run to April 21, 2004 daily at 3 p.m. This version gives the person who can beat 18 other players a World Championship Event seat. To play the double shootout satellite, the buy-in for the first table is $125. Then, those who win 10 first table satellites will face off at the final table.

The multi-table tournaments are called super satellites, with a buy-in of $225 and $200 rebuys (only in the first three levels). Play will continue until there are just enough players left to fill the $10,000 seats awarded from the prize pool money. The super satellites will take place from April 23, 2004 to May 21, 2004 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Binion's Horseshoe.

If you don't care to play one of these satellite games, you can always look for various other online tournaments that usually award the buy in for the World Series of Poker, along with airfare and hotel accommodations.

Satellite Tournament Tips

One thing to remember when playing the online tournaments is that although there is a lot at stake, keep your cool and think our your moves carefully. If you can handle your nerves during an online game, then you will be better prepared if you win and get a chance to play in the big leagues at Binion's Horseshoe.

Another important point is to use the same common courtesies while playing the satellite tournaments that you would if you were face to face with these people, because you could end up sitting beside them at the World Series of Poker. Don't swear or make inappropriate jokes, and don't be a sore loser. Practice up by playing with your friends or family before going to a satellite tournament so that you don't waste your money and other people's time. And remember, always have fun-don't lose sight of the fact that it is supposed to be an enjoyable game.