WSOP Main Event Guide
Last updated: May 23, 2026
The WSOP Main Event is poker's most prestigious tournament — a $10,000 buy-in no-limit Texas Hold'em championship held each summer in Las Vegas since 1970. Winner receives a WSOP bracelet plus the title 'World Champion of Poker.' Founded by Benny Binion at Binion's Horseshoe; now hosted at Paris Las Vegas and Horseshoe Las Vegas after relocating from the Rio in 2022. The 2023 event drew a record 10,043 entries paying $12.1M to first place; 2024 winner Jonathan Tamayo earned $10M. Three-time winner Stu Ungar (1980, 1981, 1997) holds the most Main Event titles in the modern era.
Definitions
WSOP Main Event Champions — Recent & Historic
2024: Jonathan Tamayo — $10M (10,112 entries) · 2023: Daniel Weinman — $12.1M (10,043 — record field)
2022: Espen Jorstad — $10M (8,663) · 2021: Koray Aldemir — $8M (6,650)
2020: Damian Salas — $1.55M (online, COVID) · 2019: Hossein Ensan — $10M (8,569)
2018: John Cynn — $8.8M (7,874) · 2017: Scott Blumstein — $8.15M (7,221)
2006: Jamie Gold — $12M (8,773 — pre-UIGEA record)
2003: Chris Moneymaker — $2.5M (online qualifier — launched poker boom)
1989: Phil Hellmuth — youngest winner at 24 (record stood 20 years)
1987, 1988: Johnny Chan — back-to-back
1980, 1981, 1997: Stu Ungar — only 3-time modern winner
1976, 1977: Doyle Brunson — back-to-back, both with 10-2
1970: Johnny Moss (by vote) — first Main Event ever
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the WSOP Main Event?
The WSOP Main Event is the World Series of Poker's flagship tournament — a $10,000 buy-in no-limit Texas Hold'em championship held each summer in Las Vegas. Started in 1970 by Benny Binion at Binion's Horseshoe. The winner receives a WSOP bracelet and the title 'World Champion of Poker.' Since 2022, hosted at Paris Las Vegas and Horseshoe Las Vegas after moving from the Rio. The 2023 event had a record 10,043 entries with first place paying $12.1 million.
How much does it cost to enter the WSOP Main Event?
Buy-in is $10,000 — set in 1972 and unchanged ever since. Late registration runs through the start of Day 2. Players can satellite in for less (satellites start at ~$300). The 2024 field drew over 10,000 entries, generating a prize pool above $90 million. First place typically receives $7M–$15M depending on field size.
Who won the most recent WSOP Main Event?
Jonathan Tamayo won the 2024 WSOP Main Event for $10 million. Recent winners: 2023 Daniel Weinman ($12.1M, record 10,043 entries), 2022 Espen Jorstad ($10M), 2021 Koray Aldemir ($8M), 2019 Hossein Ensan ($10M). The 2020 event was held online due to COVID; 2024 returned to the standard summer schedule at Horseshoe Las Vegas.
How long does the WSOP Main Event last?
Roughly 10–14 days of play. Multiple Day 1 flights (typically 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D) feed into a combined Day 2. Levels run 2 hours each. From 2008 to 2016 the final table was delayed until November ('November Nine') for ESPN broadcasting; since 2017 the event plays to completion in summer. Final table now reached around day 8 or 9.
Has any player won the WSOP Main Event multiple times?
Three players have won twice: Johnny Moss (1971, 1974 — plus a 1970 vote-based win), Doyle Brunson (1976, 1977 — both with 10-2), Stu Ungar (1980, 1981, 1997 — the only three-time winner), Johnny Chan (1987, 1988). No player has won three Main Events in the modern era except Ungar. Phil Hellmuth (1989) holds the record for total WSOP bracelets at 17, but only one Main Event title.
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