World Series of Poker Gallery of Champions

The game of poker has exploded around the globe. Like the Super Bowl, there is a single event in poker that crowns a world champion.



The World Series of Poker main event is the biggest and the most important tournament in the game, and its champions, past and present, have become legends. In record numbers, the world's best player come to Las Vegas to become the next superstar. Who will be the next to enter the "Gallery of Champions" comprised of the following.

Johnny Moss

Winner – 1970, 1971, 1974

Born in Texas, Moss was a legendary player whose wealth of poker accomplishments is matched only by his legendary skills at the tables. Along with Stu Ungar, Moss is one of only two players to ever win three WSOP main-event titles.



Considered by many to be one of poker's pioneers, Moss was the first to win the main event (voted on by his peers) in 1970. Moss also went on to capture first place in 1971 and 1974. Elected into the Poker Hall of Fame as a charter member in 1979, Moss eventually went on to win eight WSOP bracelets, with his last coming in 1989 at the age of 78.



Possibly best known for battling Nick "The Greek" Dandolos in the Binion's Horseshoe Casino front window, Moss has become one of the game's legendary figures.

T.A. "Amarillo Slim" Preston

Winner – 1972

Another of poker's legendary symbols, Preston took his 1972 WSOP main-event bracelet and made the most out of its value by garnering exposure via a dozen appearances on The Tonight Show and numerous other media outlets.



One of poker's more colorful characters, Preston has won four WSOP bracelets and is well-known for his tales of the game's early heydays. Thanks to his popularity, Preston went on to publish his autobiography, titled Amarillo Slim in a World of Fat People.



Although an old-school veteran of the game, Preston showed he could still mix up his styles to match the modern game when he finished second in the 2000 pot-limit Omaha event.

W.C. "Puggy" Pearson

Winner – 1973

Walter Clyde Pearson was truly an individual spirit. Born in Kentucky, this colorful character learned the art of gambling while very young. Taking financial risks on everything from golf to poker, Pearson was more than willing to let people know what he thought about a subject.



After moving to Las Vegas during the 1960s, Pearson quickly became known for his aggressive nature and often infectious and hilarious personality that seemed to rub off on people around him. He went on to win the main event in 1973, the first year that the event was televised to a national audience.



Pearson was elected to the Poker Hall of Fame in 1987 and continued to play until his passing in 2006.

Brian "Sailor" Roberts

Winner – 1975
Known for traveling the same Texas poker circuit as Amarillo Slim and "Texas Dolly," Sailor was a former member of the U.S. Navy who took his love for gambling to poker's pinnacle when he won his main-event bracelet in 1975.



After spending some time as a partner of Doyle Brunson and playing for more than 30 years, Roberts became a tough nut to crack at the poker table. Although able to win a title, Roberts eventually ran into personal issues that made life extremely difficult until his death from sclerosis in the late 1980s.

Doyle "Texas Dolly" Brunson

Winner – 1976, 1977

Possibly poker's most legendary figure, Brunson continues to bring his A-game to tournaments across the world. Born and raised in Texas, this former star athlete brought his competitive nature to the game and forever changed the poker landscape. Tied with Johnny Chan, Brunson has won a record 10 WSOP bracelets and influenced generations of poker players with his books Super/System and Super/System 2.



After winning back-to-back titles in 1976 and 1977 with the same hand (10-2 offsuit), Brunson has continued to age like a fine wine, with his latest WSOP bracelet coming in 2005 in the $5,000 shorthanded no-limit hold'em event.



Known for his gracious demeanor and recognizable trademark cowboy hat, this legend continues to blaze a trail for all poker players to follow.

Bobby "The Owl" Baldwin

Winner – 1978

One of poker's most brilliant minds, Baldwin broke into the poker universe by winning its most prestigious title. Then, as if not satisfied with dominating the "player" side of poker, Baldwin took a position with the "house," and began dominating that side of the industry, as well.



Eventually teaming up with Steve Wynn, Baldwin made Bellagio the premier Las Vegas poker destination. He then became the CEO of MGM Mirage and continued his conquest of everything poker-related in his path. One of the contributing writers to Doyle Brunson's Super/System, there is little Baldwin hasn't seen in his long career in the industry, and he can often be found playing at the highest limits at Bellagio.

Hal Fowler

Winner – 1979

This former Los Angeles advertising executive did the impossible when he became the first amateur to win the WSOP main event. Unfortunately for Fowler, he decided to turn pro after his win and eventually ended up broke.



