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1980 World Series of Poker |
1980 World Series of PokerA summary of 1980 world series of poker.
Since its launch in 1970, the World Series of Poker was considered as the most prestigious event in the poker scene. Even in the following years, the tournament never failed to draw an increasing number of poker players and enthusiasts alike. As it was, it was not surprising that seventy-three contestants turned up for the 1980 WSOP event, the largest field during that time. It was, perhaps, Hal Fowler's win the previous year that made poker players from different parts of the world flock to Las Vegas, Nevada and participate in the reputable poker event. A non-professional's win, after all, proved that just about anybody could win a WSOP title.
However, the 1980 WSOP was a tournament that was clearly not just for anybody. With competitors like Doyle "Texas Dolly" Brunson, Thomas Amarillo "Slim" Preston, Bobby Baldwin, Bobby Hoff, Ken Smith, Walter "Puggy" Pearson, and Brian "Sailor" Roberts, it would take a player plenty of luck and skills to emerge as the winner. Besides, the $10,000 buy-in is obviously no small cash requirement to enter the tournament.
Held in the glitzy Binion's Horseshoe in Las Vegas, Nevada, the 1980 WSOP went on from May 19 to May 22. The first day saw the arrival of players from other parts of the globe like Jerry Fong of Canada, Jim Ray of Peru, Colette Doherty of Ireland, and Gilbert "The Frenchman" of France. Unfortunately though, it was also during the first day that twenty-three out of the seventy-three contestants were eliminated.
With only forty remaining players, the second day of the 1980 World Series of Poker proceeded with more tension and loss. Three former WSOP title-holders were among those that were knocked out from the tournament. At the end of the day, only twelve resilient players remained to compete for the championship. One of these players is Gabe Kaplan, an actor-comedian of the popular sitcom, "Welcome Back, Kotter."
In the third day of the event, the twelve players once again met to engage in a fierce competition to determine who will take home the WSOP title. Only the best survived, and contrary to popular opinion, Jerry Fong was among them. At exactly 5:10, he was bumped off the championship running, and was quickly followed by more players. The last player to be eliminated on the third day was Gabe Kaplan who lost to Johnny Moss at around 9:05 in the evening.
On the last day of the event, only five players were left to compete for the title and the pot prize. These players were Charles Dunwoody, Johnny Moss, Jay Heimowitz, Doyle Brunson, and Stu Ungar. Once again, a tight battle commenced among the five players. Twenty minutes shy of two in the afternoon, Charles Dunwoody was forced say goodbye to the championship. He was immediately followed by Johnny Moss who was knocked out from the running at 1:45. Several minutes more and Jay Heimowitz already exited, leaving Doyle Brunson and Stu Unger in an intense face off.
At the final table, Doyle Brunson was holding an ace of hearts and a 7 of spades. Meanwhile, Stu was holding a 5 and a 4, both of the spade suit. Thinking that he had a good hand, Doyle raised, which was called by Stu. When the flop showed an ace of diamond, a 7 of spade, and a 2 of clubs, Doyle went for a raise, which was once again called by Stu. A 3 of hearts appeared on the turn, prompting Stu to bet $30,000, while Doyle went for an all-in. However, the river showed a 2 of diamonds, and that was enough to make Stu Ungar the youngest WSOP champion that time.
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