The World Series of Poker in the 70's

The first World Series of Poker* in 1970 was a round of 5 cash poker games. Benny Binion invited 6 well known poker players to his casino, Binion's Horseshoe, to find out who the best player was. There wasn't a "main event" or tournament, so the first winner was determined by vote. The following year the freeze-out Texas Holdem tournament style was adopted and is the system that is used to this day. By the end of the decade the number of preliminary events increased to 11, including an event just for women, and was truly a series. Since 1976 each event winner is awarded a bracelet and event wins prior to this are also called "bracelets".The decade saw Johnny Moss World Series of Poker* Champion 3 times, which to date is still a record which he shares with Stu Ungar. It also saw Doyle Brunson win back to back championships, he is one of only 4 people to do so. The others are Johnny Moss, Stu Ungar, and Johnny Chan.