World Series of Poker Asia Pacific
The World Series of Poker Asia Pacific (WSOP APAC) is the third expansion of the World Series of Poker-branded poker tournaments outside the United States. Since 1970 participants have had to travel to Las Vegas, Nevada to compete in the World Series of Poker (WSOP). Although the WSOP started holding circuit events in 2005 in other states, the main tournaments, which awarded bracelets to the winners, were exclusively held in Las Vegas. In 2007 the inaugural World Series of Poker Europe marked the first time that a WSOP bracelet was awarded outside Las Vegas. The WSOP further expanded to Africa in 2010 and 2012 however these events did not award any bracelets.
Bigger Deal: A Year Inside the Poker Boom
The main thrust of the book is the changes that poker has undergone since the game became immensely popular following the 2003 World Series of Poker and the advent of Internet casinos and cardrooms. When Holden played in the 1988 World Series of Poker, there were only 167 starters competing for a first prize of $270,000. At the 2006 World Series, where this book climaxes, there were almost nine thousand players and a first prize of $12 million, the richest in any sport.