World Series of Poker
In 1970 the face of Poker in Las Vegas changed forever. The very first World Series of Poker (WSOP) tournament took place at Binion’s Horseshoe Hotel and Casino hosted by Benny Binion himself. From its humble beginning with seven invited players the WSOP has grown into a globally recognized event now with over 6,600 Entrants in the Main Event and 22,374 Entrants in the 2015 WSOP Colossus Event (by comparison only 2,780 Athletes competed in the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics). Starting in 1976 the WSOP began awarding the WSOP Champions bracelets, these winner’s bracelets have become some of the most coveted possessions a poker player can own. The WSOP has expanded worldwide, first with the World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE) hosting its first tournament in London, England in 2007. Then World Series of Poker Africa (WSOPA) formed hosting its inaugural event in Gauteng, South Africa in 2012 and finally in 2013 with the introduction of the World Series of Poker Asia-Pacific at the Australian casino Crown Melbourne the World Series of Poker has truly reached all corner of the Earth.
When the WSOP comes to Las Vegas all eyes turn their attention not only to the WSOP Main Event but also to other tournaments taking place in various casinos around the Las Vegas Valley. With many casinos holding daily tournaments, the Las Vegas local and tourist alike doesn’t have to go very far to find a poker tournament for every budget level. Not only will hotels post their daily tournaments but there are whole websites dedicated to bringing up to date information about Texas Hold’em Tournaments to their subscribers.
The Colossus and the Main Event are not the only events at the WSOP. There are many of other events in mid-June leading up to the Main Event. A list of all the events can be found on the WSOP’s Official Website.
Here at Spinettis we have many items and souvenirs from the WSOP. Everything from bobble head figurines of past winners, playing cards, custom chips, WSOP Card Guards and more.