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It is so often that you hear about the big names in WSOP winning history such as Doyle Brunson, Phil Helmuth, and Johnny Chan. But there are many others who did what everyone thought was impossible. They are bracelet winners at the Main Event at the WSOP. In the game of poker this is one of the biggest accomplishments you can achieve, especially with the large amount of entrants. Taking you back through history, here are some of the most important and interesting wins in WSOP Main Event History.
1970, 1971, 1974 - Johnny Moss: As the first ever winner of the WSOP main event, Johnny actually won by a vote rather than technically winning it. Since it was a cash game only, the players had to vote a winner. The second year though, Johnny Moss made his reputation known by winning in a tournament style game that is the basis of today's game.
1976, 1977 - Doyle Brunson: Winning back to back titles is only one thing that has made Doyle Brunson arguably the best player in poker history. When "Texas Dolly" turned over 10-2, this hand has since become known as the Doyle Brunson hand in poker.
1980, 1981, 1997 - Stu Ungar: Also winning back to back titles, Stu Ungar had the chance to beat the great Doyle Brunson at his own game with a 5-high straight after Doyle flopped two pairs. The second win was decided less dramatic but nonetheless gave him a coveted title and bracelet.
1982 - Jack Straus: Without a doubt, this one was one of the most dramatic wins of all the main event history. Straus moved all-in against an opponent who had more chips then he had. As he was walking away from the table he noticed that he failed to put his last $500 chip in and since he hadn't technically called "all-in" he was allowed to keep playing and eventually made it back to win the bracelet and $520,000.
1987, 1988 - Johnny Chan: Known for the famous scene in "Rounders" Johnny was seen beating Eric Seidel when he flopped a queen high straight. In two years he got almost $1.3 million dollars in prize money and a great deal of fame.
1995 - Dan Harrington: Known as a true gentleman on the poker table, Dan Harrington flopped the top pair in his hand in the main event. Because of his impeccable playing style, his opponent fell for his slow play and moved all in with only Ace high. Harrington called without any hesitation which brought him to a cool million dollars.
1998 - Scotty Nguyen: Known as the trash talker of the table, Scotty Nguyen practically baited his opponent to call him telling him that he would win if he did. Scotty didn't lie and when his opponent decided to play the full house on the board, Scotty turned over a 9 to show a higher full house giving him his first main event title.
2003 - Chris Moneymaker: True to his name, Chris Moneymaker is probably the most famous WSOP main event winners of them all. After qualifying on a $40.00 online satellite, he went on to win his first bracelet and a total of $2.5 million dollars when he made a full house on the river.
2008 - Player To Be Determined: In the first time ever, the WSOP main event was not played when the 9 players got to the final table. Instead, it will be played months after the event took place so that it can be played on television without media finding out the winner months before it actually airs. It is quite a change for the WSOP and one that is controversial but interesting to say the least.
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