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The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is one of the most famous poker tournaments in the entire world. Winning a WSOP bracelet is the most exciting achievement that can happen to a poker player – it creates both professional poker players, and makes celebrities out of these players. Each year, the tournament grows in size and popularity.
Buthow did it become so famous and prestigious?
It all started in 1949 when Nicholas "Nick the Greek" Dandalos approached Benny Binion with an offer he couldn’t refuse: he wanted to organize a high-stakes poker marathon. The marathon would be available to the public for viewing, and the duration would last for days, or months if necessary.
 Binion set up the game between Johnny Moss and Dandalos – a marathon that would last for five months and only break for sleep and meals. The two men played their hearts out – and they played every form of poker they knew how. However, Moss eventually won the game and brought home approximately $2 million.
It was then, that the famous Greek quote was uttered: "Mr. Moss, I have to let you go."
Binion saw that each day the poker marathon went on, crowds grew – people were actually interested in watching "The Greek" and Moss compete in the game. It was this poker marathon that was the inspiration behind the World Series of Poker.
The first WSOP was held in 1970. The aim of the 1970 tournament was to decide who the best poker player in the world was – Binion gathered together as many highly skilled poker players that he could find, and held the tournament at Binion’s Horseshoe in Nevada. That year, the winner was decided by vote, however, the following year, the winner was determined by the same means as today’s WSOP: everyone will play until one player has won all the chips. Interestingly enough, Moss won again in 1971.
 In 1972, Thomas "Amarillo Slim" Preston took home the winning spot. This was also the year that interest in the WSOP began to increase. Amarillo Slim is credited by developing awareness of the tournament by making appearances on popular talk shows like Johnny Carson.
Another item that has led to an increase in the WSOP entries is the increase in the popularity of online poker and televised poker. Online satellites have made it easier for amateur players to win spots in the WSOP, while televised poker has inspired millions to learn the game of poker.
Watch for the 2006 WSOP main event starting July 28th. | 
