WSOP Main Event Winner Espen Jorstad Takes Home $10 Mill & Studded Bracelet

Espen Jorstad from Norway won the inaugural World Series Of Poker (WSOP) Main Event on the Vegas Strip.

He will win a prize of $10 million, along with the Main Event championship bracelet. The bracelet comprises 500 grams of 10 karat white and yellow gold, adorned with 55.5 karats worth of diverse precious stones. These include 2,767 rubies, black diamonds, and white diamonds.

The WSOP Main Event started off with a bang as the Master of Ceremonies, Vince Vaughn, was carried into the venue on the Vegas Strip; marking the first year a celebrity has initiated the event. The results were impressive, not a bad haul for less than two weeks of work.

Earlier this summer, restaurateur Lisa Vanderpump initiated the WSOP event.

Jorstad wins the WSOP Main Event

For the first time, the WSOP Main Event with a $10,000 buy-in was held on the Vegas Strip. The WSOP events occurred at both Bally’s and Paris Las Vegas.

The Main Event’s final table was held inside Bally’s casino hotel, which is currently undergoing renovations. Later this year, it will be rebranded as Horseshoe Las Vegas.

The 2022 WSOP Main Event concluded this past weekend, spanning nine days of poker games. Jorstad emerged victorious, outperforming 8,662 global competitors.

At the Final Table, Jorstad managed to outperform Adrian Attenborough and Michael Duek. In the WSOP, Duek secured third place and was awarded $4 million in prize money.

Attenborough went head-to-head with Jorstad for the Main Event grand prize of $10 million. On the final hand, Jorstad triumphed over Attenborough with a full house. Despite finishing in second place, Attenborough’s efforts were rewarded with a prize of $6 million.

Of course, the Norwegian poker professional called his mother right after winning. What was his first action?

“Her emotions were overwhelming during that call,” Jorstad shared. “She could hardly utter a word. She’s my number one supporter, so having the chance to share that moment with her was incredibly meaningful.”

First WSOP on the Vegas Strip is a success and marks major comeback

Ty Stewart, the Senior Vice President and Executive Director of World Series of Poker, said:

The poker community found this year’s historic WSOP particularly memorable. Despite numerous challenges, poker reemerged on the Las Vegas Strip in a significant way for the first time. Watching Espen triumph over 8,662 Main Event participants – the second highest number in WSOP history, was truly awe-inspiring. We eagerly anticipate hoisting Espen’s banner and returning grander than ever to the upcoming Horseshoe Las Vegas next summer.

The WSOP in Las Vegas made a significant comeback in 2022. Following two years of slow activity due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the WSOP recorded 8,662 entries, marking the second-highest number ever for the event.

The feedback received from the event held at both Bally’s and Paris Las Vegas was overwhelmingly positive. The transition of Bally’s to Horseshoe, expected to be completed by next year, should garner even more positive feedback.

Bally’s to become Horseshoe Las Vegas

The property owned by Caesars, Bally’s, and the WSOP is currently undergoing renovations. By the end of the year, it will be rebranded as Horseshoe Las Vegas.

The property alterations will encompass both design and mindset. Jason Gregorec, the SVP and General Manager of the property, made this known when Caesars announced modifications to the Bally’s.

“Horseshoe has always been about the gambler. Ever since its inception in 1951, Horseshoe Casinos have been synonymous with the best odds, highest limits, and colossal jackpots. Therefore, it’s only appropriate we reintroduce Horseshoe to Las Vegas, right on the famed Las Vegas Strip.”

A significant alteration is anticipated for a casino on the Vegas Strip. The most frequented part of Las Vegas has gained a reputation over the last decade or so for offering unfavorable odds on casino games.

New and updated sportsbooks at Bally’s and Paris

The company has recently declared that Bally’s sportsbook will be transformed into The Arcade at Horseshoe. Furthermore, it seems that the new sports betting counter will be incorporated into a new restaurant by Guy Fieri.

Besides the new sports betting venue at Bally’s/Horseshoe in the coming year, 2023 WSOP participants can also place sports bets at a refurbished sportsbook in Paris Las Vegas. Currently, the venue is shut down for improvements.

Jack Binion’s Steak has recently opened at Bally’s. Bally’s will also soon be home to a new restaurant from Chef Martin Yan. Additionally, Paris has inaugurated a new Nobu location and Vanderpump A Paris.

The renovations and modifications to both properties, Paris and Horseshoe Las Vegas, should be completed by the time cards are dealt for WSOP 2023.