When you think of legendary moments in the realm of poker, it's hard to overlook the significance of the World Series of Poker (WSOP). This event has seen everything from championship bracelets and remarkable comebacks to the broad reach of ESPN coverage and online qualifiers. The WSOP truly embodies the essence of poker.
As we observe the milestone of the 50th iteration of the WSOP, it's a perfect time for many to take a moment and reflect. Various media outlets are sharing their insights on the greatest players throughout history, while the WSOP itself has introduced the 'First Fifty Honours' to celebrate those pioneers who have significantly influenced the game, dating back to its inception in 1970.
Included in these prestigious categories are accolades for the Best Overall WSOP Performance, Fan Favourite Player, WSOP's Favourite Bad Boy, and Most Memorable WSOP TV Hand. To highlight the extensive legacy of the WSOP, we’ve decided to spotlight eight of the most remarkable moments from its storied past.
Here they are in no particular order.
WSOP History Best Moments
1. Johnny Chan, the Master
The heads-up match during the 1988 WSOP Main Event has become a legendary tale in poker history, especially after its inclusion in the 1998 movie Rounders, featuring stars like Matt Damon and Edward Norton. You might remember the scene where Damon’s character, Mike McDermott, observes the intense showdown between Johnny Chan and Erik Seidel.
Chan was aiming for a second consecutive title after clinching it the previous year, while Seidel, a rising star and future member of the Poker Hall of Fame, was determined to thwart Chan's plans.
During the climactic final hand, Chan found himself with a queen-high straight while Seidel held a top pair. Intense betting took place until they reached the river, which left the board unchanged.
The commentator posed the question, “Will Erik Seidel fall for the bluff?” and dramatically revealed, “Yes, he’s going all-in, and Chan's got him. Johnny Chan is a master of the game.”
Two decades later, this iconic WSOP moment captured the imagination of audiences once again through what many enthusiasts consider the ultimate poker film.
2. Phil Hellmuth Denies Johnny Chan
Just a year later, Chan returned to the final table, aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive victory at the WSOP Main Event. However, the challenge came from the up-and-coming player known as the 'Poker Brat' from Madison, Wisconsin—Phil Hellmuth Jr.
In the decisive hand, Chan went all-in with A♠7♠, only to face Hellmuth’s 9♠9♣. Although Chan had some potential draws after the flop of K♣K♦10♥, the turn and river failed to help him, leading to his defeat and an extraordinary title for Hellmuth. counterfeit The commentator exclaimed, “And there it is! Hellmuth wins the championship!” adding that not only did Hellmuth earn the prize money and gold bracelet, but he also had the satisfaction of besting one of poker's all-time greats, Johnny Chan.
The Bluff of the Century – Chris Moneymaker vs. Sammy Farha
It's undeniable that when this hand was broadcast on ESPN, it ignited a passion for poker in millions of viewers. Chris Moneymaker, an accountant from Tennessee, demonstrated that amateurs could not only compete against professionals but could triumph over them.
The dramatic hand unfolded on a flop of 9♠2♦6♠, where Farha held Q♠9♥ for top pair and Moneymaker had K♠7♥, which wasn’t looking promising. Both players opted to check, and when the turn brought the 8♠, Farha made a substantial bet of 300,000, while Moneymaker, with a stronger flush draw, raised to 500,000.
Farha quickly called, and the river's 3♥ completed the board. After Farha's check, Moneymaker announced, “All-in.”
In response, Farha remarked, “Did you miss your flush?” but Moneymaker remained stoic.
Farha spent considerable time deliberating, trying to gauge Moneymaker's reaction. Ultimately, he folded, allowing Moneymaker to exhale with relief.
The commentator, Norman Chad, remarked, “That’s the bluff of the century.” Moneymaker's victory against Farha not only altered the trajectory of poker but also solidified his place in its annals.
What stands out in this story is not a single moment but rather the exceptional performance of Martin Jacobson at the final table. The Swedish player entered the November Nine ranked eighth in chips and was on the verge of elimination for a significant portion of the tournament.
