Big One for One Drop

What is the Big One for One Drop?

A $1,000,000 buy-in WSOP super high roller tournament benefiting the One Drop Foundation, a clean-water charity founded by Cirque du Soleil's Guy Laliberté. From each $1M entry, $111,111 is donated directly to One Drop. First held in 2012, the event has produced the three largest first-place prizes in poker history. Across its editions it has raised approximately $25M+ for global water access projects.

Who has won the Big One for One Drop?

Four editions to date: 2012 — Antonio Esfandiari defeated Sam Trickett heads-up for $18,346,673 (still one of the largest single tournament prizes ever). 2014 — Daniel Colman won $15,306,668; the win became controversial because Colman refused post-game interviews to protest poker's promotion. 2018 — Justin Bonomo defeated Fedor Holz for $10,000,000, propelling Bonomo to the all-time money lead. 2024 — the event returned at WSOP with a smaller field; Joao Vieira captured the title.

How much does the One Drop Foundation actually receive?

$111,111 from each $1M buy-in is donated directly to One Drop — roughly 11.1% of every entry. With historical fields of 42-56 players, each edition has generated $4M–$6M+ in charitable donations. Across the 2012, 2014, 2018, and 2024 editions, total contributions to One Drop are estimated above $25M. Funds support clean-water and sanitation projects across Latin America, Africa, and India.

Who plays in a $1 million buy-in event?

A mix of elite tournament pros and wealthy amateurs (businessmen who can absorb the entry). Pros: Phil Hellmuth, Phil Ivey, Daniel Negreanu, Tom Dwan, Justin Bonomo, Fedor Holz, Antonio Esfandiari. Amateurs: Guy Laliberté himself, real-estate billionaire Phil Ruffin (who bought 7% of Daniel Negreanu's 2012 action), various hedge-fund and casino executives. Fields stay small (42-56 players) because of the buy-in scale.

Where can I watch the Big One for One Drop?

PokerGO streams the event. The 2012 edition aired on ESPN as part of WSOP coverage. Final tables are typically broadcast with hole-card cameras and full commentary. Notable moments include Esfandiari's heads-up victory over Sam Trickett (2012) and Bonomo's win over Fedor Holz (2018). Archived episodes remain available on PokerGO's subscription platform.