The History of the WSOP Bracelet: Winners, Controversies, and More

By Matthew Vanzetti

Updated August 29, 2025

10 Minute Read

Poker

Table of Contents

Every professional sport has a coveted trophy. A precious item that players yearn for and train to win their whole lives. Something that shouts to the world that they are at the top of their game – the best of the best.

For poker stars, this prize is the WSOP Bracelet – the most prestigious prize in professional poker. A glittering, golden talisman adorned with jewels like a Super Bowl ring, awarded to only the most deserving of players.

Winning this bracelet elicits feelings like nothing else. Imagine slipping on the Green Jacket after winning the PGA Masters, or hoisting the Stanley Cup after a hard-fought game seven in the NHL playoffs. They’re like the holy grail – items that us mere poker nobodies can only dream of holding, touching, or wearing.

A WSOP bracelet win is akin to winning an Olympic gold medal, and, like most iconic trophies, it has a storied history full of secrets, superstitions, and scandals.

Let’s dive into the world of the WSOP bracelet, where the legend and lore of poker’s ultimate prize is as wild as the game itself.

From Humble Beginnings to Poker’s Crown Jewel

Many modern poker professionals measure their career success by how many WSOP bracelets they’ve won. But it wasn’t always the iconic prize of poker that it is today. Let’s dive into some World Series of Poker history.

When Benny Binion, the owner of Binion’s Horseshoe Casino, founded the World Series of Poker in 1970, the tournament was more of an informal cash game between poker professionals. Between 1970 and 1975, winning players walked away with not much more than bragging rights. In addition to a bit of cash, the official ‘prizes’ were a silver cup, a few ‘corny trophies’ (according to Benny’s daughter, Becky), and one sterling silver plate.

That changed in 1976 with the introduction of the bracelet. The World Series of Poker had been steadily gaining momentum, and Binion wanted to reward winning players with something that would legitimise their efforts, like in other professional sports. He sought to create a lasting item that symbolised the prestige that came with a tournament win. Thus, the bracelet was born.

Unlike bulky trophies or plates, the bracelet was something that could be worn and shown off. It reinforced the idea that a WSOP win was about more than just the money. It placed winning players on an exclusive list with a covetable, consistent, and collectible prize.

Despite their elite status, original WSOP bracelets were just simple gold bands. Manufactured exclusively by Las Vegas jeweller, Mordechai Yerushalami, the design remained largely unchanged until 2005, when the contract was awarded to Gold and Diamond International. Since then, several jewellers have been tasked with crafting them, with each one adding their own personality and embellishments to the design.

Originally valued at around $500 each, today’s WSOP bracelets have been appraised as high as $500,000, featuring intricate designs crusted with diamonds and precious gems.

WSOP Bracelet Controversies

The WSOP bracelet has a fascinating history, but it’s not all glitz and glam. Like all high profile contests, there’s an underbelly of drama and scandal – and we’re here to fill you in on the goss.

From accusations of cheap wins and cheating scandals to full-blown player fights, feuds, and childish meltdowns, the legacy of the bracelet has more twists and turns than an Oscar-winning drama.

Bracelet Inflation & “Cheap” Wins

In the olden days of the WSOP, only a handful of bracelet events were held each year. For example, in 1976, when the bracelet was officially introduced, there were eight events. In 2025, however, there are 100+ events that play out either live or online all across the globe.

This massive increase in bracelet events has irked some seasoned pros who think that modern bracelets are ‘cheap’ compared to years past. Outspoken player Phil Hellmuth, winner of 17 WSOP bracelets, has sparred with recent competitors, pointing out that many of their winning events had smaller fields and lower buy-ins, implying that not all bracelets are truly equal.

The controversy over which bracelets really count is fodder for endless (and usually entertaining) poker Twitter – ugh, X – drama.

Selling, Pawning & Losing Bracelets

Another controversy that gets folks riled up is that, despite the prestige of winning a WSOP bracelet, some players treat them like run-of-the-mill jewellery, rather than the sacred objects that others feel they should be.

There are players who have donated their bracelets to charitable causes. For example, Peter Eastgate auctioned his 2008 WSOP Main Event gold bracelet on eBay and raised almost $150,000 for UNICEF. And, yeah, it’s hard to criticise the man for bettering the world, but some people manage.

