If you’ve ever wondered why, who makes them, or how much they’re worth, you’ve come to the right place. The WSOP has been giving bracelets to the winners for many years.
Everything you need to know will be covered, including whether you can obtain one without actually taking first place in a World Series of Poker event.
Where Did The Concept For WSOP Bracelets Originate?
Bracelets weren’t given to winners when the 1970 World Series of Poker first began. Instead, they received a cup and an unremarkable plaque.
Although it was a nice trophy to own, it lacked any sense of originality. And it was impossible to obtain such a price in a casino online.
The WSOP’s creator, Benny Binion, then had the brilliant idea of starting handing out bracelets in 1976.
According to Benny, giving bracelets to tournament champions would help to distinguish and separate the games.
Players could actually wear bracelets while participating, alerting rivals that they were up against a WSOP champion.
WSOP bracelets were used for many years, despite the fact that the concept was a little unusual at the time.
In those early years, only a small number of bracelets were given out annually.
However, as time went on and poker grew in acceptance, so did the number of tournaments that offered bracelets.
What Does a WSOP Bracelet Cost?
It’s difficult to assign a fixed value to the World Series of Poker bracelets because they are arguably the most coveted awards in the poker community.
In addition, both the bracelet’s price and design have changed significantly over the years.
Benny Binion’s first bracelet, which he created in 1976, cost about $500.
For discussion’s sake, it’s important to note that $500 was worth significantly more back then than it is today.
Today’s WSOP bracelets have a very different appearance, and the ones given out in the majority of competitions are probably worth around $1,500.
This only considers the cost of the raw materials used to make the bracelets, not their sentimental or status value.
But not every WSOP bracelet is made equal.
The bracelets given to main event winners are much more expensive and showier.
They have consistently improved and raised their price, making them stand out from other bracelets.
These WSOP bracelets are fairly pricey pieces of jewelry because they are made of gold and precious stones.
Can You Buy a WSOP Bracelet? How Much Does It Cost?
When it comes to sports memorabilia, an item’s perceived value frequently has little to do with its actual value.
The price is usually determined by the buyer, and there have been several instances of WSOP bracelets being bought and sold online over the years.
A WSOP bracelet that was won in a $2,500 Limit Omaha event in 2019 was offered for auction on eBay. When it was all said and done, it cost $50,000, which was a hefty sum for an “ordinary” bracelet.
In 2013, perhaps the most well-known instance of a WSOP bracelet being offered for sale took place.
The bracelet from the 2006 main event turned up on an auction website that year. Jamie Gold, who earned $12 million for his victory, won the biggest main event in history.
Although Gold later went on record to say he had nothing to do with the auction and that it was out of his control, the bracelet ultimately sold for more than $65,000. If it were up to him, he said, he’d never give up on it.
When Peter Eastgate, another Main Event champion, offered his bracelet for sale in 2010, it resulted in another fairly well-known WSOP bracelet auction.
Unlike Gold, Eastgate was content to sell his bracelet, and all of the money went to charity. UNICEF received the $147,500 that was paid for it.
However, not every bracelet sold on eBay brought in five figures. For instance, TJ Cloutier received just $2,500 for his 2005 Hold’em bracelet.
The cost of one will vary depending on the amount of interest charged. A “regular” bracelet is probably available for a few thousand dollars.
It’s also important to note that there are more and more bracelets floating around because there are more bracelet-awarding events taking place each year.
Because the 2020 World Series of Poker was played entirely online, bracelets became even more widely available.
This means that, in the future, there might be an increase in the number of WSOP bracelets sold online.
The availability of more of them may result in a decrease in average prices as well, so don’t be shocked if you see one of them with a starting price of only a few hundred dollars.
Who Produces the WSOP Bracelets?
A WSOP bracelet is a beautifully crafted piece of jewelry, especially the ones given out for main events and other important competitions like the Players Championship or Big One for One Drop.
The World Series of Poker has collaborated with a number of businesses over the years, and each one has added its own distinctive flair to the creation of the finest and most sought-after poker jewelry to draw players from all over the world.
For the tournament bracelets, the WSOP has been collaborating with a business called Jostens in recent years.
As the Series was commemorating its 50th anniversary this year, they were the ones who came up with the 2019 Main Event bracelet, which was very special.
A total of 2,252 gemstones, including 77 rubies and 2,175 diamonds, were set in this 10K gold bracelet.
Its 40 carats of gems added to its total weight, making it one of the most priceless awards you can find.
WSOP bracelets are typically created by businesses like Jostens that have experience in creating expensive jewelry and sporting trophies.
Making these bracelets look special and elegant is just as important as the quality of the materials used.
You cannot put a price on it.
Almost everything you need to know about WSOP bracelets is covered in this article.
Many poker players and fans are interested in these highly sought-after items of jewelry because they have a fascinating history.
The value of a WSOP bracelet is difficult to estimate because so many factors are involved.
A WSOP bracelet will ultimately be worth different things to different people beyond its actual market value.
For some people, it serves as a priceless reminder of their poker prowess.
Others may view it as nothing more than a piece of metal with no special significance, and that is just how things are.
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