What Is 2016 World Series Of Poker

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2016 World Series of Poker (WSOP) was the 47th annual series held from May 31 to July 19, 2016, at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, featuring 69 bracelet events and a $10 million guaranteed prize pool in the main event.

Key Facts

The 2016 WSOP ran from May 31 to July 19 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
A record-breaking 22,374 entries were made in the $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em ‘Colossus II’ event.
Quentin Hart won the Main Event, earning $8,000,000 from a $61,049,100 prize pool.
There were 69 bracelet events in total during the 2016 series.
The $1 million Big One for One Drop drew 95 entries, creating a $8,550,000 prize pool.

Overview

The 2016 World Series of Poker marked the 47th edition of the premier poker tournament series, hosted annually in Las Vegas. Held at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, the event spanned over seven weeks, beginning on May 31 and concluding with the Main Event final table on July 19.

This year’s series continued the tradition of attracting top players and amateurs alike, offering a diverse schedule of 69 bracelet events across multiple poker variants. The expansion of buy-in levels and innovative formats helped boost participation, particularly in mid-tier events.

Colossus II: The $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em event drew a record 22,374 entrants, creating a $31,323,600 prize pool and awarding 2,685 payouts.
Main Event: The $10,000 buy-in No-Limit Hold’em Championship attracted 6,865 players, forming a prize pool of $61,049,100, with the winner earning $8 million.
International Reach: Players from over 100 countries participated, reflecting the global appeal of the WSOP, with strong representation from Europe and Asia.
Women’s Event: The $10,000 Ladies No-Limit Hold’em Championship saw 1,138 entrants, the second-highest turnout in the event’s history.
Online Integration: For the first time, select bracelet events were available to U.S.-based players via WSOP.com, bridging land-based and online poker.

How It Works

The WSOP operates as a series of poker tournaments held consecutively, each awarding a championship bracelet to the winner. Players pay a buy-in to enter, with prize pools funded by these fees and structured according to the number of participants.

Buy-In: Entry fees ranged from $360 for the Casino Employees event to $111,111 for the One Drop High Roller, determining eligibility and prize pool size.
Blind Levels: Tournament structures used 30-minute blind levels in early stages, increasing as events progressed to accelerate play and reduce duration.
Chip Value: Starting stacks were typically 30,000 chips, with blinds beginning at 50/100, ensuring extended early gameplay.
Final Table: The Main Event’s final nine players, known as the November Nine, were delayed until July to allow for televised production and player promotion.
Prize Distribution: Payouts followed a 9-tier structure, with the winner receiving approximately 18% of the total prize pool in the Main Event.
Eligibility: Players had to be at least 21 years old and physically present in Nevada or New Jersey (for online events) to participate.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key WSOP events from 2014, 2015, and 2016, highlighting participation trends and prize growth:

Event	Year	Entries	Prize Pool	Winner’s Share
Main Event	2014	6,683	$56,780,520	$10,000,000
Main Event	2015	6,420	$58,833,000	$7,680,021
Main Event	2016	6,865	$61,049,100	$8,000,000
Colossus	2015	8,307	$10,383,750	$728,883
Colossus II	2016	22,374	$31,323,600	$1,409,671

The data shows a significant increase in participation for both the Main Event and Colossus II in 2016, indicating renewed interest in live poker tournaments. The success of low-buy-in events like Colossus II helped drive record attendance, while high roller events maintained elite status with stable turnout.

Why It Matters

The 2016 WSOP played a crucial role in shaping modern poker, blending traditional live play with digital expansion and broader accessibility. Its influence extended beyond prize money, impacting poker culture, media coverage, and player development worldwide.

Global Recognition: Winning a WSOP bracelet remains the pinnacle of achievement, elevating players like Quentin Hart to international fame.
Media Exposure: ESPN televised the Main Event final table, reaching millions and boosting poker’s visibility during prime viewing hours.
Online Growth: The integration of WSOP.com marked a turning point in legalizing and legitimizing online poker in the U.S.
Economic Impact: The series generated millions in revenue for Las Vegas hotels, restaurants, and casinos, reinforcing its regional importance.
Player Development: Many emerging pros used mid-tier events as springboards, gaining experience and confidence on the world stage.
Charity Integration: The One Drop events raised significant funds for global water initiatives, combining philanthropy with high-stakes competition.

The 2016 World Series of Poker not only celebrated poker excellence but also demonstrated the game’s evolving landscape, balancing tradition with innovation to ensure long-term sustainability and growth.