The World Series of Poker draws many of the top poker pros, but it is not their exclusive domain. Players come from all walks of life and most of the poker players are amateurs. In the 2003 World Series of Poker the ($2.5m) prize was won by an amateur online player called Chris Moneymaker who got in by winning a $40 online tournament.

In fact the final two players were both online qualifiers from the same website. Such wins can only benefit the game and the World Series of Poker, since it gives the impression that with a little practice online and some luck anyone can win a World Series of Poker title and the money that goes along with that.

World Series of poker actually consists of a number of poker tournaments of various poker games including Texas Holdem, Omaha, Razz, Stud Poker, and Horse (a rotation of Texas Hold`em, Omaha, Razz, Seven Card Stud, and Stud Eight or Better). There are also Lowball and Hi-Low split poker games.

The Winner of each World Series of Poker tournament event is awarded a gold bracelet. The cash prizes are substantial typically ranging in the low to mid six figures with the first place prize for last year`s Championship event setting a new record at $5 million.

Poker tournament buy-ins generally range from $1,000 to $5,000 with the Championship tournament having a buy-in of $10,000. Players can also get into the Championship tournament by winning World Series of Poker satellite tournaments.

Learn more about World Series of Poker

* Strategy of World Series of Poker

* World Series of Poker Tips for Play

* World Series of Poker Rules