This year's 40th Annual World Series of Poker saw record attendance to go with the record number of bracelets up for grabs.  60,875 entrants competed in some part of the Series this year, creating unprecedented fields and huge prize pools. 

With so many players attending this year's events, the WSOP was able to announce the incredible milestone of over $1 billion dollars in prize money distributed since its inception in 1970.

Event #4- the $1,000 buy-in No-Limit Hold 'em, had a real part in adding to that number.  This "stimulus special" attracted 6,012 players, making it the largest non-Main Event field ever. 

But it wasn't just Hold 'em events that saw huge numbers sit down to play, field size records were set for events in Omaha 8-or-Better, 2-7 Lowball, Pot-Limit Omaha and Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo, with an amazing 10 of the 57 scheduled events selling out (including the final Day 1 of the Main Event).

Not to be outdone, many players at the Series broke individual records as well.  Berry Johnston once again made the money in a WSOP event this year, something he has accomplished every year for the last 27 seasons.  Jack Ury, broke his own record as the oldest player to ever play in the Series as he's now 96, and of course Jeffrey Lisandro tied a huge record, held by four other well known pros, by winning a remarkable three WSOP bracelets during the same Series.

For more information on this year's 40th Annual World Series of Poker visit www.worldseriesofpoker.com.


Story by Mark Anderson