History that uses first-hand interviews, video footage, and written accounts to craft an account of poker, from its beginnings as a casino's publicity stunt in 1970. This book introduces colourful characters and chronicles some of the gut-wrenching and heart-breaking moments, often with millions at stake, to be found in any event of its kind.

It's an understatement to call poker a national obsession, and the World Series championship represents the game's most enviable achievement. The 2005 tournament was covered by more than three hundred reporters from around the world and televised on ESPN. Its ratings blew away NBA coverage, and has NBC considering bringing the WSOP to network TV in 2006. In this exciting history, the authors use first-hand interviews, video footage, and written accounts to craft a comprehensive and highly entertaining account of the greatest tournament in the world, from its humble beginnings as a second-tier casino's publicity stunt in 1970 to the most coveted crown in a game that has swept the planet. They introduce colourful - and seemingly fearless - characters and chronicle some of the most gut-wrenching and heart-breaking moments - often with millions at stake - to be found in any event of its kind. Amazingly enough, while the World Series has been touched upon in numerous bestsellers, no one has ever written a comprehensive account of the history of the biggest poker tournament on earth.