WSOP Poker Bracelets and Rings

In poker, cash prizes are important, but many players dream more about winning WSOP bracelets and rings. These trophies stand for the highest skill and some of the biggest moments in poker history. 

In this article, we’ll explain what WSOP bracelets and rings really mean and why they’re so valuable to poker players everywhere.

What Are WSOP Poker Bracelets?

A poker World Series bracelet is a special award given to the winner of each World Series of Poker (WSOP) event. The tradition started in 1976 when bracelets were first handed out. Since then, they have become a global symbol of poker excellence and a mark of top-level professionalism.

Every year, WSOP hosts more tournaments and awards more bracelets. The total number depends on how many tournaments they schedule—the more events they hold, the more bracelets they give out. For example, in 2025, WSOP plans to award about 100 bracelets with its expanded schedule and new events—a record in WSOP history. With so many tournaments, developing a solid Texas Holdem tournament strategy becomes even more important for players aiming to win these prestigious prizes.

WSOP Bracelets Awarded Each Year

Here is a list of how many WSOP poker bracelets were given out each year since 2015.

Value of WSOP Bracelets

WSOP crafts bracelets from high-quality materials, usually 14 to 18 karat gold. Jewelers decorate them with diamonds, sapphires, and other gems, making each bracelet a symbol of poker skill and a valuable piece of art. Most tournament bracelets are worth around $1,500.

However, the Main Event bracelet can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on its materials and design. This prize is very special and its value grows every year. 

For example, Jennifer Tilly, a famous female poker player who won the 2005 Women’s Championship, said winning her bracelet was “better than winning an Oscar.”

WSOP Winner Rings

WSOP awards prestigious rings to winners of Circuit events, recognizing players who win smaller tournaments since 2005. Unlike the bracelets awarded at main WSOP events, many players see rings as “second-level” awards.

While rings receive less media attention, players still value them as important achievements. Winning a ring can mark a big step forward in a player’s career, especially in mid-sized or smaller tournaments.

Materials and Value of WSOP Rings

WSOP crafts rings from quality precious metals, mostly silver or gold, and sometimes adds diamonds or cubic zirconia. Their materials and unique designs can make rings worth anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Collectors especially prize rare or historic rings, which can carry even greater financial and sentimental value.

Tournaments Where You Can Win WSOP Bracelets and Rings

WSOP bracelets and rings can be won in many tournaments, which differ in buy-in amounts, game formats, and number of players. The main WSOP tournaments where bracelets are awarded include:

• WSOP Main Event — the biggest and most prestigious tournament, attracting thousands from all over the world.
  
• WSOP Circuit — regional tournaments held in casinos across the US and other countries, awarding bracelets and rings. At season’s end, top players compete for the WSOP Global Casino Championship bracelet.
  
• WSOP Europe (WSOPE) — an annual European series held in various countries, offering bracelets as well.

In addition to these, WSOP organizes special events such as:

• $500 Industry Employees No-Limit Hold’em — for casino workers, giving them a chance to win a bracelet in a less competitive field.
  
• $500 No-Limit Hold’em Freezeout — a freezeout tournament with no rebuys, often friendlier for amateurs—is a great example of a WSOP bracelet event where both new and experienced players compete for one of poker’s most prestigious awards.
  
• $1,000 Team Tag Team No-Limit Hold’em — a team event allowing players to switch seats during play.

Can You Win a WSOP Bracelet Online?

Yes, WSOP runs an official online tournament series where players can win real bracelets without traveling to physical events like Las Vegas. These online events often coincide with live summer festivals, allowing players to compete both online and in person.

Currently, online WSOP bracelets can be won in legal poker markets like Nevada, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania in the US, and Ontario in Canada. Separate online poker rooms partner with WSOP in these jurisdictions.

Both pros and amateurs can join online events. The value and prestige of online bracelets are the same as those won live. That’s why online WSOP tournaments are growing fast and becoming available to more players. Plus, these online series offer a variety of buy-ins so everyone can find a tournament that fits their budget.

A Brief WSOP History

Below, you’ll find a quick look at how the World Series of Poker has grown and changed.

• 1970 — The first World Series of Poker tournament, with the winner receiving a silver cup.
• 1971-1974 — Winners got various awards, but none as prestigious as the bracelet.
• 1976 — WSOP awarded the first bracelets, launching a lasting tradition.
• 1980-1981 — WSOP increased the importance of bracelets and started giving them for the best player performances.
• 2005 — WSOP introduced Circuit rings, recognizing winners of smaller tournaments.
• 2010 — WSOP expanded globally, adding more international events and building its reputation as poker’s top tournament.
• 2015 — WSOP celebrated its 46th anniversary, hosted over 100 events, and broke attendance records.
• 2020 — WSOP responded to the global pandemic by holding its first-ever online bracelet events.
• 2025 — WSOP plans to award about 100 bracelets as it continues to grow and set new popularity records.

Final Thoughts About WSOP Bracelets and Rings

WSOP bracelets and rings are the highest symbols of achievement in poker. They give players great recognition and inspire them to improve. These awards carry not just monetary value but also prestige and history. Both beginners and pros have chances to win them in various WSOP bracelet events, as the series keeps expanding its event range and accessibility.

FAQs about WSOP Bracelets and Rings