5 Reasons Why the World Series of Poker Beats the Olympics

Is Poker a Sport? Let’s Define the Terms

The word “sport” comes from the Old French “desport” meaning “leisure.” Webster’s Third New International Dictionary of the English Language includes gambling; hunting; games and diversions, including those that require exercise; in its definition of sport. So even a player trying to hit a bonus in slots could consider themselves an athlete.

But now, let’s talk about poker.

Reason #1: Equality is Better Upheld in Poker than in the Olympics

Olympic sport claims to apply the principle of equality for all athletes, regardless of their origin, geographical conditions, consequences, or beliefs. This principle of non-discrimination is meant to promote peace and understanding among all peoples.

Sounds simple, but how does it work in practice?

Firstly, to qualify for the Olympics, athletes must go through a rigorous qualification process. The format of qualification is determined by each sport’s federation. In team sports, countries earn spots based on their performances in world championships and continental competitions.

To join the WSOP, you just need to come to Las Vegas and pay the buy-in.

Secondly, the Olympics have age limits for participants. Not in all sports, but they do exist. For example, in boxing, athletes must be between 18 and 39 years old. In gymnastics, at least 16 years old.

In the WSOP, there is only one age restriction: the minimum age is 21 years. The maximum age is unlimited. For example, the oldest participant in the 2024 WSOP Main Event was 94-year-old Sam Kobrinsky.

Thirdly, at the Olympics, men and women compete separately. In the WSOP, everyone – men, women, LGBTQ+ – competes together in the same tournaments. In poker, your gender doesn’t matter; all you need to win is a chip and a chair. There is a $1K Ladies Event at the WSOP, but even men can participate (though they have to pay a $10K buy-in, while women get a 90% discount).

Unfortunately, the number of women is still small. On average, only 3-5% of any poker tournament’s participants are women. The best-performing woman in the $10K Main Event WSOP 2024 was Kristen Foxen, who finished 13th ($600K). 

The WSOP 2024 Main Event WSOP had 10,112 participants (only in one tournament; statistics for unique entries across all series tournaments are not available). For comparison, 10,714 athletes participated in the entire Paris Olympics.

A Few More Numbers from the WSOP and the 2024 Olympics

• In both competitions, representatives of the USA dominated. At the WSOP, they won 76 bracelets out of 130. At the Olympics, they won 126 medals (with at least 930 medals awarded in total).
• At the WSOP, participants from 141 countries took part; at the Olympics, 202 countries were represented.

Photo Credit: Spenser Sembrat and Omar Sader

Reason #2: There’s No Doping in Poker

Overall, the 2024 Olympics had fewer doping scandals than usual. 12 members of the Chinese swim team failed to be sanctioned after testing positive for banned substances – in some cases, more than once.

There is no WADA in poker. The only “doping” you might find is a beer. The responsibility for monitoring the amount of doping in one’s body falls solely on the player.

Reason #3: Poker Broadcasts are More Exciting than Olympic Broadcasts

Many might disagree with this point. What’s exciting about nine people sitting around a table playing cards?

But each new hand is different from the last. And most importantly, poker broadcasts don’t feature endless slow-motion replays that ruin the dynamic.

Reason #4: The Gold Bracelet is Cooler than a Gold Medal

Have you ever seen an athlete wear their gold medal to other competitions? No! 

But what about a bracelet! It’s a chic accessory suitable for both evening outings and BBQs.

Moreover, a WSOP bracelet is worth more than an Olympic medal. The WSOP bracelet (not the Main Event one) is estimated to be worth between $1.5K and $2K. The 2024 Olympic gold medal contains 505 grams of silver and 6 grams of gold (gold medals haven’t been made from pure gold since 1912), with a net value of $950. 

The WSOP Main Event bracelet might be the most expensive trophy in sports. Considered the richest trophy in sports, the 2024 WSOP Main Event bracelet was custom-made by Jostens from approximately 445 grams of 10-karat yellow gold with 2,253 various precious gemstones, including 1,948 round genuine diamonds, 230 black onyx stones, and 75 genuine red rubies to accentuate the suits.

Reason #5: Poker Is Less Injury-Prone Compared to Sports

Unlike most sports, poker does not require physical activity. In sports, especially contact sports (football, hockey, boxing), there is a high risk of injuries – bruises, fractures, sprains, and even more serious damage. In poker, players sit at a table and primarily use their mental abilities rather than physical strength. The most important thing is to choose the right table and opponents, then the risk of getting injured will be close to zero.

In contact sports, there are often situations where players collide with each other or with objects (ball, racket, etc.), which can lead to injuries. In poker, players interact solely with each other at the table, and no physical contact is involved. In poker, opponents fight for pots, defend the blinds, but this has nothing to do with Olympic wrestling.

But There Is One Important Similarity Between WSOP And The Olympics

It lies in the fact that the main goal is to have fun.

There are only 3 prize places in the sport. In a tournament, on average, only 12% of participants get into the money. Most competitors participate for the pleasure and excitement, which is the main goal of sport.

At the 2024 Olympics, Bhutan’s Kinzang Lhamo finished last in the marathon in 3 hours, 52 minutes and 59 seconds, sometimes slowing down to a walk. Australia’s Rachael “Raygun” Gunn didn’t score a single point in the breakdancing competition. But none of that matters because they got the thrill of a lifetime. So did those who came to the WSOP 2024 for the first time.