01-21-07, LearnTexasHoldem:

1975 WSOP

In the 21st century, finding a poker game is as easy as turning on your computer. The proliferation of Internet poker sites has caused the number of poker professionals to explode, due to the easy access to the game for those with the skills, focus and determination to make it a career.

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More on the WSOP:

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WSOP Player Profiles
WSOP History
WSOP Winners
H.O.R.S.E.: The Player's Championship

Poker Far From Respected

In 1975, things were not so easy. Most computers were room sized affairs found on army bases, and poker was far from a respectable activity. Professionals who wanted to make a living at poker had to "ride the white line," traveling wherever they could to find a good game, milking it dry, and then getting out before getting arrested, mugged, or set upon by angry losers.

To make things easier on what at the time was a very difficult profession, some of these poker professionals joined forces, working off the same bankroll and watching each others' backs, although most would insist they went by a strict code of honor and never colluded during the game itself.

Sailor Roberts Wins WSOP

The most famous of these poker gangs was the triumvirate that included Doyle Brunson, Amarillo Slim, and Sailor Roberts. The three men appeared regularly in the World Series of Poker since its inception, and in 1972, Slim had won the event. In 1975, with a record 21 WSOP main event participants, it was Sailor's turn.

Sailor, actually Brian Roberts, who got his nickname due to his stretch in the Navy, had some fierce opposition in the 1975 WSOP main event. In addition to his two road partners, he needed to outplay Johnny Moss, considered the greatest player of his era, former champion Puggy Pearson, and perennial final table opponent Jesse Alto. Roberts fearlessness and aggressive style served him well to get him to the final three with Crandell "The Gentleman" Addington and Bob Hooks. Although Addington proved a tough opponent as well, he finally fell, leaving Roberts and Hooks to face off for the championship.

Pocket Jacks Enough

On the final hand, Hooks, took a flop of 7h 6c 2c with his hand of Jc9c. Holding two overcards and a big flush draw, he decided it was his time to make a move. Unfortunately, it wasn't. Roberts, with the chip lead, was holding pocket jacks, and with the low semi-connected board suggesting his opponent was pushing with some kind of draw, Roberts pushed back. Although a 9 on the turn gave Hooks a little more hope, a red 10 on the river ended matters and made Sailor Roberts World Poker Champion.

Sailor Roberts truly lived the gambler's lifestyle. A life of drugs, girls and gambling made things a constant party, but also one that ended his life too soon. Before he passed though, he left behind a legacy of poker greatness, the jewel in the crown being the championship of the 1975 World Series of Poker.

1975 WSOP Tournaments and Winners

EventWinnerPrizeEntrants
$10,000 Championship Event Sailor Roberts $220,000 21
$1,000 Razz Sam Angel $17,000 N/A
$1,000 2-7 Draw Bill Baxter $35,000 N/A
$5,000 No-Limit Hold'em Jay Heimowitz $32,000 N/A
$1,000 Seven-Card Stud Johnny Moss $44,000 N/A

WSOP Year By Year

2000's

1990's

1980's

1970's

2007 WSOP 1999 WSOP 1989 WSOP 1979 WSOP
2006 WSOP 1998 WSOP 1988 WSOP 1978 WSOP
2005 WSOP 1997 WSOP 1987 WSOP 1977 WSOP
2004 WSOP 1996 WSOP 1986 WSOP 1976 WSOP
2003 WSOP 1995 WSOP 1985 WSOP 1975 WSOP
2002 WSOP 1994 WSOP 1984 WSOP 1974 WSOP
2001 WSOP 1993 WSOP 1983 WSOP 1973 WSOP
2000 WSOP 1992 WSOP 1982 WSOP 1972 WSOP
  1991 WSOP 1981 WSOP 1971 WSOP
  1990 WSOP 1980 WSOP 1970 WSOP

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