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. |