WSOP 1991
If we are to consider ourselves fair-minded historians or even casual observers paying attention to events that unfolded in the year 1991, we have to admit that it was a time in which great changes occurred. In fact, these were the type of changes that would have been entirely unimaginable only a few years previous. And yet, it was that very aspect of unpredictability that made 1991 such a hugely exciting year to be alive.
On a global level, the warming of the Cold War and subsequent dissolution of the Soviet Union which had been taking place for several years finally came to a head. Hard as it seemed to believe, America's most fierce and feared enemy the Soviet Union was no more. In its place was cozy old Russia - home of good vodka, pricey caviar and bad hygiene. Turns out we didn't have so much to fear from the big old Bear after all, but, naturally it is easy to look back with the vantage of hindsight and say, "My, how foolish we were in those days."
And yet, just as we were making new friends in one region of the world, new enemies where appearing elsewhere. This was the year that events in the Persian Gulf began to catch our national attention on an unprecedented level and it goes without saying that we will be involved in that area for quite some time to come.
But, moving onto a sunnier aspect of 1991, we should take a detailed look at the World Series of Poker. If you have been reading my series of articles chronicling this great tournament from its inception in 1970, you have probably come to the same conclusion I reached long ago: every single year at the WSOP there was at least one or two events to make that year's competition memorable and worthy of note in the history books.
However, some events are more notable and others and most people would agree that the first $1,000,000 main event prize to be won at the World Series of Poker is something that deserves wide scale recognition. This massive pot was taken for the very first time in 1991 at the famous Horseshoe casino, by a talented and tenacious champion name Brad Daugherty.
We can only wonder what Johnny Moss was thinking when Brad collected that massive pile of dough. Remember, it was 21 years before that Johnny won the first WSOP title and was awarded a nice silver cup in recognition for his efforts. I'm sure it looks lovely on his mantel, but just imagine how many silver (and gold and bronze) cups you can buy with a cool mil. Or, don't imagine, just ask Brad and he'll tell you.
by Arthur Crowson