Despite being nearly busted at the final table of the WSOP championship event, Fowler made an amazing comeback and beat Bobby "The Wizard" Hoff for the bracelet. This thundering victory startled the poker universe and began a trend of WSOP-winning amateurs like Fowler and Chris Moneymaker.

Stu "The Kid" Ungar

Winner – 1980, 1981, 1997

One of poker's most respected yet tragic figures is "The Kid." One of only two players to win three WSOP main-event bracelets, Ungar captured the fascination of the poker world with his dramatic play and personal issues away from the table. Considered the world's best gin player before trying his hand at poker, Ungar was amazingly talented and brought a relentless aggression to the table that is almost impossible to duplicate.



Winning back-to-back main-event championships in 1980 and 1981, Ungar put his stamp on the game with his last title in 1997. Born in New York City, he was a poker prodigy whose skills at the table unfortunately couldn't save him from himself and his addiction to drugs. A future legend and former millionaire many times over, Ungar died broke at the age of 45.

Jack "Treetop" Straus

Winner – 1982

This poker legend was more than just a warrior at the table. He was a kind and generous man away from the tables, as well. Often known for his mantra, "Better to live one day as a lion than a hundred years as a lamb," Straus was a cutthroat player who was considered by the poker community to be a kind soul, but deadly foe.



Born in San Antonio, Texas, Straus was another player on the now-famous "Southern" poker circuit that featured the likes of Doyle Brunson and Amarillo Slim. Known as "Treetop," thanks to his 6-foot-6-inch frame, Straus was a gentle giant who had a knack for decimating his competition.



Straus died in 1998 while playing poker.

Tom McEvoy

Winner – 1983

This champion forever changed the face of poker with his victory in 1983. The first player to win his way into the big dance via "satellite," McEvoy brought a tenacious style to the tables and showed that players didn't have to pony up $10,000 to go on to win a title.



Now with four WSOP bracelets and several books on poker strategy under his belt, Card Player columnist McEvoy continues to blaze a clear path through the poker scene and remains a relevant player in today's game. Originally from Michigan, this resident of Las Vegas is always a threat in cash games as well as tournament poker.

Jack Keller

Winner -1984

Known in poker circles as "Gentleman Jack," this former U.S. Air Force member was considered by many to be one of the best seven-card stud players of his time. Eventually going on to win three WSOP bracelets, Keller cashed in 25 WSOP events over the course of his WSOP career.



Voted into the Poker Hall of Fame at the age of 51, Keller could be found spending his final years playing high-limit games in Tunica, Mississippi, until his death in 2003.

Bill Smith

Winner – 1985
Another tragic figure of the game, this eventual WSOP main-event champion was as much a drinker as he was a poker player.



Often seen drinking several beers in a sitting, Smith was an inconsistent player who managed to harness his abilities and his drinking just long enough to win his WSOP bracelet.



Originally from Dallas, Smith passed on in the early 1990s and could be found playing in private games throughout Texas in his later years.

Berry Johnston

Winner – 1986
Considered to be one of the quieter champions, Johnston has earned the respect of his peers by consistently proving himself over time. Currently the owner of five WSOP bracelets, Johnston remains a tournament threat and continues to change up his game to meet the evolving poker world.



He was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2004 and has cashed at the WSOP more than 45 times since 1982.

Johnny Chan

Winner – 1987, 1988

Possibly one of the most dominating figures in the game, "The Orient Express" has continued to steamroll over his competition.



Tied with Doyle Brunson at 10 WSOP bracelets, Chan continues to be one of poker's top superstars and can always be found in the thick of things come tournament time.



Born in Hong Kong, Chan immigrated to Houston, Texas, as a child and took up the game. Never looking back, Chan quickly became a rising star in the game with his displays of poker prowess and relentless play.



With what could possibly be the greatest run in poker history, Chan captured back-to-back titles in 1987 and 1988, and finished second to Phil Hellmuth in 1989. Thanks in part to winning his titles, Chan eventually went on to make a cameo appearance in the 1998 poker film Rounders.

Phil Hellmuth Jr.

Winner – 1989

Affectionately known as "The Poker Brat," Hellmuth became the youngest WSOP main-event winner at the age of 24 in 1989.



With nine bracelets to his credit and numerous well-paying business ventures, Hellmuth has probably made much more money away from the tables than he has at them.



