The Top 10 Biggest Main Event Winnings Of All Time

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event is undoubtedly the most prestigious and coveted tournament in the world of poker. Held annually in Las Vegas, the Main Event attracts thousands of players from around the globe, all vying for the ultimate prize – the WSOP Main Event championship title and the life-changing sums of money that come with it.

Winning the WSOP Main Event is a true testament to a player’s skill, strategy, and mental fortitude. The tournament is a grueling test of endurance, where players must navigate through hundreds, if not thousands, of opponents to emerge victorious. The sheer scale and intensity of the Main Event make it a true highlight of the poker calendar, with the winners etching their names in the annals of the game’s history.

The sums of money awarded to the Main Event champions are truly staggering, often reaching into the millions of dollars. These winnings have the power to transform the lives of the victors, providing them with the financial freedom to pursue their dreams, invest in new ventures, or simply enjoy a life of luxury. The allure of these massive payouts has drawn countless players to the WSOP, fueling the growth and popularity of the game worldwide.

The biggest poker Main Event winnings in history

#10: Jonathan Duhamel’s remarkable win

In 2010, Jonathan Duhamel, a young poker pro from Canada, etched his name in the history books by winning the WSOP Main Event. Duhamel, who was just 23 years old at the time, navigated through a field of 7,319 players to claim the coveted title and the accompanying $8.94 million prize.

Duhamel’s victory was a remarkable feat, showcasing his exceptional skills and strategic prowess. The Canadian player had been grinding the tournament circuit for several years, honing his craft and building a reputation as a force to be reckoned with. His triumph at the 2010 WSOP Main Event catapulted him into the spotlight, solidifying his status as one of the rising stars in the poker world.

What made Duhamel’s victory even more impressive was the sheer scale of the field he had to overcome. The 2010 WSOP Main Event set a new record for the largest live poker tournament in history, with players from over 100 different countries competing for the grand prize. Duhamel’s ability to navigate through such a massive field and emerge victorious is a testament to his exceptional skills and mental fortitude.

#9: Antonio Esfandiari’s impressive victory

In 2012, the poker world was captivated by the story of Antonio Esfandiari, a former professional magician who had transitioned into the world of high-stakes poker. Esfandiari’s victory at the WSOP Big One for One Drop event, a $1 million buy-in tournament, was nothing short of extraordinary.

Esfandiari’s win at the Big One for One Drop event was not just a triumph for him, but a historic moment in the annals of poker. The tournament, which was designed to raise funds for the One Drop Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to providing access to clean water, attracted a field of 48 players, each putting up a staggering $1 million buy-in. Esfandiari’s ability to navigate through this elite field and emerge victorious was a true testament to his skill and adaptability as a poker player.

The $18.3 million prize that Esfandiari took home from the Big One for One Drop event remains the largest single tournament prize in poker history. This life-changing sum of money not only cemented Esfandiari’s legacy as one of the greatest poker players of all time but also highlighted the immense wealth and prestige associated with the highest levels of the game.

#8: Jamie Gold’s astounding triumph

The 2006 WSOP Main Event was a watershed moment in poker history, and Jamie Gold’s victory remains one of the most remarkable and controversial wins in the tournament’s annals. Gold, a television producer and amateur poker player, navigated through a field of 8,773 players to claim the coveted Main Event title and the accompanying $12 million prize.

Gold’s victory was a true underdog story, as he was largely unknown in the poker community prior to the tournament. However, his exceptional ability to read his opponents and make strategic decisions under pressure quickly earned him the respect of his peers and the admiration of poker fans worldwide.

The controversy surrounding Gold’s victory stemmed from allegations that he had made a deal with another player, which some believed gave him an unfair advantage. Nonetheless, Gold’s triumph remains one of the largest single-event payouts in poker history, and his story has become a testament to the power of perseverance and the unpredictable nature of the game.

#7: Greg Merson’s memorable win

In 2012, Greg Merson, a young poker player from Maryland, captured the hearts of the poker community with his victory at the WSOP Main Event. Merson, who was just 24 years old at the time, navigated through a field of 6,598 players to claim the coveted title and the accompanying $8.53 million prize.

Merson’s victory was particularly remarkable because it came on the heels of a personal struggle with substance abuse. Prior to his triumph at the WSOP Main Event, Merson had faced numerous challenges in his life, including a battle with addiction. However, his determination and resilience shone through, and his victory at the Main Event was seen as a triumph not just for him, but for anyone who has faced similar challenges in their lives.

Merson’s victory was a testament to the power of perseverance and the transformative nature of the WSOP Main Event. The life-changing sum of money he won not only provided him with financial security but also the opportunity to pursue his passions and give back to the community. Merson’s story has become an inspiration to poker players and fans alike, showcasing the game’s ability to change lives and provide a platform for personal growth.

#6: Joe Hachem’s historic accomplishment

The 2005 WSOP Main Event was a landmark moment in poker history, and Joe Hachem’s victory remains one of the most celebrated wins in the tournament’s annals. Hachem, a professional poker player from Australia, navigated through a field of 5,619 players to claim the coveted title and the accompanying $7.5 million prize.

Hachem’s victory was particularly significant because it marked the first time that a player from outside of the United States had won the WSOP Main Event. This achievement not only cemented Hachem’s status as a poker legend but also helped to expand the game’s global reach and appeal.

