Poker has evolved from a casual pastime into a highly competitive sport, attracting players from all over the world.
Among the various formats and games, winning poker tournaments stands out as the pinnacle of achievement for many players. Who, after all, can ignore a seven-figure score, even from an unknown player.
These events not only test skill and strategy but also offer substantial prize pools and the chance for players to etch their names in poker history. In this article, we will explore the top five most prestigious poker tournaments that every serious player aspires to participate in.
The World Series of Poker – WSOP
History and Significance
The World Series of Poker is arguably the most recognised name in the poker world. Established in 1970, it has grown from a small gathering of top players to a global phenomenon.
The WSOP is held annually in Las Vegas, typically from May through July, attracting thousands of players from all over the globe.
The significance of the WSOP extends beyond its size. Winning the Main Event has long been one of the ultimate achievements in poker.
Winning a WSOP bracelet is also considered one of the highest honours in the game.
Format and Events
The WSOP features a wide variety of events, catering to a wide range of skill levels and bankrolls.
The most prestigious of these is the Main Event, which traditionally has a buy-in of $10,000. This event draws thousands of participants, creating one of the largest prize pools in poker.
In addition to the Main Event, the WSOP includes numerous other tournaments with different formats alongside the ever-present no-limit hold’em, pot-limit Omaha.
Classics such as seven-card stud and even limit hold’em are well-supported and also appear in mixed games tournaments.
Each event offers its own unique challenges and attracts specialists in those specific formats.
Notable Winners
Throughout its history, the WSOP has seen numerous legendary players claim victory.
Names like Doyle Brunson, Phil Hellmuth, Phil Ivey, and GGPoker ambassador Daniel Negreanu have become synonymous with success in this series.
Phil Hellmuth holds the record for the most bracelets won, with 17 to his name as of 2024, followed by Phil Ivey on 11 and the legendary Doyle Brunson with 10.
Winning multiple bracelets not only pays well but also elevates a player’s status within the poker community. It’s no coincidence that many of the greatest players of all time feature high up on this list.
Many winners have leveraged their success into lucrative sponsorship deals and careers as professional players or commentators.
In terms of the WSOP Main Event, there are only four players who have won the tournament more than once. Johnny Moss, Doyle Brunson, Johnny Chan, and Stu Ungar.
World Poker Tour (WPT) World Championship
Event Overview
The World Poker Tour (WPT) is another prestigious tournament series that has gained immense popularity since its inception in 2002.
The WPT World Championship is now the standout event and is held annually at Wynn Las Vegas, serving as the grand finale for the season’s events.
With a buy-in currently set at $10,400, this tournament attracts some of the best players from around the globe.
In its current format, the WPT World Championship returned in 2022 with a five-day run that saw 2,960 entries and Eliot Hudon coming out on top for a $4,136,000 payday.
On the back of that great event, in 2023 Daniel Sepiol took the title in a field of 3,835 entries and collected $5,282,954 for his efforts.
Poker Industry Impact
The WPT has played a significant role in shaping modern poker culture. Its televised events have introduced millions to the game, showcasing not just strategy but also the personalities behind each player.
This exposure has helped elevate poker from niche status to mainstream popularity through both the boom years and more recently.
The WPT now has its own online poker platform called WPT Global which caters to players of all experience levels and bankrolls.
Signing up for WPT Global through VIP-Grinders using the code VIPGRINDERS will get you a first-time deposit bonus of 100% up to the amount of $1,500.
You will also receive an extra $25 Global Spins tickets, and access to our exclusive promotions which run every month with thousands of dollars worth of added value.
You can also qualify for the WPT World Championship on the platform.
Exclusive VIP-Grinders promotions running for our WPT Global players:
Exclusive Tournament for WPT Las Vegas – win a $12,500 Main Event package
Triton Super High Roller Series
For those who thrive on high stakes and elite competition, the Triton Super High Roller Series represents the pinnacle of high-stakes poker tournaments.
Launched in 2016, Triton focuses on bringing the best poker tournament players in the world together to play for the highest stakes that are regularly found in the game.
The series takes place in luxurious locations around the world, including cities like London, Macau, and Jeju Island in South Korea.
Buy-ins usually start at $25,000 and go up to $200,000.
Triton events are known for their extravagant settings and high production values. Players enjoy not only intense competition but also an upscale experience that includes fine dining and lavish accommodations.
With much of the action captured on the official livestream, the Triton Super High Roller Series motivates players to work hard on their game more than any other.
GGMillion$
The GGMillion$ is rapidly establishing itself as one of the premier tournament series in recent years.
Hosted by GGPoker, it features an impressive lineup of events designed to attract both amateur and professional players alike.
In 2023 it was rebranded from the popular Super MILLION$ Week moniker and is going from strength to strength.
The series boasts various formats with substantial guarantees — most notably offering multi-million dollar guarantees for high roller events.
With buy-ins ranging from affordable levels to exorbitant amounts for elite competitions, GGMillion$ caters to a broad spectrum of players.
GGMillion$ stands out for its accessibility. Players can qualify through online satellites at lower buy-ins, giving them a chance at winning life-changing sums for little investment.
This typical approach from GGPoker allows aspiring players a chance to compete against elite talent without breaking their bankrolls entirely.
Additionally, GGPoker’s user-friendly platform enhances participation by providing various options for gameplay — whether through mobile or desktop applications—making it easier than ever for players to join these prestigious tournaments.
The GGMillion$ Week is currently running from October 20 to October 28 and there’s still time to jump in.
Signup at GGPoker with the code VIPGRINDERS and get a first-time deposit bonus of 100% up to the value of $600 or $50 Free Play.
Players can also earn up to 60% rakeback through the generous Fish Buffet program as well as getting access to our exclusive promotions if you sign up through us.
The Big One for One Drop
The Big One for One Drop is unique among prestigious poker tournaments due to its strong charitable component.
Launched in 2012 by Guy Laliberté — the founder of Cirque du Soleil — this tournament aims to raise funds for water-related charitable initiatives through the One Drop Foundation.
Each participant buys in for up to an astonishing $1 million, making it the most expensive tournament in the world.
The exclusivity surrounding The Big One for One Drop adds another layer of prestige — only a small number of players can afford such an entry fee, even if they get staked to some degree.
This ensures that each event features some of the best talent in poker today.
The prize money up for grabs from The Big One for One Drop are staggering. The inaugural event in 2012 paid out an eye-watering $18,346,673 to Antonio Esfandiari.
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