With all of his wins coming in no-limit hold'em, Hellmuth isn't exactly a threat to win the H.O.R.S.E. event, but he is definitely a threat when he's at the tables. Always the perfectionist, Hellmuth also won the 2005 NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship, staking another claim that he is one of the best players ever to play the game.



Considered one of the most recognizable faces in the game, Hellmuth is a Card Player columnist, has furthered his already strong legend by authoring several instructional poker books and DVDs, and has appeared at motivational speaking engagements for some of the biggest companies in the world.

Mansour Matloubi

Winner – 1990

The first non-U.S. resident to win the WSOP main event, Matloubi is a London native who earned a living by owning hotels before winning the WSOP title. Originally hailing from Iran, Matloubi brought a well-calculated game to the tables and played in what could be considered one of the greatest heads-up battles in WSOP main-event history.



Against poker legend Hans "Tuna" Lund, Matloubi won the near three-hour marathon and took home the title. Matloubi eventually went on to cash in 25 events in an impressive run that saw him dominate competition from 1990 to 1995.

Brad Daugherty

Winner – 1991

The first "millionaire man" in WSOP main-event history, Daugherty's title set a precedent for all future WSOP main events. When he won the event at the age of 40, he was no spring chicken, but he still had enough pluck in him to take down a number of top players on the way to the title.



Originally from Payette, Idaho, Daugherty eventually called Las Vegas home while on his way to the title. Although now heavily involved in the online game, Daugherty has cashed in 17 WSOP events since 1991.

Hamid Dastmalchi

Winner – 1992

The second of two Iranian-born WSOP main-event champions in two years, Dastmalchi has gone on to cement his poker reputation by earning two additional WSOP bracelets and has cashed eight times over the course of his career.



Possibly one of the least well-known and accessible of WSOP main-event champions, Dastmalchi has earned the respect of today's top players with his fearsome no-limit hold'em skills despite rarely playing in tournaments recently.

Jim Bechtel

Winner – 1993

At the time of his win, Bechtel was one of a handful of top no-limit hold'em specialists who turned his poker prowess into a $1 million payday. Bechtel continues to impress followers with WSOP cashes, three of which came in 2005. With his first WSOP cash coming in 1979, Bechtel's low-key tournament career has enabled him to change with the evolution of playing styles, and he still remains a relevant threat at the poker table.

Russ Hamilton

Winner – 1994

Winner of the 25th-annual WSOP main event, Hamilton won more than just $1 million in cash. In this silver-anniversary year, Hamilton also won his weight in silver. This former middle-limit player developed his game enough that he now plays higher limits on a regular basis. Although not as active as he once was, Hamilton is a threat and should not be taken lightly when players sit across from him.



He continues to give players trouble, finishing in 59th place in the 2005 WSOP main event. This Las Vegas veteran is a cagey player who brings his best game face to the table.

Dan Harrington

Winner – 1995

Affectionately known as "Action Dan," this former chess master is well-known for his reserved but aggressive style. Now the author of several books, this WSOP main-event champion blew away the competition in 1995 and continues to play a big role in today's game.



Known as one of the "Mayfair Boys," Harrington honed his skills while playing against the likes of Howard Lederer and Erik Seidel in New York City. Now with two bracelets, he remains one of the most consistent players in the game. His 2003 and 2004 final-table appearances could possibly be one of poker's greatest stories, considering the dramatic size of the fields (839 and 2,576, respectively) he encountered.

Huckleberry Seed

Winner – 1996

There are certain players who have managed to stay out of the spotlight, and if they had a leader, it might be Huck Seed. This four-time WSOP bracelet winner remains one of the quietest players in the game, letting his skills do the talking.



At the age of 27, this CalTech electrical engineering dropout captured the WSOP crown and began playing in high-limit games. As time progressed, Seed chose to focus on tournament poker. This gentle giant keeps to himself while at the tables, but still makes certain to announce his presence with authority by running over the competition.



Showing a variety of poker skills, Seed has won bracelets in three different events (pot-limit Omaha, no-limit hold'em, and razz).

Thuan "Scotty" Nguyen

Winner – 1998
Nicknamed "The Prince of Poker," this refugee from Vietnam could easily be considered one of the most approachable stars of the game. Often willing to sign autographs and take pictures, this monster at the tables is a kind spirit who gives willingly of himself.