Hachem’s triumph at the 2005 WSOP Main Event was a true testament to his skill, strategic prowess, and mental fortitude. The Australian player had been grinding the tournament circuit for several years, honing his craft and building a reputation as one of the game’s elite players. His victory at the Main Event solidified his place among the poker elite and inspired a new generation of players from around the world to pursue their dreams of WSOP glory.

#5: Martin Jacobson’s extraordinary triumph

In 2014, the poker world was captivated by the story of Martin Jacobson, a Swedish professional poker player who emerged victorious at the WSOP Main Event. Jacobson, who had been grinding the tournament circuit for over a decade, navigated through a field of 6,683 players to claim the coveted title and the accompanying $10 million prize.

Jacobson’s victory was particularly remarkable because it came at a time when the poker landscape was undergoing significant changes. The rise of online poker and the increased accessibility of the game had led to a surge in the number of players competing at the highest levels of the game. Jacobson’s ability to navigate through this highly competitive field and emerge victorious was a true testament to his exceptional skills and strategic prowess.

Jacobson’s triumph at the 2014 WSOP Main Event was not just a personal victory, but a triumph for the global poker community. The Swede’s victory helped to cement the game’s status as a truly international endeavor, with players from all corners of the world competing for the ultimate prize. Jacobson’s story has become an inspiration to aspiring poker players around the globe, showcasing the game’s ability to provide life-changing opportunities for those who possess the skill and determination to succeed.

#4: Chris Moneymaker’s remarkable feat

The 2003 WSOP Main Event will forever be remembered as a pivotal moment in the history of poker, and Chris Moneymaker’s victory remains one of the most iconic and influential wins in the tournament’s annals. Moneymaker, a relatively unknown amateur player from Tennessee, navigated through a field of 839 players to claim the coveted title and the accompanying $2.5 million prize.

Moneymaker’s victory was particularly remarkable because it marked the first time that an amateur player had won the WSOP Main Event. Prior to his triumph, the WSOP had been dominated by professional players, and the idea of an unknown player emerging victorious seemed almost impossible. However, Moneymaker’s ability to outmaneuver and outplay his opponents captivated the poker community and sparked a surge of interest in the game.

The impact of Moneymaker’s victory cannot be overstated. His triumph helped to fuel the “poker boom” of the early 2000s, leading to a massive influx of new players and a significant increase in the game’s popularity worldwide. Moneymaker’s story has become a testament to the power of dreams and the transformative nature of the WSOP Main Event, inspiring countless players to pursue their own poker aspirations.

#3: Qui Nguyen’s incredible victory

In 2016, the poker world was captivated by the story of Qui Nguyen, a Vietnamese-American professional poker player who emerged victorious at the WSOP Main Event. Nguyen, who had been grinding the tournament circuit for several years, navigated through a field of 6,737 players to claim the coveted title and the accompanying $8 million prize.

Nguyen’s victory was particularly remarkable because it came at a time when the poker landscape was undergoing significant changes. The rise of online poker and the increased accessibility of the game had led to a surge in the number of players competing at the highest levels of the game. Nguyen’s ability to navigate through this highly competitive field and emerge victorious was a true testament to his exceptional skills and strategic prowess.

What made Nguyen’s triumph even more impressive was the way he played the game. Rather than relying on traditional poker strategies, Nguyen adopted a more unorthodox and aggressive approach, often making bold plays that surprised and confounded his opponents. His willingness to take risks and his ability to read the table quickly earned him the respect of his peers and the admiration of poker fans worldwide.

#2: Johnny Chan’s unforgettable win

The 1987 WSOP Main Event was a watershed moment in poker history, and Johnny Chan’s victory remains one of the most iconic and influential wins in the tournament’s annals. Chan, a professional poker player from Hong Kong, navigated through a field of 152 players to claim the coveted title and the accompanying $625,000 prize.

Chan’s victory was particularly remarkable because it marked the beginning of a new era in poker. Prior to his triumph, the game had been dominated by a small group of professional players, and the idea of a non-American player emerging victorious seemed almost impossible. However, Chan’s ability to outmaneuver and outplay his opponents captivated the poker community and helped to expand the game’s global reach and appeal.

What made Chan’s victory even more impressive was the way he played the game. Rather than relying on traditional poker strategies, Chan adopted a more aggressive and intuitive approach, often making bold plays that surprised and confounded his opponents. His willingness to take risks and his ability to read the table quickly earned him the respect of his peers and the admiration of poker fans worldwide.

#1: Bryn Kenney’s record-breaking achievement

In 2019, the poker world was left in awe as Bryn Kenney, a professional poker player from the United States, set a new record for the largest single-event poker payout in history. Kenney emerged victorious at the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series in Jeju, South Korea, taking home an astounding $20.5 million prize.

Kenney’s triumph was a true testament to his exceptional skills and strategic prowess. The American player had been grinding the tournament circuit for over a decade, honing his craft and building a reputation as one of the game’s elite players. His victory at the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series cemented his status as one of the greatest poker players of all time, and the sheer scale of his winnings has left an indelible mark on the game.

What made Kenney’s achievement even more remarkable was the fact that it was not just a single tournament win, but rather the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Kenney’s ability to consistently perform at the highest levels of the game, even in the face of fierce competition, is a true testament to his skill and mental fortitude. His story has become an inspiration to aspiring poker players around the world, showcasing the game’s ability to provide life-changing opportunities for those who possess the talent and determination to succeed.