The World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE) made its debut in 2007, marking the first time WSOP bracelet events were ever held outside Las Vegas. During its four-year run in London, the Main Event delivered dramatic battles, record-setting performances, and breakthrough champions whose victories reshaped WSOP history.
2007: Annette Obrestad Becomes the Youngest WSOP Champion
The inaugural WSOPE Main Event featured a £10,000 buy-in and drew 362 players, creating a prize pool exceeding $7.2 million. With major names falling before the final table, the spotlight shifted to 19-year-old Annette Obrestad and Welsh pro John Tabatabai. Their heads-up duel stretched across 94 hands, showcasing long momentum swings and disciplined play.
Key Hand: In a decisive pot on a 7c-6c-5h board, Tabatabai held two pair but ran into Obrestad’s flopped set of sevens. The turn sealed her victory, making her the youngest WSOP bracelet winner in history and the first WSOPE Main Event champion.
2008: John Juanda Outlasts a Record Marathon Final Table
The second WSOPE Main Event again took place in London, attracting 363 players. A stacked final table featured John Juanda, Daniel Negreanu, Scott Fischman, and Ivan Demidov. The event set multiple WSOP records, including a 484-hand final table and a 242-hand heads-up match between Juanda and Stanislav Alekhin.
Key Hand: On a Kc-Qh-7c flop, Alekhin called all-in with a flush draw, while Juanda held top pair. The board ran clean, giving Juanda a critical lead that carried him to his fourth WSOP bracelet.
2009: Barry Shulman Denies Daniel Negreanu After Dramatic Swings
The 2009 edition saw 334 entries and a final table stacked with elite talent, including Negreanu, Jason Mercier, Chris Bjorin, and Barry Shulman. Negreanu entered heads-up with a sizable chip lead, but a series of pivotal all-ins shifted momentum repeatedly.
Key Hand: With Kd-8h-6h on the board, Shulman’s Ah-5h hit a winning flush against Negreanu’s aces. Later, after another reversal, a rivered ace crushed Negreanu’s two-pair—setting up Shulman’s eventual victory.
2010: James Bord Becomes the First Home-Soil Champion
The final WSOPE Main Event hosted in London attracted 346 players and included well-known pros such as Phil Ivey, Viktor Blom, Barry Greenstein, and Freddy Deeb. After Ronald Lee’s deep run ended in third, James Bord faced Fabrizio Baldassari heads-up with the crowd strongly behind the hometown favorite.
Key Hand: Baldassari shoved over Bord’s raise holding Qs-8s, while Bord called with Ad-Kc. The board held clean, flipping the match in Bord’s favor. He later sealed the title with pocket tens, becoming the first—and still only—WSOPE champion crowned on British soil.
WSOPE Main Event – The First 4 Years at a Glance
- 2007: Annette Obrestad wins at age 19, the youngest bracelet winner in WSOP history.
- 2008: John Juanda wins the longest WSOP final table ever played.
- 2009: Barry Shulman overcomes Negreanu after multiple dramatic momentum shifts.
- 2010: James Bord becomes the first U.K. player to win the WSOPE Main Event.
WSOPE Main Event – Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the first WSOPE Main Event held?
The first WSOPE Main Event was held in 2007 at The Casino at the Empire in London.
Who won the inaugural WSOPE Main Event?
Annette Obrestad won the 2007 Main Event, becoming the youngest WSOP bracelet winner at 19.
What made the 2008 final table historic?
The 2008 final lasted 484 hands, including a 242-hand heads-up match—the longest in WSOP history.
Which notable players reached the 2009 final table?
Daniel Negreanu, Barry Shulman, Jason Mercier, and two members of the WSOP November Nine all reached the final table.
Who became the first British WSOPE Main Event champion?
James Bord won the 2010 Main Event, becoming the first and only home-soil champion.
Did dramatic momentum swings influence these Main Events?
Yes—each of the four events featured major shifts in chip leads and pivotal all-in confrontations.
