Evolution of the Game For over 1000 years
the game of poker has evolved across a wide spectrum of civilizations.
Some attribute the origins of the game to the Sung Dynasty of 10th
century China, while others mark its beginnings with a Persian game
called - As Nas - dating back to the 16th century. Throughout
its history, the game has varied considerably, however the basic
concepts of psychological strategy and card ranking have always
featured along the course of its evolution.
The version of
the game that is most closely linked to its contemporary form is
Poque, which hails from 17th century France. The game made its way
across the Atlantic with a group of French settlers who eventually
founded the city of New Orleans. From there, it spread along the
route of the Mississippi River during the 18th century and flourished
in the United States during the 19th century when the country began
its westward expansion. For this reason, the history of poker is
commonly associated with America's "Wild West" |
The World Series of Poker The World Series
of Poker is the game's most distinguished competitive tournament,
attracting professional players from around the world. Johnny
Moss was the first to win the title of Poker World Champion
in 1970, when the game was held at Binion's Horseshoe. In 2003,
Harrah's Casino bought the rights to become the exclusive host for
the tournament, which is now held annually at the Rio Hotel and
Casino. The World Series of Poker has expanded beyond Las Vegas
to venues across the United States and in late 2007 the first-ever
World Series of Poker Europe will be held. With over $100,000,000
in prize money and fifty five gold-bracelet events, the World Series
of Poker has reached epic proportions and is continuing to make
poker history.

|
Poker Legends Doyle Brunson – Texas
Dolly Brunson was the first-ever million dollar poker tournament
winner. During the course of his professional career, he has collected
nine WSOP bracelets. Brunson also published one of the most authoritative
tutorial books on the game, called Doyle Brunson's Super System.
Stu Ungar – The Kid One of the game's child
prodigies, Stu Ungar earned his reputation as a champion player
by the age of fourteen. Considered a "natural talent", Ungar's poker
skills won him five WSOP bracelets and an estimated $30,000,000
over the span of his career. Sadly, most of these earnings were
squandered away to support an abusive drug habit, which led to his
premature death at the age of 45.
Johnny Moss – Grand
Old Man From the days of youth when he was hired to monitor
games at a local saloon in his hometown of Odessas, Texas, Moss
was a fair-play fanatic. So much so that he threatened to shoot
(and eventually wounded) a man whom he caught spying on his cards
during a game. Moss won eight bracelets in the 25 consecutive WSOP
events that he participated in, between the years 1970 to 1995.
Thomas Austin Preston, Jr. – Amarillo Slim
Controversial both at and away from the poker tables, Preston's
life story includes remarkable adventures, notorious slips of the
tongue and a moderately successful career in show-business. He has
won four WSOP bracelets and is listed in the Poker Hall of Fame.
Benny Binion - The Cowboy As founder of the World
Series of Poker, Binion revolutionized the game and played a key
role in bringing it to the masses. His pioneering vision propelled
Las Vegas into a world-class gambling resort and he is considered
to be one of the most influential figures in the city's history.
|