Real outrage is reserved for the players who part with their bracelets for less noble causes. Some have simply sold their bracelets for cash, given them away to friends and family, or have even carelessly lost them. Hardcore fans and players say this is disrespectful. And, to be fair, it must sting for the runners up to see their would-be trophy treated so nonchalantly. But, at the end of the day, isn’t it the winner’s prize, to do with whatever they see fit? It’s a topic that garners strong opinions, that’s for sure.

Celebrity vs. Grinder Bias

High-profile events like the WSOP offer the type of prestige that attracts celebrities like a bug zapper attracts mozzies. Over the years, many stars have graced the tables. Ben Affleck, Tobey Maguire, and Edward Norton are notable players, alongside Ray Romano, Shannon Elizabeth, and Jason Alexander.

On one hand, celeb participation has catapulted the WSOP into mainstream visibility. But some fans and critics suggest that the media circus surrounding celebrity players damages the integrity of the game.

When Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Tilly took home a gold bracelet in the Ladies No-Limit Hold-em in 2005, the win became huge news because of her celebrity status, not her (obvious) skills. In a 2012 interview with New York Magazine she pointed out that she’s “not like those other celebrities who play poker”, and really does know the game.

Many players and some hardcore fans feel that WSOP spends too much time focusing on celebrities because they’re marketable or camera-friendly, and not enough time profiling genuine grinders. But, if a famous person has actually put in the effort and has the skill to succeed, should they be stopped just to let ‘normies’ have their 15 minutes of fame?

Fights, Feuds & Meltdowns

Like most professional sports, elite poker is full of ego-maniacs and big personality players who aren’t afraid to speak their mind. Over the years, this has led to tabloid-worthy clashes and childish meltdowns.

Phil Hellmuth, dubbed the Poker Brat, is notorious for his temper tantrums. He’s berated opponents, stormed off, and blown up at tables. He and another player, Shaun Deeb, regularly spar online and call each other out over luck, skill, and behaviour.

They aren’t the only players who’ve been called out for questionable actions and bad attitudes. Chris Ferguson, one of the game’s most recognisable champions, gained notoriety for his part in the 2011 Full Tilt scandal (where players lost millions – let us know if you want a deep dive into that one!), and many people felt that he should be banned from tournament play.

In 2016, he shocked and angered fans by returning to the poker circuit, and in 2018, he won his 6th WSOP bracelet. During the award ceremony, instead of graciously accepting his award, he remained silent. Many saw this as a deliberate refusal to acknowledge or apologise for his past misdeeds – poor sportsmanship, perhaps?

Cheating Scandals

Bad attitudes and childish behaviour can be overlooked, but cheating scandals have permanently tainted some players’ reputations. They can also do irreparable damage to the integrity of professional poker.

Before 2008, Russ Hamilton was known primarily for winning the 1994 Main Event bracelet. His prize was $1 million, his bracelet (obviously), and his body weight in silver bars – over 300lbs worth.

After his win, he served as a consultant for Ultimate Bet – an online poker site. But in 2008, an investigation by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission found that he was largely responsible for using software that allowed access to opponents’ hole cards, cheating Ultimate Bet players out of an estimated $22.1million!

In a secretly-recorded clip, Hamilton admitted to cheating by saying “I did take this money and I’m not trying to make it right, so let’s get that out of the way”. Okay, mate, way to make it worse for yourself. The money was eventually refunded to players, but 60 Minutes later dubbed the fraud the biggest scandal in the history of online gaming.

Top WSOP Underdogs

Perhaps the most famous underdog story is Chris Moneymaker’s fairytale win in 2003. Aptly named Moneymaker, and yep, that’s his real name, Chris was an amateur player who earned his seat at the Main Event by winning an $86 PokerStars online tournament.

He went on to beat almost 840 players and win the title worth $2.5 million, which ignited what is known as the ‘Moneymaker Era’ – a poker boom that inspired a wave of casual players hoping to repeat his success. The tournament went from 839 entrants in 2003 to over 8,700 in 2006, largely due to Moneymaker’s influence.

Stu Ungar has been hailed as a poker prodigy and one of the game’s greatest natural talents. He was one of only two players to win the WSOP Main Event three times. Unfortunately, Ungar’s personal life was mired by tragedy, and he passed away in 1988 at just 45 years old. Despite winning an estimated $30 million over his poker career, he died with no assets to his name. In grim foreshadowing, Ungar is quoted as saying “there’s no one that ever beat me playing cards – the only one that ever beat me was myself”.

