World Series of Poker Records

2009 marks the 40th year of the World Series of Poker. According to the 2009 Official Media Guide, a total of 761 tournaments have been held over the course of the WSOP’s first 39 years (including the seven events played at the World Series of Poker Europe in 2007 and 2008). Here are a few of the records established over that long, colorful history.

Most WSOP Main Event titles: 3, Johnny Moss (1970, 1971, 1974) and Stu Ungar (1980, 1981, 1997); 2, Doyle Brunson (1976, 1977), Johnny Chan (1987, 1988).

Most WSOP bracelets: 11, Phil Hellmuth, Jr.; 10, Doyle Brunson and Johnny Chan.

Most WSOP bracelets won in a single year: 3, Walter “Puggy” Pearson (1973, 1,000 No-Limit Hold'em, $4,000 Seven-Card Stud, $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em Main Event); Ted Forrest (1993, $1,500 Razz, $1,500 Omaha 8-or-Better, $5,000 Seven-Card Stud); Phil Hellmuth, Jr. (1993, $1,500 No-Limit Hold'em, $2,500 No-Limit Hold'em, $5,000 Limit Hold'em); Phil Ivey (2002, $1,500 Seven-Card Stud, $2,500 Seven-Card Stud Hi-Lo, and $2,000 S.H.O.E.).

Most WSOP cashes: 66, Phil Hellmuth, Jr.; 59, Men Nguyen.
Most combined total entrants, all events: 58,720 (2008).

Most entrants, Main Event: 8,773 (2006).

Largest prize awarded in a single event: $12,000,000 (2006, Main Event, won by Jamie Gold).

Largest prize pool in a single event: $82,512,162 (2006).

Largest prize pool, non-Main Event: $7,104,000, twice (2007, $50,000 World Championship H.O.R.S.E. and 2008, $50,000 World Championship H.O.R.S.E.).

Largest prize awarded, non-Main Event: $2,276,832 (2007, $50,000 World Championship H.O.R.S.E., won by Freddy Deeb).

Most expensive buy-in, all events: $50,000, three times, World Championship H.O.R.S.E. event (2006, 2007, 2008).

Most entrants, ladies-only event: 1,286 (2007, Ladies World Championship No-Limit Hold’em).

Most entrants, seniors-only event: 2,218 (2008, Seniors World Championship No-Limit Hold’em).

Most entrants, non-Main Event: 3,929 (2008, Event No. 2, $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em).

Oldest player ever to compete in a WSOP event: Jack Ury, 95 years old (2008, Main Event).

Oldest player to win a WSOP bracelet: Johnny Moss, 81 years, 0 days (1988, $1,500 Limit Ace-to-Five Draw); Paul “Cigar” McKinney, 80 years, 5 months, 26 days (2005, $1,000 Seniors No-Limit Hold’em).

Youngest player to win a WSOP bracelet: Annette Obrestad, 18 years, 11 months, 29 days (2007, WSOPE £10,000 No-Limit Hold’em); Steve Billirakis, 21 years, 11 days (2007, WSOP $5,000 World Championship Mixed Hold’em).