Poker has quickly become one of the world’s most beloved table games in casinos worldwide. Millions are drawn to its addictive appeal; many play it regularly or watch it on television.
Tournament games offer players from around the globe unparalleled excitement and eye-popping prize pools. Below are 10 renowned poker tournaments which have made an impressionful mark in history.
- World Series of Poker (WSOP)
The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is one of the oldest and most renowned tournaments worldwide, having first started back in 1970 in Las Vegas. The main event of WSOP stands as its crowning achievement; winning it will grant you title as “World Champion of Poker.”
The Big One draws players from around the globe who relish high stakes gambling with massive prizes, like moths to a flame.
- European Poker Tour (EPT)
EPT tournaments are known for their high stakes and incredible prizes, drawing both professional players as well as ambitious amateurs from around the globe. Their structured events provide ample opportunity for skill to shine.
Steve O’Dwyer stands as an example, his aggressive yet calculated play leading to wins that defy logic. Victoria Coren Mitchell also stands out; having won two EPT titles, she proves she should be taken seriously as an opponent.
- Aussie Millions
Since 1998, The Aussie Millions has been one of the premier tournament poker events. It boasts one of the highest prize pools in Southern Hemisphere poker tournament history – making this event highly sought-after by players worldwide.
In 2008, this event set an impressive benchmark with an AU$250,000 buy-in high roller event, where Erik Seidel took first place to earn himself an incredible AU$1.5 million payout!
At the Aussie Millions, many notable players have won its main event including Gus Hansen, Alexander Kostritsyn and Patrik Antonius.
- Super High Roller Bowl (SHRB)
Isaac Haxton took home this event for $2,760,000. His win joined that of Justin Bonomo and Timothy Adams as multiple SHRB tournament winners.
Haxton remains one of the top contenders to take home this year’s title as well. Recently he won Poker Masters and went on to claim Purple Jacket status at 2021 Super High Roller Bowl Europe.
Michael Addamo also stands a good chance at taking down the tournament, having lead a field of 21 entries in its main event.
- Triton Super High Roller
Triton Super High Roller tournament series showcases world-class poker talent and legendary hands, providing an opportunity for some of the game’s top players to showcase their expertise. Through various events that showcase exceptional poker strategy, this tournament series has become an opportunity to test these elite competitors against one another.
Koon won both of 2023’s $60,000 6-Max and Short Deck main events for an astounding combined payout of more than $2.3 Million and moved into first place for Player of the Year race.
- The Big One for One Drop
The Big One for One Drop tournament is a charitable tournament founded by Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte to raise money for their clean water initiatives. Six percent from each buy-in goes directly to this worthy cause.
Its signature event – with a $1 Million Buy-in and its stars like Antonio Esfandiari and Sam Trickett as winners – has created iconic poker moments.
- World Poker Tour (WPT)
The WPT is one of the world’s most famous poker tournaments and has played an essential part in popularizing poker worldwide. Consisting of international tournaments with substantial prize pools, it is one of the world’s premier events in its field.
WPT events take place all around the globe and players can qualify by going into local casinos or signing up with ClubWPT online to enter them. For an opportunity at WPT’s biggest tournament – with its $10,000 buy-in – register through their local casino or ClubWPT. The main event features the main prize.
- European Poker Tour (EPT)
If you want high-stakes drama and unrivalled skill, look no further than the European Poker Tour (EPT). Since 2004, its humble beginnings, this tournament series has grown into an enormous tournament that draws players from around the globe.
Champions of EPT events can enjoy lavish lives thanks to eye-watering prize pools. Victoria Coren Mitchell made history when she became the first two-time EPT Main Event victor.
- World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event
The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is one of the world’s premier poker tournaments, renowned for its massive prize pool and prestige associated with winning it.
Since 1970, when it began operations, the World Series of Poker has come a long way. Johnny Moss became its inaugural main event champion before being followed by Stu Ungar and Doyle Brunson.
- Triton Super High Roller
With $2.2 million on the line, this final table could become one of the biggest in poker history. Most participants at this table are looking to set a new tournament high score and get huge paydays.
At London’s Triton Super High Roller Series stop, an impressive roster of poker superstars competed for massive prize pools. Jason Koon emerged triumphant as main event victor to make strides toward earning Ivan Leow Player of the Year honors.