What Is 2016 World Series of Poker results
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Last updated: April 15, 2026
Key Facts
- Qui Nguyen won the 2016 WSOP Main Event, earning $8,000,000
- The Main Event had 6,865 participants, the second-largest field at the time
- The tournament began on July 8 and concluded with the final table on October 30
- Gordon Vayo finished second, winning $4,670,944
- The 2016 WSOP featured a record 69 bracelet events
Overview
The 2016 World Series of Poker (WSOP) marked the 47th annual edition of the prestigious poker tournament series, held at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. This year's event drew record-breaking participation across its 69 bracelet events, culminating in the $10,000 No-Limit Hold'em Main Event, one of the most anticipated competitions in the poker world.
Qui Nguyen emerged as the champion of the Main Event, defeating a field of 6,865 players—the second-largest in WSOP history at the time. His victory on October 30, 2016, earned him a prize of $8 million and widespread recognition in the poker community.
- Qui Nguyen won the 2016 WSOP Main Event, taking home $8,000,000 as the first-place prize.
- The Main Event attracted 6,865 entrants, contributing to a prize pool of over $62 million.
- Final table play was delayed until October 30, following the 'November Nine' format used from 2008 to 2016.
- Gordon Vayo finished in second place, earning $4,670,944, the largest runner-up prize at the time.
- The 2016 WSOP hosted a record 69 bracelet events, surpassing previous years in total events offered.
How It Works
The WSOP Main Event follows a structured elimination format where players compete until one remains with all the chips. Each year, the tournament draws thousands of participants from around the globe, all vying for the coveted gold bracelet and multimillion-dollar prize.
- Buy-in: The Main Event requires a $10,000 entry fee, which grants players a set starting stack of tournament chips.
- Structure: The tournament uses escalating blind levels, increasing every 30 to 40 minutes to pressure players into action.
- Starting Chips: Each player begins with 50,000 chips, and the blinds start at 100/200 with a 200-chip ante.
- Registration: Players can enter during three starting flights (Days 1A, 1B, 1C) or via a single re-entry day.
- Final Table: In 2016, the final nine players were dubbed the 'November Nine', with play resuming months after the initial cut.
- Payouts: The prize pool is distributed among the top 15% of finishers, with the winner receiving the largest share.
Comparison at a Glance
Here's how the 2016 WSOP Main Event compares to recent editions in terms of participation and prize money:
| Year | Entrants | Winner | 1st Prize | Bracelet Events |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 6,865 | Qui Nguyen | $8,000,000 | 69 |
| 2015 | 6,420 | Joe McKeehen | $7,680,021 | 68 |
| 2014 | 6,683 | Martin Jacobson | $10,000,000 | 65 |
| 2013 | 6,352 | Ryan Riess | $8,361,573 | 62 |
| 2012 | 6,598 | Greg Merson | $8,531,853 | 48 |
The 2016 tournament saw a slight increase in participation compared to 2015 and continued the trend of growing global interest in the WSOP. While the first prize was lower than in 2014, when Martin Jacobson won $10 million, the $8 million payout still ranked among the highest in WSOP history at the time.
Why It Matters
The 2016 WSOP had a significant impact on the poker world, both in terms of competitive play and the broader popularity of the game. Qui Nguyen's win brought attention to underdog stories, as he was relatively unknown before the tournament, and his emotional victory resonated with fans.
- Increased Visibility: The 2016 event was broadcast on ESPN, increasing exposure for poker and attracting new players.
- Global Participation: Players from over 100 countries competed, highlighting the international appeal of the WSOP.
- November Nine Format: 2016 was the final year of the delayed final table, which was later replaced by a live final.
- Prize Structure: The payout distribution emphasized top finishes, incentivizing aggressive and strategic play.
- Legacy of Winners: Nguyen joined a prestigious list of champions, including legends like Doyle Brunson and Phil Hellmuth.
- Industry Growth: The record number of bracelet events signaled the expanding influence of the WSOP on the poker ecosystem.
The 2016 World Series of Poker not only delivered thrilling competition but also reinforced poker’s status as a global sport. With record participation and widespread media coverage, it set the stage for future tournaments to grow even larger and more competitive.
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Sources
- WikipediaCC-BY-SA-4.0
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