5 Greatest Poker Matches Ever Played
Poker has produced some of the most interesting and unpredictable moments in gaming history. The game has changed in many ways, and with online casinos now being more popular than ever, poker is bringing millions of players worldwide. When it comes to traditional games, however, with skill, endurance, length, and outcomes in mind, what are the five greatest poker matches ever played?
1. The Longest Poker Game: Bird Cage Theatre (1881–1889, Arizona)
One of the most legendary poker games took place at the Bird Cage Theatre in Tombstone, Arizona. This marathon game lasted an astonishing eight years, with players participating for five months and three days within that period. The game featured iconic figures such as Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, Diamond Jim Brady, and Bat Masterson. The initial wager was $1,000—a significant sum at the time.
While poker was once confined to physical tables like this one, today’s online casinos allow players to experience high-stakes games from the comfort of their homes, showing how far the game has come.
2. Jamie Gold’s Triumph: 2006 WSOP Main Event (Las Vegas, Nevada)
The 2006 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event remains one of the most memorable tournaments due to Jamie Gold’s unconventional strategy. Over 8,700 players competed for a record-breaking prize pool of $82 million.
Gold used psychological tactics and bluffing to dominate his opponents, ultimately winning $12 million—the largest payout in WSOP history at the time. His victory demonstrated how creative strategies could triumph over technical skill, making this event a landmark moment in modern poker.
3. Scotty Nguyen vs. Kevin McBride: 1998 WSOP Main Event (Las Vegas, Nevada)
The heads-up battle between Scotty Nguyen and Kevin McBride during the 1998 WSOP Main Event is iconic for its dramatic conclusion. Nguyen famously declared, "You call, it’s gonna be all over, baby," before McBride called with a weaker hand. Nguyen’s full house won him the championship bracelet and $1 million in prize money. This match is celebrated for its tension-filled finale and Nguyen’s charismatic personality, which added to the spectacle.
4. Chris Moneymaker’s Upset: 2003 WSOP Main Event (Las Vegas, Nevada)
Chris Moneymaker’s victory at the 2003 WSOP Main Event is often credited with sparking the "poker boom." As an amateur who qualified through a $39 online satellite tournament, Moneymaker defeated seasoned professionals to win $2.5 million.
His bluff against Sam Farha during heads-up play remains one of poker’s most famous moments. This match also highlighted the growing influence of online poker platforms and online casinos as gateways for amateurs to compete on the world stage.
5. Antonio Esfandiari’s Big One for One Drop: 2012 WSOP (Las Vegas, Nevada)
The 2012 "Big One for One Drop" tournament featured a $1 million buy-in—the highest ever in poker history—raising funds for charity while creating intense competition. Antonio Esfandiari emerged victorious against a field of elite players to win $18.3 million, the largest single payout in poker history at that time. His performance showcased exceptional skill and composure under pressure, solidifying his legacy as one of poker’s greats.