Always the center of attention, Nguyen is easily one of poker's more recognizable figures, thanks to his charming personality and playful demeanor. Even players at his table enjoy his antics, at least until he mows them down with his mastery of poker techniques.



The winner of four WSOP bracelets, Scotty can be found playing the biggest tournaments on the planet. He recently won a World Poker Tour title when he beat Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi at the 2006 Gold Strike World Poker Open.

Noel Furlong

Winner – 1999

Predominantly a recreational player when he began playing in 1984, Furlong placed sixth in his first WSOP main event and would go on to win the title 10 years later. Born in Dublin, Ireland, this owner of a carpet distribution company doesn't play a lot of tournaments these days, but he still can be found at the WSOP and in tournaments across Ireland and Europe.



Furlong was the top Irish money winner at the WSOP until Andrew Black finished in fifth place in the 2005 main event.

Chris "Jesus" Ferguson

Winner – 2000

Born in 1963, this five-time WSOP bracelet winner has it all. As if his trademark long hair, cowboy hat, and sunglasses weren't enough to draw attention to himself, his Ph.D. in computer science from UCLA, skillful dance moves, and ability to cut fruit in half with, of all things, playing cards, make Jesus one of the game's more interesting stars.



Ferguson's computerlike mind is trained in game theory, something his father teaches at UCLA. This master of mathematics plays an unflinching style of poker that leaves a trail of busted players in his wake. Ferguson's five bracelets come from a variety of games (seven-card stud, no-limit hold'em, two Omaha eight-or-better, and half limit hold'em/half seven-card stud), and demonstrate his mastery of a number of different poker games.

Carlos Mortensen

Winner – 2001

Juan Carlos Mortensen is better known to the poker world as "The Matador," thanks to his Spanish heritage. Born in Ecuador, this Las Vegas resident was the first WSOP main-event winner from South America.



With two WSOP bracelets for his wrist, Mortensen continues to be a tough opponent at many of today's biggest tournaments, and he also has made a name for himself playing high-limit cash games. In addition to his WSOP bracelets, Mortensen also won the WPT Doyle Brunson North American Poker Championship in 2004.

Robert Varkonyi

Winner – 2002

This MIT graduate is a former investment banker from Brooklyn, New York, and he typifies the "unknown" player who has come into the poker world and beaten the best the game has to offer. A relative unknown, Varkonyi, like many other WSOP players, was considered "dead money" by many of the game's top stars, such as Phil Hellmuth. Much to the poker universe and Hellmuth's surprise, Varkonyi went on to take the title and the $2 million first-place prize.



Varkonyi is a regular contributor to Card Player and has made an instructional poker DVD called Wise Guys on Texas Hold'em, featuring members of the HBO hit series The Sopranos.

Chris Moneymaker

Winner – 2003

Born in Tennessee, this virtual unknown came out of nowhere to win the 2003 championship, beating 839 competitors in the process. A former accountant for a restaurant chain, Moneymaker turned a $39 buy-in tournament win on PokerStars into a $2.5 million first-place prize.



Thanks to ESPN's expansive coverage of the 2003 main event, Moneymaker quickly became a fan favorite. Considered by many to be a dramatic factor in the game's growth, Moneymaker's win is credited with helping to launch poker's international growth explosion.

Greg Raymer

Winner – 2004

Despite beating a then record field of 2,576 players, "The Fossilman" is one of the modern game's most approachable figures.



This former patent attorney graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School, but now makes his living as a poker representative for PokerStars, the site where he won his entry into the WSOP main event for $160.



While working for a pharmaceutical company in Stonington, Connecticut, Raymer began playing recreationally at nearby Foxwoods Resort Casino. Having left the cold of the Northeastern United States, Raymer now spends time with his wife and daughter in their North Carolina home when he's not involved in poker promotions or tournaments.

Joseph Hachem

Winner – 2005

This former Australian chiropractor logged the biggest cash win in WSOP history, $7.5 million, when he beat a field of 5,619 players to win the main event in 2005. The loving father of four has been a poker professional for more than 10 years. He began to take the game seriously when a rare blood disorder in his hands affected his dexterity, making work as a chiropractor next to impossible.



The first Australian WSOP main-event champion, Hachem is the perfect symbol of the diversity of the WSOP field. Born in Lebanon and living in Australia, Hachem's victory has helped to spread the game of poker around the world.