The First WSOP: A Champion Crowned by Player Vote
By Alex Bennett · Updated
In the annals of poker history, few events are as singular and foundational as the 1970 World Series of Poker (WSOP). Unlike subsequent iterations where a winner is determined by skill and a grueling tournament format, the inaugural WSOP’s champion was not decided at the felt but in a democratic vote amongst the players themselves. This epochal vote saw Johnny Moss emerge victorious, a testament to his reputation and the unique, informal atmosphere of that nascent championship. Understanding how this championship unfolded provides invaluable insight into the evolution of professional poker and the spirit of camaraderie that defined its early days. The very concept of a unified world championship was still embryonic, and the players themselves shaped its initial form, laying the groundwork for the massive global phenomenon the WSOP has become today.
How Was the Champion of the First WSOP Determined?
The 1970 World Series of Poker, held at Binion’s Horseshoe in Las Vegas, presented a distinct challenge in crowning a champion. The event comprised several different poker variants, including Limit A-10-2 Stud and Limit A-10-2 Draw. Instead of a single, culminating Texas Hold’em final table as we know it today, players competed across these various games. At the conclusion of the series, the assembled players were asked to cast their votes for who they believed was the best all-around poker player of the tournament. This method was a direct reflection of the sport’s nascent stage; there wasn’t yet a standardized structure or a universal agreement on how to definitively measure poker supremacy over a series of different games. The decision to use a player vote underscored the community-driven nature of early poker culture.
Johnny Moss, a legendary figure in poker known for his skill and longevity, was the recipient of this historic vote. Moss had a formidable reputation at the time, having already achieved significant success in the poker world. His victory in this manner, rather than through a conventional heads-up finale, highlighted a period where reputation and peer recognition played a more significant role in establishing poker’s elite. The players themselves, recognizing Moss’s consistent performance and respected standing, effectively ratified his status as the first WSOP champion. This voting system, while unconventional by modern standards, was a pragmatic solution for an event that was, above all, a gathering of the era’s top poker minds.
This unique approach to determining a winner set a precedent for the spirit of the WSOP, even as the tournament formats evolved. It demonstrated that at its core, poker is a game where respect among competitors is paramount. The fact that the players themselves were empowered to select their champion speaks volumes about the collaborative and almost tribal atmosphere that existed among the top poker professionals of the time. It was a moment where the community, not just a scoreboard, defined the pinnacle of achievement in the game.
The Players Involved and Their Stature
The participants in the 1970 WSOP were not just any players; they were the pioneers and legends of poker’s golden age. Names like Doyle Brunson, Amarillo Slim, Puggy Pearson, and of course, Johnny Moss, were all present. These individuals were not only exceptional poker players but also personalities who helped shape the public perception of the game. They were respected not just for their ability to read hands but also for their strategic thinking, their nerve, and their often-colorful characters. The very fact that they were the ones voting for the champion lends immense weight to the outcome, as it was a consensus among the game’s finest.
Johnny Moss, the eventual winner, was already a seasoned professional by 1970. He had a reputation for being exceptionally cool under pressure and possessed an uncanny ability to read his opponents. His career spanned across multiple decades, and he was a fixture in the high-stakes games that were the precursors to the modern tournament circuit. His inclusion on the ballot, and subsequent election, was a reflection of his deeply ingrained status within the poker fraternity. He wasn’t just a participant; he was an institution, and the other players recognized this.
The collective decision reflected a shared understanding of what constituted poker mastery. It wasn’t solely about winning a single tournament, but about consistent excellence across various games and enduring respect within the community. The vote for Johnny Moss acknowledged his long-standing contributions and ongoing prowess. This democratic vote, therefore, was a meaningful affirmation from his peers, solidifying his legacy as the first champion of what would become the world’s most prestigious poker event.
Evolution of the WSOP Format Post-1970
Following the unprecedented player vote that crowned Johnny Moss champion of “The First WSOP”, the organizers recognized the need for a more structured and definitive method for determining a winner. While the spirit of camaraderie and peer respect was important, the future of the World Series of Poker, and indeed professional poker, demanded a competitive format that could be universally understood and applied. This led to a gradual, but significant, evolution of the WSOP’s structure in the years that followed.
The most impactful change was the introduction and subsequent emphasis on the No-Limit Texas Hold’em Main Event. This variant, known for its strategic depth and potential for dramatic swings, quickly became the marquee event of the WSOP. By centering the championship around a single, high-stakes game, the WSOP could create a clear narrative and a definitive winner through traditional tournament play. This shift meant that skill, endurance, and strategic acumen at the No-Limit Texas Hold’em table would be the primary determinants of poker’s ultimate prize.
The WSOP continued to refine its tournament structures, introducing more events across various poker disciplines and increasing the buy-ins and prize pools. This professionalization cemented its status as the pinnacle of poker competition. Yet, the memory of that first vote serves as a foundational story, a reminder of WSOP’s roots and the respect that has always been a crucial element of the game. While the format shifted away from player ballots, the core idea of recognizing the best player resonated, albeit through a more rigorous and quantifiable competitive process.
The Impact of the 1970 Player Vote on Poker History
The decision to have players vote for the champion in the 1970 WSOP was a seminal moment that, while unique, had profound implications for the future of poker. It provided an informal yet powerful validation of the game’s elite players and underscored the importance of reputation and peer recognition in an era before comprehensive statistical tracking and global recognition were common. This method of selection highlighted the intimate, community-driven nature of high-stakes poker during that period, where personal relationships and respect played a significant role.
While the WSOP rapidly transitioned to competitive tournament formats, the spirit of this initial vote echoes in the deference and respect top players accord one another today. It showcased that poker is not merely a solitary pursuit of wealth but also a complex social dynamic where influence and standing among peers matter. This event stands as a curious anomaly but a critical one, demonstrating how the very definition of “champion” could be shaped by the consensus of those playing the game at the highest level.
Ultimately, the 1970 player vote for “The First WSOP” champion became a fascinating footnote in poker lore. It represented a nascent stage of professional poker, where the community itself could confer the highest honor. Although subsequent championships have relied on the rigorous test of tournament play, this initial, democratic crowning remains a unique testament to the formative years of professional poker and the respect that has always been a cornerstone of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Johnny Moss the only player voted for?
No, Johnny Moss was not the only player voted for, but he received the most votes from his peers. The decision was made by a collective ballot, making it a democratic process where the majority opinion among the participants determined the champion of the inaugural event.
How many players participated in the 1970 WSOP voting?
While an exact number of voters who cast ballots for “The First WSOP” isn’t definitively recorded, it’s understood that all the participating players were eligible to vote. This meant a significant group of poker legends, who comprised the entirety of the field, contributed to the selection.
Did the WSOP ever use the player vote system again?
No, the WSOP never used the player vote system to determine a champion again after 1970. The subsequent World Series of Poker events implemented standardized tournament formats, primarily focusing on Texas Hold’em, to crown champions based on competitive play and elimination.