Poker has produced countless thrilling moments, but a select few tournament wins have left a lasting legacy. Whether it was a massive prize pool, a legendary bluff, or an underdog story that shocked the world, these tournament victories stand out as the most iconic in poker Master Poker Malaysia history. From the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event to record-breaking online scores, here’s a look at the best poker tournament wins of all time.
1. Chris Moneymaker – WSOP 2003 Main Event
Prize: $2.5 million
Why It Matters: The win that launched the “Poker Boom”
Chris Moneymaker’s victory in 2003 changed poker forever. A regular guy who won his $10,000 WSOP Main Event seat through a $39 online satellite, Moneymaker stunned the world by beating a field of 839 players. His win proved that anyone could win big in poker, and it triggered a global explosion in the game’s popularity.
2. Jamie Gold – WSOP 2006 Main Event
Prize: $12 million (largest in WSOP history)
Why It Matters: Still the biggest single payout in live poker tournament history
Jamie Gold dominated the 2006 Main Event like few others. Using aggressive play and psychological tactics, he steamrolled through a record-breaking field of 8,773 players. His final table run and massive payout are legendary.
3. Antonio Esfandiari – 2012 Big One for One Drop
Prize: $18.3 million
Why It Matters: Largest prize ever awarded in a poker tournament
Antonio Esfandiari made headlines when he took down the $1 million buy-in Big One for One Drop event at the 2012 WSOP. His win, both in size and spectacle, remains unmatched in terms of payout and prestige.
4. Daniel Colman – 2014 Big One for One Drop
Prize: $15.3 million
Why It Matters: A dominant win with a controversial silence
Daniel Colman’s victory in the second edition of the Big One for One Drop stunned many not just for the prize, but for his refusal to celebrate or promote the game afterward. His poker skills were undeniable, and his quiet demeanor sparked major discussions in the poker community.
5. Greg Raymer – WSOP 2004 Main Event
Prize: $5 million
Why It Matters: Back-to-back Main Event drama
Following the Moneymaker boom, Greg Raymer won the very next WSOP Main Event, beating 2,576 players. His win confirmed that amateurs could still rise to the top in the new era of poker, and he became one of the most recognizable figures in the game.
6. Elky (Bertrand Grospellier) – PCA 2008
Prize: $2 million
Why It Matters: From gamer to poker superstar
Elky, a former professional gamer, dominated the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA) in 2008. His aggressive and unpredictable play helped him rise from online grinder to live poker champion, becoming a symbol of the new generation of internet players.
7. Peter Eastgate – WSOP 2008 Main Event
Prize: $9.1 million
Why It Matters: Youngest Main Event champion at the time
At just 22 years old, Peter Eastgate broke the record for youngest WSOP Main Event winner, a record later broken by Joe Cada in 2009. Eastgate’s composed, mature play helped him outlast over 6,800 players, cementing his place in poker history.