Top 5 Legends in The History of The WSOP Series

The WSOP Series has delivered unforgettable moments, dramatic comebacks, and legendary stories. From Doyle Brunson’s iconic victories to the rise of poker stars like Phil Hellmuth and Johnny Chan, each WSOP event has played a vital role in shaping poker into a global phenomenon. 

I’m going to share with you the WSOP series that not only shaped the history of poker but also earned the admiration of players around the world.

1. Doyle Brunson – The godfather of poker (1976-1977)

Doyle Brunson, also known as "Texas Dolly" or "The Godfather of Poker," is a living legend in the world of poker. Even at 83 years old and confined to a wheelchair, he remains one of the greatest poker players of all time. His victory is one of the most memorable in the WSOP Series. Before becoming a poker player, he dreamed of being a basketball player, but a knee injury changed everything. This loss led him to poker, where he went on to win 10 WSOP bracelets, becoming a major name in the poker world.

Brunson is also the author of the famous poker strategy book Super/System, which helped cement his position as one of the most influential figures in the poker community. In 1976, at the WSOP Main Event, Doyle beat Jesse Alto with an unlikely 10-2 hand by drawing two more 2s. Remarkably, he repeated this in 1977, winning again with 10-2 against Gary “Bones” Berland. This hand has since become known as “Doyle Brunson’s Hand,” a symbol of his legendary skill and luck.

2. Jack Straus and the story of "one chip and one seat" (1982)

Jack "Treetop" Straus, a seasoned poker player known for his bold style and impressive height of 6'6", made a name for himself not just with his skill at the tables but with his fearless approach to the game. In 1982, at the World Series of Poker (WSOP), Straus pulled off an unbelievable comeback that became legendary in poker history. His story is still remembered today through the famous phrase, "All you need is one chip and one seat, and you always have a chance."

After losing a big hand, Straus seemed to be out of the game. But as he stood up to leave, he noticed a single 500-chip under his napkin. This small chip gave him a fresh chance. Straus sat back down at the table and started from that single chip.

Using clever strategies and doubling his bets, Straus slowly climbed back into the game. By the next day, he had become the chip leader. In the final heads-up against Dewey Tomko, Straus triumphed with an A-10 hand, while Tomko had A-4, winning the top prize of $520,000.

Straus' story became a poker legend, and the phrase One chip and one seat serves as a reminder that as long as you have a chance, you can always turn the game around.

3. Johnny Chan: double trick and the iconic orange (1987-1988)

Johnny Chan, known as The Orient Express, became a poker legend by showing that the World Series of Poker (WSOP) was for players all over the world. In 1987, he made history as the first foreign player to win the WSOP, beating 152 players and earning $625,000. His win showed his skill and helped open the door for international players in the WSOP.

The next year, in 1988, Chan won again, beating Erik Seidel in a tough heads-up match. This made him the first player to win two WSOP titles in a row, which was a big achievement at the time.

In 1989, Jerry Buss, the owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, promised Chan an NBA ring if he won three WSOP titles in a row. Chan made it to the final but lost to Phil Hellmuth. Still, he remains the only player to win the WSOP two years in a row.

Chan’s famous habit of keeping an orange on his poker table to cover up cigarette smoke became an iconic part of his poker story.

4. Phil Hellmuth and the historic shock at the WSOP (1989)

In 1989, a memorable moment occurred at the WSOP Series when Phil Hellmuth, only 24 years old, defeated the legend Johnny Chan to win the Main Event. Chan, aiming to defend his third consecutive championship title, faced off against Hellmuth in a tense final.

With a pair of 9s in his hand, Hellmuth decided to go all-in, forcing Chan to make a tough decision. Despite being the experienced player, Chan only had A7 and couldn’t match Hellmuth’s large bet. Hellmuth became the youngest WSOP Series champion in history, shocking the poker world.

Before the tournament, Hellmuth confidently declared on his answering machine that he would be the champion. And he delivered, proving that not just skill, but also confidence and decisiveness, are keys to becoming a legend.

5. Barbara Enright: first woman to reach the WSOP final table (1995)

In 1995, Barbara Enright shattered records by becoming the first (and still only) woman to make it to the final table of the WSOP Main Event. In a poker scene largely dominated by men, her feat made history.

Barbara’s journey in poker started at the age of four, and her dedication only grew. She left her jobs as a hairdresser and cocktail waitress to pursue poker full-time, driven by passion and determination. By the time she reached the final table, she already held two WSOP bracelets. Her deep run in 1995 saw her facing off against top players like Dan Harrington and Chuck Thompson. Though her tournament ended in fifth place when her pair of 8s lost to Brent Carter’s 6-3 suited, her impact was undeniable.

Enright's bold playstyle earned her the title of "most dominant and aggressive woman in the tournament." She went on to become the first woman to win three WSOP bracelets and was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2007. Today, Barbara Enright stands as a true legend of poker, inspiring generations to come.

The Bottom Line

The 6 legends of the WSOP showcase the excitement and fierce competition of poker. From Annette Obrestadt’s teenage victory to Barbara Enright, each story highlights the importance of skill, determination, and a bit of luck. The WSOP Series is more than just prizes; it’s a place where anyone can make history and become a legend.