4. Martin Jacobson Wins 2014 WSOP
Finally, during Hand #145, Jacobson managed to double up his eight-big-blind stack, and over the next 40 hands, he gradually ascended the rankings. He eliminated Will Tonking in fourth place to conclude Day 8 and returned on Day 9, quickly overtaking the chip lead from Jorryt van Hoof in just 22 hands.
Jacobson, now an ambassador for 888poker, ultimately claimed victory and a staggering prize of $10 million, etching his name into poker history as one of the best ever.
This performance remains one of the highlights in the history of the WSOP Main Event.
"If you call, it’s gonna be all over baby!\"
5. Scotty Nguyen, Baby
Those words were famously spoken by Scotty Nguyen to Kevin McBride just before securing his victory in the 1998 WSOP Main Event. In the critical final hand, both players faced a flop of 9♥9♦8♣, with Nguyen initially checking. McBride, who had raised before the flop, bet 100,000, prompting Nguyen to ask how much was left.
Nguyen merely called, and when the turn revealed the 8♥, the board was double-paired. Nguyen checked again, and after another bet from McBride, he decided to go all-in. Standing up, Nguyen proclaimed his now-iconic line.
Inspired by Nguyen's bravado, McBride called, revealing he was playing the board with Q♥10♥. To his surprise, Nguyen turned over J♦9♣ for a powerful full house with nines over eights.
In a follow-up interview post-elimination, McBride confessed that his decision to call was directly influenced by Nguyen’s vocal confidence. Had it not been for Nguyen's charm, poker history might have unfolded quite differently.
Fortunately for McBride, he turned a $420 satellite entry fee into a handsome reward of $687,500.
The standout star of the 2017 WSOP Main Event was undoubtedly fourth-place finisher John Hesp, who walked away with an impressive $2.6 million. Prior to his deep run, Hesp was simply a well-spoken gentleman from the UK, selling caravans in Yorkshire and playing poker once a month at his local casino.
6. John Hesp Lights Up the Poker World
Thanks to his unique style and infectious spirit, he became one of the most cherished players in poker, with whispers of a film being made about his fascinating life.
Hesp looked poised for victory in the 2017 WSOP Main Event, but an unfortunate cooler against eventual champion Scott Blumstein brought his run to an end.
The 2005 WSOP Main Event took place amidst the so-called 'Poker Boom,' instantly launching several players into superstardom, including Andy Black, Tex Barch, and Mike Matusow, among others.
7. Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!!!
Ultimately, the title contention came down to Australia’s Joe Hachem and the charismatic Steve Dannenmann. Their final-hand face-off turned into one of the most celebrated moments in poker lore. With blinds set at 150,000/300,000, Dannenmann, holding A♦3♣, raised to 700,000. Despite holding 7♣3♠, Hachem defended his hand to see the 4♦5♦6♥ flop, which miraculously gave him a straight.
The exchange continued as Hachem checked, Dannenmann placed another bet of 700,000, and Hachem executed an impressive check-raise to 1.7 million. Dannenmann made the call, only to see the A♠ turn matching part of his hand. Hachem then bet 2 million, and Dannenmann responded with a 3 million raise, prompting Hachem to go all-in. Dannenmann called, hoping for a split pot with a seven, but lady luck was not on his side, as the river showed a 4♣.
In 1997, Stu Ungar cemented his legacy by becoming the first player in history to win the WSOP Main Event three times (Johnny Moss did so thrice, but the initial win was decided by a player vote). This remarkable comeback followed his prior consecutive victories in 1980 and 1981. Tragically, Ungar would pass away just over a year later.
Pass the sugar!
8. Stu Ungar Wins One Last Time
Sporting a pair of distinct circular holographic glasses, Ungar faced off against John Strzemp in a heads-up battle. A noteworthy aspect of this showdown was that Binion’s Horseshoe decided to stage that year’s final table in the sweltering heat of Fremont Street.
Ungar displayed immense skill throughout the final table but indeed required a stroke of luck in the crucial final hand to secure his $1,000,000 prize.
Chad Holloway is a proud recipient of a WSOP Bracelet, having won it in 2013. He has previously contributed to PokerNews as a managing editor and live event reporter.