Top 15 most important wins in WSOP main events history

 Top 15 Most Significant Wins in WSOP Main Event History

1971 saw the World Series of Poker's focal point, the main event. Jack Binion was the first to create the WSOP. No one could have imagined its explosive growth and the mainstream title of "The Main." Binion once said, "I'm surprised at how big Poker got, especially the WSOP major event."

From its humble beginnings at Binion’s horseshoe in Downtown Las Vegas, to its current home at Rio All-Suite Hotel & casino near the Las Vegas Strip. The WSOP main tournament has captured the imagination and legends of poker players around the globe.

The 50th annual WSOP's main tournament is about to begin. Here are the top 15 victories in terms of significance and importance that have made the event the success it is today.

Were we able to set a new record in 2019, after last year's second-largest player registration (7,874 players; that record was 8,773 in 2006.) We will know by the end this week.

These are my top 15 WSOP main-event wins:

15. 2016: "Who win? Qui Nguyen!"

Since 2008, when Peter Eastgate (22 years old) broke Phil Hellmuth’s record as the youngest WSOP main events champion, all the victors have been in their 20s. The felt was dominated and poker seemed to be moving past the "older generation". An unknown Vietnamese immigrant arrived in America in 2001 and brought a new style to play poker.

The 39-year-old raised every pot, and his fans shouted "Who won?" Qui Nguyen!" Many in poker media were skeptical that Nguyen could win, despite his remarkable run. But he proved that the pundits were wrong. Nguyen will be remembered for his surprise victory and pure joy at his triumph.

14. 1972: Amarillo Slim

Although the WSOP main tournament was just beginning, eight of the best players gathered together to play in 1972. Amarillo Slim became the first celebrity to play poker, and Johnny Moss was unable to win three straight. Amarillo Slim, a poker player, was often seen on talk-shows, such as "The Tonight Show" hosted by Johnny Carson. Preston, who made more than ten appearances on the legendary late-night program, helped bring poker to mainstream America. He also created awareness about the WSOP.

13. 2006: Everything Jamie touched was turned to gold

It would be hard to believe that the tournament lead would shift among multiple players in the biggest WSOP main-event field history (8,773 participants). Jamie Gold, entertainment producer and agent, took over as chip leader on Day 4. Gold's record-breaking performance earned him $12 million for the victory.

12. 2004: "Fossilman", which makes players extinct, causes the death of many other players

After Chris Moneymaker stunned the world, Binion’s Horseshoe was overflowing. There had been tables throughout the casino. Players were forced to play 11-handed when necessary, as the field was so large that the fire marshal had problems. Greg Raymer emerged victorious from the 2,576-player field, sporting hologram sunglasses. He also protected his cards with a fossil. Dan Harrington, 1996 WSOP main tournament champion, reached back-to-back final table in the two largest fields. But Greg Raymer (a Connecticut patent attorney) led the final wire-to-wire table, eliminating David Williams, who was the upstart. This was the final time that the Horseshoe hosted the entire WSOP main tournament.

11. 2009: Youngest champion ever

Peter Eastgate had broken Phil Hellmuth's 19 year-old record for being the youngest WSOP main events champion. This record was broken by Joe Cada at 21. With the November Nine in full swing the 2009 WSOP Main Event Final Table was packed with notable players including Phil Ivey (poker superstar), Cardplayer editor Jeff Shulman (Cardplayer editor), and two young Europeans who made it to the final tables at the WSOP Europe Main Event in Antoine Saout or James Akenhead.

Cada was down to four big blinds and hit some timely sets against his competitors. Cada then played head-to-head against a Maryland amateur logger. Darvin Moon was the fairytale of the 2009 WSOP main table. Cada was victorious after a long and intense heads-up fight, winning more than $8.5million.

10. 1998: You can call it over and it's going to be all over, baby.

Scotty Nguyen 35 years old exclaimed one famous poker quote, "You Call, It's gonna all be over, Baby," to Kevin McBride in the final hand with a full-house (9-9-8-8-8-8) on board. Nguyen was smoking a cigarette while enjoying his signature beer. McBride heard the bold remark and called it, playing only the board. Nguyen revealed J-9 in order to win the 1998 WSOP main events champion. The Prince of Poker was born. Texas Holdem – Rowned in Poker’s Explosion