WSOB History

The World Series of Blackjack is in its third season and it has grown from 25 players in its first year to 40 top competitors. It has been aired from 3 different locations and the top prize money has increased from the first years prize.

The first year was hosted by Matt Vasgersian (San Diego Padres broadcaster) and Melana Scantlin (Average Joe) with added commentary by Max Rubin (Casino Pro). The first WSOB consisted of 5 games, 1 Wild card game (for the 5 second place finishers) and a championship round.
The $100 000 top prize was won by MIT Mike at The Mohegan Sun Casino & Resort. Mike was a member of the MIT Blackjack team that won millions in the 1990's from Vegas Casinos.

The first World Series of Blackjack was a great success and GSN decided that more tournaments were needed. The second tournament held in 2005 this time at the Golden Nugget Casino in Las Vegas. Matt Vasgersian returned has the host with a new co-host Megan Riordan. This year the WSOB tournament expended to include 40 players with 8 preliminary games,2 wild card games, 2 Semi Final games and the championship round. This year Ken Einiger won the top prize of $250 000.

The third tournament has again seen a change in location moving from the Golden Nugget in downtown Vegas out to the strip and the Hilton Hotel and Casino. The format of 40 players was such a success that it was used again this year. Two of the competitors in this years tournament were selected by a qualifying game held before the main tournament. This qualifier had 6 lucky contestants that were drawn through a contest on AOL games. The top prize was again raised, this year it is worth $500 000.

The third tournament has seen the addition three special rules to make the game more exciting. The Knockout card, the Burger King Power Chips and the Second Chance draw which gives the opportunity of an eliminated to be returned to the game through a draw. more details on the new rules can be found on our rules page.A new host John F has joined the tournament this year bringing his wit and candor to the commentary of the tournament.