The History of WSOP, WPT, EPT, and Other Major Poker Tournaments

Poker tournaments have transformed poker from a niche gambling pastime into a globally celebrated competitive sport. Major tournament series like the World Series of Poker (WSOP), World Poker Tour (WPT), and European Poker Tour (EPT) have shaped the way poker is played, broadcast, and perceived around the world. 🃏🏆

This article dives into the origins, growth, and impact of these prestigious tournaments and highlights other key events that define modern poker.

1. The World Series of Poker (WSOP) – The Crown Jewel of Poker

1.1. Origins (1970)

The WSOP began in 1970 when Benny Binion, owner of the Horseshoe Casino in Las Vegas, invited seven of the best-known poker players for a cash game showdown. Players included legends like Johnny Moss, Doyle Brunson, and Amarillo Slim.

Instead of determining a winner by chips, players voted on who they thought was the best player, crowning Johnny Moss as the first WSOP champion.

1.2. Early Years (1971–1980s)

• 1971: The WSOP switched to a freezeout tournament format, introducing the iconic $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em Main Event.
• 1972: Amarillo Slim’s victory and media charisma put the WSOP on the map, attracting mainstream attention.
• By the 1980s, more events and poker variants were added (Seven-Card Stud, Razz, Omaha).

1.3. The Poker Boom Era (2003–2006)

The WSOP exploded in popularity thanks to:

• Chris Moneymaker’s 2003 Win: An amateur who qualified online, Moneymaker won $2.5 million, proving anyone could win, sparking the “Moneymaker Effect”.
• Televised Poker: Hole-card cameras and ESPN coverage made poker exciting for TV audiences.
• Online Satellites: Sites like PokerStars allowed players worldwide to qualify cheaply.

1.4. Modern WSOP

• Growth: From 1 event in 1970 to 90+ events annually, including online events.
• Prize Pools: Tens of millions in Main Event prizes; the 2006 Main Event hit $82.5 million total prize pool.
• Expansion: WSOP Europe (2007), WSOP Asia-Pacific (2013), and WSOP Online during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Bracelet Prestige: Winning a WSOP bracelet is still considered poker’s ultimate achievement.

2. The World Poker Tour (WPT) – The TV Revolution

2.1. Inception (2002)

Founded by Steven Lipscomb, the WPT was created to bring poker to a global television audience with innovative technology like hole-card cameras and cinematic production.

2.2. Unique Features

• Televised Final Tables: Professional commentary (Mike Sexton & Vince Van Patten) made the game exciting for viewers.
• High Buy-ins & Big Names: Attracted top professionals and wealthy amateurs.
• Global Reach: Expanded beyond the U.S. into Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

2.3. Key Impact

• The WPT inspired many poker players to pursue poker professionally.
• Helped drive the poker boom of the mid-2000s, alongside WSOP growth.
• Introduced WPT-branded products like online poker platforms and mobile games.

2.4. Modern WPT

• Offers hundreds of events globally.
• Created the WPT Tournament of Champions for past winners.
• Focus on club-level and mid-stakes tournaments, making poker more accessible.

3. The European Poker Tour (EPT) – Europe’s Flagship Poker Series

3.1. Launch (2004)

Founded by John Duthie, the EPT brought major professional poker tournaments to Europe, capitalizing on the poker boom following Moneymaker’s WSOP win.

3.2. Format & Growth

• Modeled after the WPT but focused on European cities like Barcelona, London, Prague, and Monte Carlo.
• Initially sponsored by PokerStars, which became a key driver of online satellites feeding into live events.

3.3. Highlights & Records

• EPT Grand Final in Monte Carlo regularly features multi-million prize pools.
• Record-breaking attendance: Barcelona events often surpass 1,000+ entrants.

3.4. Modern EPT

• Remains one of the most prestigious non-U.S. tournament series.
• Known for its luxury venues, elite fields, and international appeal.
• Expanded with regional versions (LAPT – Latin American Poker Tour, APPT – Asia Pacific Poker Tour).

4. Other Major Tournament Series

4.1. Aussie Millions (Australia)

• Held annually at the Crown Casino, Melbourne.
• Known for its high-stakes Aussie Millions Main Event and $100,000+ Challenge events attracting top pros.

4.2. Triton Poker Super High Roller Series

• Founded by Richard Yong and Paul Phua in 2015.
• Focus on ultra-high-stakes events ($100K–$1M buy-ins).
• Attracted elite pros and wealthy businessmen, creating some of the biggest cash prize pools in history.

4.3. Irish Poker Open

• One of the oldest poker tournaments in Europe (since 1980).
• Famous for its festive atmosphere and deep Irish poker tradition.

4.4. Asian Poker Tour (APT)

• Focused on growing poker in Asia.
• Regular stops in Philippines, Vietnam, Macau, and Korea.

4.5. PokerGO Tour (PGT)

• A newer series showcasing high-stakes poker content for subscribers.
• Includes US Poker Open, Poker Masters, and Super High Roller Bowl events.

5. How These Tours Changed Poker

5.1. Mainstream Popularity

• Televised events with hole-card cams revolutionized how audiences consumed poker.
• Poker evolved from a smoky backroom game to a global spectator sport.

5.2. Professional Opportunities

Created a career path for professional poker players with sponsorship deals and celebrity status.

5.3. Online & Live Synergy

Online poker and live tournaments became interconnected, allowing amateurs to qualify cheaply and win big.

5.4. Cultural Impact

Iconic champions like Phil Hellmuth, Daniel Negreanu, and Fedor Holz became global ambassadors of the game.

6. The Future of Poker Tournaments

6.1. Online & Hybrid Events

WSOP Online & WPT Online events allow players worldwide to compete without traveling.

6.2. Regional Growth

Africa, India, and South America have growing poker markets, likely to see new tours and expansions.

6.3. High Roller Era

High buy-in series like Triton and PokerGO Tour show the rise of elite-level poker, often streamed to millions.

From the humble seven-player gathering at the Horseshoe Casino in 1970 to today’s global, multi-million-dollar festivals, poker tournaments have reshaped poker into an international phenomenon. Whether it’s the prestige of a WSOP bracelet, the glamour of a WPT final table, or the European elegance of an EPT stop, these tournaments represent poker’s evolution from a niche hobby to a mainstream mind sport.

The future promises even bigger events, new formats, and a global community of players all chasing one thing: poker immortality.