In this article, we'll introduce the 5 biggest wins in the history of poker tournaments. We'll look at the names that are forever written in history, from Antonio Esfandiari, who pocketed nearly $18.3 million in the legendary Big One for One Drop tournament in 2012, to Bryn Kenney, who walked away from the Triton Million with an astronomical $20.5 million, even though he technically finished second. This ranking isn't just for statistics enthusiasts, it's a journey into a world where poker is played at the highest possible level, with unimaginable pressure, massive buy-ins, and even bigger dreams. So sit back and ride along with us as we go through the biggest poker strikes in the history of live tournament poker.
Bryn Kenney – $20,563,324*
The biggest win in poker history and he didn't even win the whole tournament! When Bryn Kenney left the Triton Million tables in 2019, he made poker history in bold letters. He took home a crazy $20,563,324 from the event, despite finishing second. How's that even possible? It's all about the deal that changed history. Kenney made it to heads-up with Chinese player Aaron Zang in this tournament, holding a significant chip lead. At that moment, he proposed a deal, dividing the prize pool based on stacks.
His opponent agreed and thanks to that, Bryn secured the largest win in poker history, even though he ultimately lost the heads-up. Zang won the tournament, but Kenney walked away richer. A beautiful example that in poker, it's not just about the cards, but about well-timed business deals. The question remains, though, whether he left the tournament with a fatter bank account or a megalomaniac confidence, since after the match he himself said: "I think I'm the best player in the world. And now I have the proof." This win catapulted Kenney to the top of the all-time tournament money list.
Antonio Esfandiari – $18,346,673
In 2012, Antonio Esfandiari made sure that the word "magical" would never sound ordinary in the poker world again. In the WSOP Big One for One Drop tournament, which had a $1 million buy-in, he performed his greatest magical trick - turning a million into $18,346,673. The 48-entry field was made up exclusively of high roller elites, businessmen, celebrities, and poker greats. And among them, one magician who managed to play it all out. I the finale he defeated British pro Sam Trickett and took away the then-biggest poker win of all time.
An interesting fact is that the Big One for One Drop was not only the most expensive tournament in WSOP history, but also a charity event, as $111,111 from every buy-in went to the non-profit organisation One Drop, which helps give people in need access to clean water. In total, more than $5 million was raised for a good cause in the course of one poker tournament.
Aaron Zang – $16,775,820
The aforementioned Aaron Zang shouldn't feel sorry for himself. Sure, technically he finished first, but due to the deal with Bryn Kenney, he walked away from the Triton Million with "only" $16,775,820. But let's be honest, if this is a "consolation prize," who would be crying about it?
In the Triton Million, Zang entered the heads-up at a clear disadvantage against Kenney's chip tower, but this didn't faze the Chinese pro. Before the tournament, Aaron Zang wasn't considered among the top favourites, not even well-known in poker circles. The Triton Million was his first major international title and at the same time the biggest win he ever achieved. And after this victory, he also behaved like a true gentleman, humble, modest, without big gestures. As if winning almost 17 million was something that just happens on a regular Tuesday.
Daniel Colman – $15,306,668
It's 2014 and only 24-year-old Daniel Colman, known online as "mrGR33N13", is about to do something that will change his life and bank account forever. In the Big One for One Drop tournament with a million-dollar buy-in at the WSOP, Colman battled through a tough field of poker elite and took home $15,306,668. No big words. No theatrics. Just like a boss.
In the final hand, he faced the legendary Daniel Negreanu. KQ offsuit against A4. An uneventful board, except for that little, inconspicuous ten on the river, which completed a straight for Colman. Boom. The tournament was over, Colman won, Negreanu took home “just” $8.2 million and still smiled more than the actual winner.
After his win, Colman became known not only for the size of his winnings, but also for his refusal to be in the spotlight. He didn't give interviews, didn't dance for the cameras, didn't drink champagne, just said a quiet "thank you." He later explained that he didn't want to celebrate gambling and that poker is not the path to happiness. But $15.3 million is certainly not something to throw away, right?
Elton Tsang – $12,248,912
Elton Tsang may not be among the resounding names in poker mainstream, but in high stakes circles, he's a well-known figure. In 2016, at the closed Monte Carlo One Drop Extravaganza tournament, which was open only to "non-professionals," he delivered a performance that instantly catapulted him into the poker pantheon. The result? A modest $12,248,912 for winning this invitational event for the extremely wealthy.
The tournament had a $1 million buy-in, so the field wasn't large, but that made it all the more fierce. In the final, Tsang defeated Anatoly Gurtovoy, with the difference between first and second place being a whopping $6 million.
If this list taught us anything, it's this - in poker, boundaries are hard to determine and sometimes impossible to define at all. These players turned buy-ins into fairy-tale fortunes. Their winnings are proof that when talent, courage, and a little luck meet at the table, you can leave as a legend. So shuffle up and deal... because in poker, anything really is possible.
Sources: Betm/ Pexels/ thehendonmob.com/ Poker.org/ triton-series / alchetron