14. 05. 2025
/
Poker History
The Most Legendary Poker Wins of All Time
Poker, with its roots dating back to the early 19th century on Mississippi riverboats and in New Orleans saloons, has evolved into a high-stakes global phenomenon. What began with a 20-card deck and informal betting quickly transformed into a competitive arena with life-changing prize pools.
A pivotal moment came in 1969 with the debut of the World Series of Poker (WSOP)—a tournament that would soon become the most prestigious event in the poker world. Over time, the prize money skyrocketed, and so did the fame of its champions. In fact, four of the five biggest poker payouts in history were won at WSOP events.
Let’s take a closer look at the five largest single wins in poker history.
Top 5 Biggest Poker Wins Ever Recorded
These are the most iconic, jaw-dropping victories in poker—players who cashed in millions in one game. From fifth to first, here’s how the legends stacked their chips.
#5 Sam Trickett – $10,112,001
Englishman Sam Trickett swapped the football pitch for the poker table after a career-ending knee injury in 2005. Just seven years later, he claimed second place at the 2012 Big One for One Drop event, pocketing over $10 million.
The win made Trickett a national sensation and the most successful British poker player at the time. With over $21 million in live winnings, he sits 32nd on the Hendon Mob all-time money list.
#4 Jamie Gold – $12,000,000
A television producer and talent agent by trade, Jamie Gold stunned the poker world in 2006 when he won the WSOP Main Event, defeating Paul Wasicka heads-up.
Gold’s domination at the table was clear—he had more final table finishes than the rest of the finalists combined. Today, he continues to enjoy poker while managing his production career.
#3 Elton Tsang – $12,248,912
Elton Tsang, a Canadian-born poker pro based in Hong Kong, rose to international stardom by winning the Monte-Carlo One Drop Extravaganza in 2016. With only 26 elite players competing, Tsang walked away with over $12.2 million, the third-largest single prize ever.
This monumental win solidified his place as one of Asia’s greatest poker icons.
#2 Daniel Colman – $15,306,668
Massachusetts native Daniel Colman was just 24 years old when he took down poker titan Daniel Negreanu during the 2014 Big One for One Drop event.
Colman’s performance earned him over $15.3 million. Known for his online aliases "mrGR33N13" and "riyyc225," Colman’s live earnings now exceed $28.9 million.
#1 Antonio Esfandiari – $18,346,673
The top spot goes to Antonio Esfandiari, who made history by winning nearly $18.35 million in a single game at the 2012 Big One for One Drop.
Beating 47 elite competitors, this win remains the largest single payout in poker history. Esfandiari, an Iranian-American player, later went on to win his third WSOP bracelet that same year.
How to Get Started in Poker Tournaments
While these figures are dazzling, it's important to remember that these players trained and competed for years to reach this level. Still, every poker pro starts as a beginner.
Here’s how you can begin your journey:
- - Learn the basics – Study hand rankings, betting structures, and poker lingo.
- - Practice online – Use free poker sites or apps to hone your skills.
- - Watch pros – Analyze WSOP footage and online games.
- - Play live games – Start with low-stakes tables at local casinos or poker rooms.
- - Read strategy guides – Learn advanced tactics to elevate your play.
With persistence and smart play, you could one day compete for a life-changing prize too.
Where to Play Safely and Win Big
Looking for a trusted place to play?
We recommend trying our verified online casinos! Guaranteed safety, fair play, and generous bonuses await you. Don’t miss your chance to win real money today!
Top-rated casinos:
