The reason for the dip in attendance after the 2006 series is new laws reduced the number of entrants who could win their place by playing online, though the downturn hasn’t affected the popularity of the tournament. The main event is a no limit Texas Hold ‘Em game which has a hefty $10,000 buy-in and the prize money in recent years has been above $7.5 million thanks to the large number of initial participants. The main event is supported by an additional 45 different types of poker all with different rules and regulations and it’s great for amateurs and pros. The grand prize itself is coupled with a golden bracelet which champions consider to be the highest accolade a professional poker player can achieve because of the heritage and prestige of the World Series of Poker. There has also been an award for the Player of the Year since 2004, based on an accumulation of points over the course of the World Series of Poker.

Over the years there have been some amazing feats of poker playing and clashes of well known titans at the tables of the World Series of Poker and since 2005 saw the Horseshoe bought by the massive Harrah group of gambling and entertainment venues, spin offs and tournaments have taken place in some of Las Vegas’ most iconic casinos, including Caesar’s Palace, home of the Tournament of Champions. One of the most exciting comebacks in its history occurred in 1982 when player Jack Straus didn’t realise he still had a $500 chip left and was about to throw in the towel, only to discover it and came back to win. Thanks to the power of online poker many great players have gained entry to the tournament in recent years after honing their talents online, most notably the 2007 champion Jerry Yang. Having only started playing 2 years prior to his victory, this poker prodigy won his place thanks to a satellite tournament in California and went on to win the jackpot of $8.25 million, proving that just about anything is possible in the World Series of Poker.

The 2009 World Series of Poker has the largest jackpot prize ever, with over $8.5 million up for grabs to one skilful and indeed lucky player. There are already 6,494 players signed up and ready to go, so it should once again be a classic year. This year there are a total of 57 different events, including the main game and of course the winners of each will be able to drape their wrists with a World Series of Poker bracelet.