WSOP 1971
1971 is a year which historians will be discussing for a long time to come. If anyone had any doubts by that point, it could certainly not be debated with any amount of vigor (or even blind hope) that the 1960s were over and much of the optimism defining that decade died with it.
A new era had begun in the United States and all around the world. Many people - Peter Thorn among them - sensed a certain streak of nastiness seeping into the national discourse and some puzzling things were happening.For example, it was in 1971 that the United States Supreme Court ruled unanimously to allow busing of students in order to counter segregation. Naturally, this turned out to be a very controversial decision, but it was clear that change was the air. Some classic movies were released that year including "A Clockwork Orange," "The French Connection," "Fiddler on the Roof" and "McCabe and Mrs. Miller." And the music world thrived as well, with the classic tune "Bridge Over Troubled Water" named song of the year at the Grammy awards.
The poker world made similar great strides in 1971. At the second annual World Series of Poker, Benny Binion continued to expand this unbelievable event and take it to new heights. Assembled for the competition were the same seven poker legends who competed the previous year: "Amarillo Slim" Preston, Brian "Sailor" Roberts, Doyle "Texas Dolly" Brunson, Walter "Puggy" Pearson, Crandall Addington and Carl Cannon Champion. Although the players were the same, one major change was implemented to the tournament, setting it apart from the pervious year.
Instead of all seven players voting for a champ, it was decided at the tables in a game of no-limit Texas Hold'em. This was the template which all other WSOP main events would follow for years to come. The action was fast and curious at the second annual WSOP and some truly outstanding poker was played.
Johnny Moss once again emerged victorious, just as he had in 1970. Instead of a silver cup, he went home with some real U.S. currency. In fact, the grand prize of the 1971 WSOP amounted to $30,000. It was quite a sum of cabbage at the time and Moss was a happy man. As for the other players, they would have to wait another year for a chance to unseat him. But Moss would learn how hard it is to stay on top.
by Peter Thorn
