Poker has long attracted players from all backgrounds, from seasoned pros to bold newcomers, all chasing life-altering wins. While the thrill of play is central, it’s the massive prize pools that truly capture attention. Over time, a few standout tournaments have not only awarded huge sums but also helped shape the direction of the game.
1. 2012 WSOP Big One for One Drop: $18,346,673
The most significant single payout in poker’s recorded history occurred during the 2012 World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. The unprecedented “Big One for One Drop” featured a million-dollar buy-in, unheard of at that time. The event drew 48 participants, generating an extraordinary prize pool. Antonio Esfandiari claimed the record-setting $18.3 million first prize after defeating formidable opponents, including runner-up Sam Trickett. This victory established a new benchmark for tournament poker rewards.
Wins like these continue to inspire poker enthusiasts and fuel participation online. Many players now seek out legal poker in Texas, often turning to online platforms that, as iGaming expert Gavin Beech notes, provide a wide range of poker formats, regular tournaments with large prize pools, fast withdrawals through flexible transaction options, and enticing bonuses such as welcome rewards, cashback, and free bets. These landmark moments show what’s possible in the poker world and continue to attract players eager to compete on trusted platforms and sharpen their skills in dynamic, high-stakes settings.
2. 2019 Triton Million for Charity: £13,779,491 ($16,775,820)
London hosted the Triton Million for Charity with its remarkable £1,050,000 buy-in, establishing it as the most expensive poker tournament to date. The event’s innovative format paired recreational players with professional invitees, creating an intriguing competitive dynamic. From the 54 players, Aaron Zhang emerged victorious, securing nearly $16.8 million following a heads-up deal. While Bryn Kenney technically received more money overall due to the agreement, Zhang’s official first-place finish ranks as the second-largest tournament payout in history.
3. 2014 WSOP Big One for One Drop: $15,306,668
The 2014 reprise of the Big One for One Drop maintained its million-dollar entry fee and attracted 42 participants. The tournament culminated in a showdown between poker icon Daniel Negreanu and Dan Colman, with Colman ultimately prevailing to claim over $15.3 million. This event further demonstrated poker’s growing prominence, reflected in both the substantial buy-ins and increased global media attention.
4. 2016 Monte-Carlo One Drop Extravaganza: €11,111,111 ($12,248,912)
Monaco provided an elegant backdrop for the 2016 One Drop series, which maintained its €1 million buy-in. The Monte-Carlo One Drop Extravaganza featured 28 players and concluded with Elton Tsang capturing the €11,111,111 prize (approximately $12.2 million), establishing it among the most substantial non-American poker payouts. This sophisticated European competition expanded the international prestige of the One Drop brand.
5. 2023 WSOP Main Event: $12,100,000
The 2023 WSOP Main Event shattered previous attendance records with over 10,000 registrants for the $10,000 tournament. This unprecedented participation created the largest Main Event in WSOP history by both player count and prize pool. Daniel Weinman claimed the $12.1 million top prize, the most substantial Main Event payout to date. The remarkable turnout highlighted poker’s continued global expansion.
6. 2006 WSOP Main Event: $12,000,000
During poker’s mid-2000s surge in popularity, the 2006 WSOP Main Event attracted nearly 9,000 participants. This tournament previously held the record for the largest Main Event prize, with Jamie Gold securing $12 million. The competition remains iconic in poker lore for its dramatic gameplay, audacious bluffs, and high-tension confrontations. Gold’s aggressive and unpredictable playing style kept opponents off balance throughout the event. The televised coverage of his run drew massive viewership and added to the game’s growing mainstream appeal. This edition of the WSOP symbolised the height of the poker boom, with unprecedented excitement surrounding the final table.
7. 2018 WSOP Big One for One Drop: $10,000,000
The Big One for One Drop made its third appearance in 2018, drawing 27 players and generating a prize pool approaching $25 million. The final table featured an intense battle between Justin Bonomo and Fedor Holz, two of the world’s premier players. Bonomo’s $10 million victory marked a standout moment in his career. His strategic play and well-timed aggression helped him outlast a field of elite competitors in one of the most prestigious high-stakes tournaments. The win remains one of the most significant highlights in modern poker history.
8. 2019 WSOP Main Event: $10,000,000
With more than 8,500 participants, the 2019 WSOP Main Event delivered another impressive spectacle. Germany’s Hossein Ensan prevailed after an intense final table, securing the $10 million first-place prize. This marked the second instance of a WSOP Main Event offering this precise reward amount, underscoring the tournament’s consistent prominence on the poker calendar.
9. 2014 WSOP Main Event: $10,000,000
The 2014 WSOP Main Event introduced an innovative prize structure, guaranteeing exactly $10 million to the winner regardless of participation numbers. With over 6,600 players, Sweden’s Martin Jacobson emerged triumphant, claiming the guaranteed sum and establishing his place in WSOP history. His disciplined play style and deep tournament experience were evident throughout the multi-day event. The final table showcased a mix of aggression and restraint, with Jacobson executing key moves at critical moments. His victory resonated across the poker world, reinforcing the value of preparation and composure in high-stakes competition.
10. 2008 WSOP Main Event: $9,152,416
Completing our list is the 2008 WSOP Main Event, which attracted more than 6,800 players. The first-place prize, exceeding $9.1 million, went to Denmark’s Peter Eastgate, who at just 22 years old joined the select group of champions who have conquered this prestigious competition. His calculated play and consistent focus helped him navigate a tough final table. The win solidified his place in poker history and added another memorable chapter to the WSOP legacy. Eastgate’s performance was praised for its patience, precision, and strategic execution.
Conclusion
Poker’s biggest prizes highlight the game’s shift from niche pastime to global competition. Events like the WSOP Main Event and One Drop series have pushed prize pools, prestige, and participation to new heights. These ten wins mark major milestones, showing how poker has become both a serious sport and a cultural force. From Las Vegas to Monaco, the game keeps delivering unforgettable moments and transformative victories. And while these wins top the charts for now, nothing is stopping future tournaments from going even bigger, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the latest gaming news as competitive poker continues to evolve and gain popularity worldwide.
