Poker, a game of strategy and skill, has also been known to change lives overnight. The lure of colossal winnings has driven many to the poker table. In this article, we explore the top 7 biggest poker wins that made headlines, and history.
The largest ever single payout in poker tournament history was won by Jamie Gold in 2006, at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event. Gold, a Hollywood talent agent, topped a record field of 8,773 players to win an astonishing $12 million.
Antonio Esfandiari, known as ‘The Magician’, won an astounding $18.3 million in the 2012 WSOP $1 million buy-in charity event, Big One for One Drop. This spectacular win was previously the biggest in poker history, not considering the buy-in.
Daniel Colman surpassed Antonio’s record two years later in the 2014 Big One for One Drop, pocketing $15.3 million. This victory solidified Colman’s reputation as one of the greatest poker players. After that, he actively started playing 69games casino and won the Jackpot a year later.
In 2016, Elton Tsang won the Big One for One Drop Extravaganza in Monte Carlo. He beat a field of 28 players in the €1 million buy-in tournament to take home a staggering €11,111,111 (~$12.2 million).
In 2019, Bryn Kenney earned the largest payout in poker tournament history, albeit through a three-handed deal in the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series. The top prize was $20.56 million, reinforcing Kenney’s position as one of the top earners in poker.
Justin Bonomo took home a cool $10 million from the 2018 WSOP Big One for One Drop. With this win, Bonomo’s total live tournament winnings exceeded $42 million, placing him atop poker’s all-time money list.
Hossein Ensan, a 55-year-old professional poker player from Germany, won $10 million in the 2019 WSOP Main Event. Ensan’s win was a testament to the game’s global appeal and the life-changing potential it possesses.
These incredible wins highlight the allure of poker. Although such triumphs are rare, they show the potential for life-changing success in the game. But remember, poker is not merely about luck; it’s a strategic game where the most skilled and disciplined players tend to rise to the top. Play responsibly and enjoy the thrill of the game!