Poker is one of the most popular games around the world. For some, it’s a great way to relax, for others it’s an adrenaline rush, and for others it’s a good way to make money. Often, newcomers enter the game with only one motivation in mind: to get rich.
It is worth noting, however, that it takes desire, hard work and a large financial investment to become a professional poker player with the opportunity to participate in major tournaments. While beginners put money first, for professionals poker is a way of life.
The World Series of Poker is the world championship of poker. Because there are so many participants, the prize pool is quite substantial. It is worth noting that there are also events for high rollers and these events can fetch up to $1 million.
Prize winner: Peter Eastgate
Tournament: WSOP Main Event
Year: 2008
The prize is $9152416.
Peter has had a passion for poker since he was a teenager but had no intention of making it a part of his life. He didn’t have the money to play in tournaments and then try to raise money for a major poker tournament. Winning a Ladbrokes promotional tournament helped him earn the $100,000 he needed to buy in, fly and stay.
He was exhausted after two days of play, so he could not rejoice at his victory.
Winner: Martin Jacobson
Tournament: WSOP Main Event
Year: 2014
The prize is $10000,000.
Martin has always dreamed of being a chef but is also a poker player. The Swede has been able to earn over $14 million since 2008. He’s made his dream come true and trained as a chef but has never stopped playing poker.
Winner: Jamie Gold
Tournament: WSOP Main Event
Year: 2006
Prize: $12000000
The 2006 event had the biggest prize pool ever – over $82.5 million – and also the biggest number of entrants – 8,773. This is why the win seems truly incredible. Jamie had some serious problems with his sponsors. The case went to court, but according to rumours, a settlement was signed and Gold had to give up some of the funds.
Winner: Daniel Coleman.
Tournament: The Big One for One Drop WSOP
Year: 2014
Prize of $15306668.
Colman competed for three days against Daniel Negreanu, who eventually lost. Colman went on to win the top prize. Winning didn’t make him happy, and in an interview with a magazine he said that poker was a ruthless game.
Prize winner: Antonio Esfandiari
Tournament: The Big One for One Drop WSOP
Year: 2012
Prize $18346873
Antonio Esfandiari claimed a record win in the WSOP Big One for One Drop on July 3, 2012. Before he became seriously interested in poker, he used to do magic tricks for a living and was known as the Magician. He was not taken seriously at the tournament and was expected to be eliminated at the start, but fate had plans for him. Whether it was magic or luck that helped him, we cannot say, but Antonio won the top prize in The Big One for One Drop WSOP event.