The Largest Poker Jackpot of all Time – 12 Winners

The world of high-stakes poker is often associated with incredible skill, intense psychological battles, and, for a select few, life-changing sums of money. When we think of poker tournaments, especially the prestigious World Series of Poker (WSOP), many might imagine prizes in the tens or hundreds of thousands. However, the reality for the top champions often far exceeds these expectations, venturing into the multi-million dollar territory.

These aren't just small wins; they represent some of the largest individual prize payouts in competitive sports. We've delved into the archives to bring you a list of the twelve players who have secured the most substantial single-event poker prizes in history, showcasing the immense potential rewards at the pinnacle of the game. Prepare to be amazed as we count down from impressive millions to truly staggering figures.

The Pinnacle of Poker Prizes: A Look at the Biggest Winners

The World Series of Poker Main Event is undoubtedly the most famous tournament, but other high-roller events, particularly the “One Drop” series, have also generated some of the largest prize pools ever seen. Here are the players who etched their names into poker history with monumental wins:

12. Jerry Yang (2007 WSOP Main Event) – $8.25 Million

Hailing from Laos, Jerry Yang made an unforgettable run at the 38th World Series of Poker Main Event in 2007. A relative unknown at the time, Yang captivated audiences with his aggressive play and deep faith, ultimately triumphing over a field of 6,358 players to claim the coveted gold bracelet and a staggering $8.25 million prize. His victory remains one of the most inspiring underdog stories in WSOP history.

11. Ryan Riess (2013 WSOP Main Event) – $8.36 Million

At just 23 years old, American professional poker player Ryan Riess captured the first-place prize at the 2013 WSOP Main Event. He navigated a massive field of 6,352 entrants, showcasing remarkable composure and strategic prowess to secure his place as champion and take home over $8.36 million. Riess's win solidified his reputation as a formidable force in the poker world.

10. Greg Merson (2012 WSOP Main Event) – $8.53 Million

Greg Merson's victory at the 2012 WSOP Main Event was not just a testament to his poker skill but also a powerful story of personal triumph. The American pro, who openly discussed his past struggles, overcame significant challenges to win the Main Event, earning $8.53 million. Merson also achieved the rare feat of being named the 2012 WSOP Player of the Year, further cementing his incredible performance.

9. Joe Cada (2009 WSOP Main Event) – $8.55 Million

Joe Cada made history in 2009 by becoming the youngest player ever to win the WSOP Main Event at the age of 21. The American native outlasted 6,494 opponents to claim the top prize of over $8.55 million. Beyond poker, Cada has also pursued a career as a professional indoor soccer player, demonstrating a diverse range of talents.

8. Pius Heinz (2011 WSOP Main Event) – $8.71 Million

Pius Heinz became the first German player to win the WSOP Main Event in 2011. His calm demeanor and calculated aggression saw him through a field of 6,865 players, earning him the prestigious title and a prize of more than $8.71 million. Heinz's victory marked a significant moment for European poker on the global stage.

7. Jonathan Duhamel (2010 WSOP Main Event) – $8.94 Million

Canadian poker pro Jonathan Duhamel made history in 2010 by becoming the first Canadian to win the WSOP Main Event. He took home an impressive $8.94 million after defeating 7,319 other players. Duhamel also demonstrated a generous spirit, donating $100,000 of his winnings to the Canadian Children's Foundation, leaving a lasting positive impact beyond the felt.

6. Peter Eastgate (2008 WSOP Main Event) – $9.15 Million

At 22 years old, Denmark's Peter Eastgate became the youngest WSOP Main Event champion at the time in 2008, securing a prize of over $9.15 million. Eastgate later made headlines for auctioning off his WSOP Gold Bracelet, donating the $147,000 proceeds to UNICEF, showcasing a philanthropic side to his historic win.

5. Martin Jacobson (2014 WSOP Main Event) – $10 Million

Swedish professional poker player Martin Jacobson delivered a masterclass performance at the 2014 WSOP Main Event, coming from behind at the final table to claim the $10 million first prize. Known for his consistent high-level play, Jacobson's victory was a culmination of years of dedication and strategic excellence, solidifying his status as one of the game's elite.

4. Jamie Gold (2006 WSOP Main Event) – $12 Million

Jamie Gold's dominant run at the 2006 WSOP Main Event is legendary. The American entertainment executive, known for his charismatic table talk, navigated a record-breaking field of 8,773 players with unparalleled confidence. Gold's victory earned him a staggering $12 million, making it one of the largest Main Event payouts ever and a memorable moment in poker history.

3. Elton Tsang (2016 Monte-Carlo One Drop Extravaganza) – $12.25 Million

While not a WSOP event, the Monte-Carlo One Drop Extravaganza in 2016 featured an astronomical buy-in and an equally massive prize pool. Canadian-born professional poker player Elton Tsang, now residing in Hong Kong, emerged victorious, taking home over $12.25 million. This win cemented his place among the highest earners in a single poker tournament, showcasing the immense payouts possible in super high-roller events.

2. Daniel Colman (2014 Big One for One Drop) – $15.31 Million

Daniel Colman's win at the 2014 Big One for One Drop tournament was one of the most talked-about moments in poker. The American pro secured an incredible $15.31 million, making it the second-largest single poker prize ever awarded. Colman's subdued reaction to his monumental victory sparked considerable discussion on social media, adding another layer to his historic achievement.

1. Antonio Esfandiari (2012 Big One for One Drop) – $18.35 Million

The undisputed champion of single-event poker winnings is Antonio Esfandiari. In 2012, “The Magician,” as he is known from his former career, conjured up an astonishing victory at the inaugural Big One for One Drop tournament at the World Series of Poker. The Iranian-American pro took home an incredible $18.35 million, a record that still stands for the largest single payout in poker tournament history. Esfandiari's charismatic personality and unique chip tricks made his win even more memorable.

The Dream of Every Poker Player

These incredible stories highlight the immense potential rewards at the highest levels of professional poker. While such astronomical sums are rare, they serve as a testament to the skill, endurance, and sometimes sheer luck required to conquer the world's most prestigious tournaments. For many, the dream of a multi-million dollar score remains a powerful driving force in the captivating game of poker.