WSOP Records That Will (Probably) Never Be Broken

Triple Main Event WSOP Winners
 

Let's start with a record that's perhaps the most prestigious. Winning the WSOP Main Event is an accomplishment that only a select few achieve. Winning it once is a historic feat. Winning it three times? Only two men have managed this in history.

• Johnny Moss – A Pioneer Legend

Moss was part of the very first WSOP in 1970, where he was voted the winner by his peers. He officially holds three titles (1970, 1971, 1974), though one wasn't won in the traditional way.

• Stu Ungar – The Tragic Genius

Ungar is the only player to have truly won the WSOP Main Event three times (1980, 1981, 1997) through play. His 1997 comeback, after years of personal struggles, is one of the most remarkable returns in the game's history. With the growing number of players in the Main Event, the element of chance, and increasing competition, it seems a triple Main Event win will remain forever untouched.

Most WSOP Bracelets in History: Phil Hellmuth (17)
 

Whether loved or loathed, there's no denying Phil Hellmuth's indelible mark on history. Known as the “Poker Brat,” he's amassed 17 WSOP bracelets, the most of any player. His first victory came in 1989 when he defeated Johnny Chan in the Main Event final at just 24 years old. Since then, he's consistently added to his trophy count and remains the only player to win WSOP tournaments over five decades (1980s–2020s).

Interestingly, all TOP 5 players in the historical WSOP bracelet ranking are from the USA.

Most Bracelets Won in a Single Year (8 players with 3 each)
 

Only eight players in WSOP history have won three bracelets in one season. Despite the growing number of events each year, this is an extraordinary achievement requiring skill, endurance, and a fair bit of luck. Last year, Scott Seiver accomplished it after a decade; this year, Benny Glaser replicated the feat. Here's the full list of players who won three bracelets in one season:

• Puggy Pearson (1973)

• Ted Forrest (1993)

• Phil Hellmuth (1993)

• Phil Ivey (2002)

• Jeff Lisandro (2009)

• George Danzer (2014)

• Scott Seiver (2024)

• Benny Glaser (2025)

The Most Successful Poker Families in WSOP History
 

At the WSOP, the idea that poker talent can be hereditary is often proven true. Whether it's siblings learning together at the kitchen table or parents passing down their card skills to the next generation, the WSOP has many unforgettable family success stories.

Most Successful Siblings: The Mizrachi Brothers (13 bracelets)

When you hear “poker family,” the Mizrachi name likely comes to mind.

Michael Mizrachi (“The Grinder”) – 8 WSOP bracelets

Robert Mizrachi – 5 WSOP bracelets

The brothers Michael and Robert collectively hold 13 titles, placing them at the top among sibling pairs. Interestingly, their other brother Eric nearly added to the family total when he finished second in the 2023 $1,000 No Limit Hold'em - Freezeout event.

Most Successful Parent and Child: The Brunsons (11 bracelets)

In the parent-child rankings, no combination is more famous than Doyle and Todd Brunson:

• Doyle Brunson – 10 WSOP bracelets

• Todd Brunson – 1 WSOP bracelet

Together they have 11 titles and are the most successful father-son duo in the series' history. Doyle, who passed away in 2023, left not only a legendary career but also a living legacy in his son Todd. Curiously, Doyle didn’t teach Todd poker; Todd learned it himself during his studies.

Youngest WSOP Winners: When Teenagers Make History
 

Poker itself has no age limits on who can win, but the laws worldwide do. However, some players have overcome all barriers to become historic winners at an incredibly young age, just days after the law allowed them to sit at the table.

Anette Obrestad – Youngest WSOP Event Winner (18 years and 358 days)

In 2007, legendary Norwegian player Anette Obrestad won the WSOP Europe Main Event in London just days before her 19th birthday. She took home a cool million pounds. Obrestad gradually stepped away from the tournament scene, with her last WSOP ITM cash in 2018. Given the minimum age for poker, 18 in Europe and 21 in Vegas, it’s no wonder her record remains unbeaten.

Steve Billirakis – Youngest WSOP Event Winner in Las Vegas (21 years and 10 days)

American player Steve Billirakis claimed his first WSOP bracelet in 2007 (the same year as Obrestad) just 10 days after turning 21, barely meeting Nevada’s legal age requirement. He won the initial event of the series (the $5,000 Mixed Games Championship), setting a practically unbeatable record since no younger player can legally compete in Las Vegas.

Joe Cada – Youngest WSOP Main Event Winner (21 years and 357 days)

In 2009, Joe Cada broke the one-year-old record set by Peter Eastgate to become the youngest WSOP Main Event champion, winning just shy of his 22nd birthday.

Poker Has No Retirement Age
 

At the World Series of Poker, it's clear that poker passion and skill know no age limits. Some of the most awe-inspiring stories in WSOP history involve players who could have been solving crosswords instead of racking up bracelets.

Farhintaj Bonyadi – Oldest WSOP Winner (83 years)

In 2018, American Farhintaj Bonyadi made WSOP history by winning the $1,000 Super Seniors Event at the age of 83. Although this remains her only tournament victory, it’s truly iconic. Interestingly, her son Farzad Bonyadi is a successful pro with four bracelets, making them the first mother-son duo to win WSOP bracelets.

Johnny Moss – Oldest Main Event Winner (66 years)

The legendary Johnny Moss set a record by winning the Main Event in 1974 at age 66. His nickname “The Grand Old Man of Poker” couldn’t be more fitting. Mentioned earlier as a triple Main Event winner from 1970, 1971, and 1974, he has 9 WSOP bracelets. His 1974 victory after a four-hour heads-up with Crandell Addington remains an iconic moment in WSOP history.

Eugene Calden – Oldest WSOP Participant (100 years)

In 2023, a name many fans will never forget appeared at the WSOP Main Event — Eugene Calden, a 100-year-old poker veteran who started publicly playing at 85 and since won nearly $200,000. Given he participates in smaller events with $100 to $200 buy-ins, this is a remarkable sum. Still active at 102 years old in 2025, he's continuing his poker career.

Source: WSOP, Wikipedia, PokerNews, SuperPoker, PGT