We here at Holdem Poker Chat will always bring our members interesting news from the poker world. The 41st Annual World Series of Poker® has provided us with many bits of information that we wanted to share with our members. We also want to thank Harrahs Entertainment for sending us their press releases.
There is a global economic slowdown, but the 41st annual World Series of Poker (WSOP) has not been affected at all. On the contrary, the WSOP set a host of new records. Poker players from 117 nations traveled to Las Vegas to compete on the game’s grandest stage. With a record 72,966 entries (a 20% increase from last year) in 57 events creating the largest prize pool in WSOP history: $187,109,850 (a 3.5% increase from last year). In the 41-year history of the WSOP, the prestigious tournament has now awarded more than $1.2 billion in prize money. (Actual figure is: $1,228,375,121).
The youngest player in this year’s WSOP was John May, who played Day 1-D of the Main Event, a day after his 21st birthday. The oldest player to participate in this year’s WSOP (or in any WSOP) 97-year-old Jack Ury, who also played Day 1-D of the Main Event.
In addition to overall participation and prize money, the 2010 WSOP established new records for:
Most million-dollar tournaments: Forty-four of 57 events in this year’s WSOP boasted a prize pool of $1 million or more, up 13 percent from the previous record (39 of 57 tournaments) set last year.
Most consecutive years to cash at WSOP: Berry Johnston’s two in-the-money finishes this year (Events #4 and #45) give the 1986 World Champion cashes for 28 straight years, the most in history. His two cashes this year give him a total of 61 in-the-money finishes at the WSOP, placing him in fourth place all-time. Total WSOP Earnings: $2,075,527
Most consecutive years with multiple event winner: Frank Kassela’s two victories stretched the multi-event winner record to 11 consecutive years. Event #40: Seven Card Razz – $2,500 buy-in & Event #15: Seven Card Stud Hi-Low Split-8 or Better World Championship $10,000 buy-in.
Biggest single day attendance ever: 3,097 players in Event #45. $1,500 buy-in
Most consecutive annual WSOPs played: Howard “Tahoe” Andrew of Walnut Creek, Calif., extended his record for most consecutive years played at the WSOP to 37. WSOP Earnings: $162,809
Largest amount of chips in play: This year’s WSOP Main Event featured a total of 219,570,000 million in chips. Because players in this year’s WSOP Main Event received chips valued at three times the buy-in ($30,000), the total chips in play exceeded the amount in the largest tournament ever, the 2006 Main Event, during which players received two-times the buy-in (20,000).
Most cashes at WSOP without a win: Tony Cousineau of Daytona Beach, Fla., extended his record as the player with the most cashes – 46 – without a win. Better luck next year Tony.
Legions of amateur players competed alongside legendary poker pros, to establish the new milestones.