Tom ‘Durrrr’ Dwan is proof that some players can become fan favourites even without massive bracelet counts. Originally gaining popularity online in the mid-2000s, his aggressive, creative, and fearless playing style was exciting and inspiring to watch. Dwan is also known to disappear for long stretches, adding to his overall mystique.

Memorable WSOP Bracelet Stories

Over the years, chasing a WSOP bracelet has certainly created its share of memorable moments. Here are some of the most compelling:

Chris Moneymaker’s Fairytale Run – it’s a story worthy of a Hollywood movie: amateur poker-playing accountant turned online qualifier stuns the poker world by parlaying $86 into a $2.5 million Main Event win and ignites a global movement. It’s a history-making event that changed the WSOP forever.
Doyle Brunson’s Lucky Hand – A hand so nice, it won a bracelet twice! Brunson, often called the ‘Godfather of Poker’, sealed his fate and won back-to-back main events with the same 10-2 hand. Now nicknamed ‘the Brunson’, the combination is nothing short of legendary.
Phil Ivey’s Emotional Rollercoaster – Known to many as the ‘Tiger Woods of Poker’, each Ivey game becomes a high-stakes chase. With 10 bracelets to his name and even more near-misses, the hunt for #11 keeps fans eagerly awaiting his next win.
The Battle Between Youth and Experience – the WSOP levels the field for players of all ages. When the game is about brains, not brawn, both young guns and seasoned pros can share the same table as equals. From Johnny Moss’s wins well into his senior years, to Annette Obrestad’s victory at just 18 years old, the WSOP proves that poker is ageless.

The Bracelet’s Place in Modern Poker

Today, the WSOP bracelet still carries significant weight and credibility despite the debates about its place in modern poker. For players like Phil Hellmuth, who have earned many titles, each bracelet is part of their personal legacy, acting as a permanent reminder of the skill and endurance it takes to play and win at an elite level.

For others, winning a bracelet is still seen as an accomplishment, but doesn’t carry the same weight, especially when there are now dozens of bracelet events each year. Winning one becomes just ‘part of the job’ of an elite player. It’s a line on a resume versus a life-changing achievement.

Bracelet wins are celebrated differently in a social-media-driven world. Fans on Twitter or Instagram now have instant access to tournament ceremonies, where clips, photos, and tweets are amplified across the globe. This has turned poker into somewhat of a spectator sport.

Unlimited access means that players’ competitive personalities are also on full display, adding an extra layer of drama to modern poker. Pros openly chase each other on the leaderboard in ‘bracelet races’. Hellmuth is still the player to beat, but rivalries between challengers like Phil Ivey, Eric Seidel, and Daniel Negreanu keep fans invested in the hunt.

WSOP Bracelet Facts & Figures

Most Bracelets Won: Phil Hellmuth has won 17 bracelets to date.
Youngest Winner: Annette Obrestad was just 18 years old when she won her European bracelet in 2007.
Oldest Winner: Johnny Moss capped off an illustrious career winning his 9th bracelet in 1988 at age 81.
First Female Winner in an Open Event: Barbara Enright shattered the poker glass ceiling with her 1996 win.
Most Expensive Main Event Bracelet: The 2024 bracelet is the most valuable to date. It is worth $500,000 and contains 445 grams of 10-karat gold and 2,253 precious gems.
First Bracelet Awarded: The very first bracelet was awarded in 1976, six years after the tournament began.

The WSOP bracelet remains a glittering testament to the skill, endurance, and sometimes luck it takes to win elite poker tournaments. Each bracelet tells a story of triumph and serves to inspire the next generation of poker stars yearning to be the next Chris Moneymaker, Barbara Enright, or Phil Hellmuth.

Despite controversies, scandals, and debates about whether it even matters anymore, the WSOP bracelet continues to command respect in the poker world and remains a prize worthy of chasing. Whether it’s a seasoned pro, young upstart, or lovable underdog, each winner treats a bracelet win as a significant measure of accomplishment.

Global competitions, online poker, and of course, social media have expanded the reach of the WSOP. Each bracelet win is now instantly shareable, and every player rivalry becomes a headline-worthy drama, captivating fans the world over.

Got a favourite WSOP victory? Maybe you’ve played in a tournament and felt the glimmer of the bracelet within your grasp? Share your stories with us at [email protected].

The History of the WSOP Bracelet: Winners, Controversies, and More

From Humble Beginnings to Poker’s Crown Jewel