What Is 2011 World Series of Poker results

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2011 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event was won by Pius Heinz, a 22-year-old from Germany, who took home $8,711,956 after defeating Martin Staszko in the final. The tournament began with 6,865 entries, creating a prize pool of $64,531,000.

Key Facts

Pius Heinz won the 2011 WSOP Main Event, earning $8,711,956
The Main Event had 6,865 entrants, the second-largest in WSOP history at the time
Total prize pool for the Main Event was $64,531,000
Heinz defeated Martin Staszko heads-up after a final table that lasted two days
This was the first WSOP Main Event victory by a German player

Overview

The 2011 World Series of Poker (WSOP) marked the 42nd annual edition of the prestigious poker tournament series, held at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas from May 31 to November 14. The centerpiece event—the $10,000 No-Limit Texas Hold’em Main Event—drew massive international attention and record participation, second only to the historic 2006 turnout.

Champion Pius Heinz, a relatively unknown player from Cologne, Germany, emerged victorious after a grueling heads-up battle with Czech player Martin Staszko. His win not only earned him life-changing money but also made history as the first German to win the WSOP Main Event.

Pius Heinz won the 2011 WSOP Main Event, defeating Martin Staszko heads-up to claim $8,711,956, the largest share of the prize pool.
The Main Event attracted 6,865 entrants, creating a total prize pool of $64,531,000, with the top nine finishers receiving seven-figure payouts.
Final Table play was delayed due to the November Nine format, where the final nine players paused in July and reconvened in October to finish the event.
Heinz entered the final table with a commanding chip lead, having accumulated over 87 million chips by the end of Day 7.
The 2011 WSOP awarded a total of 58 gold bracelets across various poker disciplines, including Omaha, Seven-Card Stud, and H.O.R.S.E.

How It Works

The World Series of Poker operates through a structured format where players compete in individual events for gold bracelets and prize money, culminating in the Main Event. Each event follows a no-elimination, winner-take-all or structured payout model based on buy-ins and player count.

Buy-In: The Main Event required a $10,000 entry fee, standard for WSOP championship events, allowing players to buy in once or re-enter if eliminated early.
Blind Levels: Tournament play advanced through 15-minute blind levels, increasing pressure on players to accumulate chips or risk elimination.
November Nine: Introduced in 2008, this format paused the final table in July and resumed it in November to build media anticipation and TV coverage.
Heads-Up Play: After eliminating eight opponents, Heinz faced Staszko in a two-day heads-up battle that concluded on November 8, 2011.
Payout Structure: The top 1,047 finishers in the Main Event earned prize money, with the bottom payout starting at $19,079.
International Field: Players from over 80 countries participated, reflecting the global growth of poker, with strong showings from Europe and Latin America.

Comparison at a Glance

WSOP Main Event results from key years illustrate trends in participation, prize pools, and winner demographics:

Year	Entrants	Winner	First Prize	Location
2009	6,494	Joe Cada	$8,546,435	Las Vegas
2010	7,319	Jonathan Duhamel	$8,944,310	Las Vegas
2011	6,865	Pius Heinz	$8,711,956	Las Vegas
2012	6,598	Greg Merson	$8,531,858	Las Vegas
2013	6,352	Ryan Riess	$8,361,570	Las Vegas

The 2011 event maintained high global interest despite a slight dip from the 2010 peak. Pius Heinz’s victory highlighted the rise of European poker talent, while the November Nine format continued to boost television ratings and fan engagement through delayed final table coverage.

Why It Matters

The 2011 WSOP Main Event was a pivotal moment in poker history, symbolizing the globalization of the game and the increasing competitiveness of international players. It also underscored the impact of structured media formats like the November Nine on tournament visibility and player fame.

Pius Heinz’s win elevated Germany’s status in the poker world, inspiring a new generation of European players to pursue professional careers.
The November Nine format demonstrated how strategic delays could enhance storytelling and broadcast appeal in live poker events.
With 58 bracelet events, the 2011 WSOP offered diverse opportunities, promoting inclusivity across poker variants and skill levels.
The event helped solidify the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino as the long-term home of the WSOP, hosting the series through 2022.
Increased online qualification through WSOP.com satellites allowed more amateur players to compete, democratizing access.
The 2011 results contributed to poker’s legitimacy as a competitive sport, influencing future regulations and player endorsements.

Ultimately, the 2011 World Series of Poker not only crowned a new champion but also reinforced poker’s evolving landscape—blending tradition, technology, and global participation.