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The Big One for One Drop is a biennial US$1-million buy-in charitable poker tournament organized by the World Series of Poker (WSOP). This prestigious event awards its winners with an exclusive platinum bracelet prize. The tournament has been held every two years since 2012, with the fourth edition taking place in 2018.
A Brief History
The Big One for One Drop was conceived by Guy Laliberté, the founder of Cirque du Soleil, and Mitch Garber, former CEO of Caesars Interactive Entertainment. The idea was to create a unique poker event that would raise awareness about water-related issues and funds for One Drop, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing clean drinking water worldwide.
The first edition of the tournament took place in 2012, with a sold-out 48-seat event that raised US$5.6 million for One Drop. The success of this initial event led to the Big One becoming an annual occurrence, with each subsequent tournament raising even more funds and awareness for the cause.
Past Winners
Over the years, some notable players have won The Big One for One Drop. In 2012, Antonio Esfandiari took home the top prize of US$18.3 million, followed by Daniel Colman in 2014 with a prize of US$15 million. Elton Tsang won the 2016 edition, pocketing US$11,111,111.
Recent Developments
In recent years, The Big One for One Drop has continued to be a major draw on the poker circuit. In 2017, the tournament returned after a two-year hiatus, with a new format and increased buy-in amount. The event has since become a biennial fixture, with the fourth edition taking place in 2018.
Related Initiatives
One Drop's philanthropic efforts extend beyond The Big One for One Drop. The organization has supported various water-related projects around the world, from building wells to providing clean drinking water to communities in need.
The Big One for One Drop is a unique and prestigious poker tournament that combines skill, strategy, and philanthropy. By supporting this event, players and fans alike can make a positive impact on the lives of those affected by the global water crisis.
References:
[^1]: Wise, Gary (2012-07-04). "Antonio Esfandiari wins One Drop, $18.3M". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2018-03-09.
[^2]: Geller, Shari (2012-07-03). "Antonio Esfandiari Wins $18 Million at WSOP Big One for One Drop $1M Buy-in Poker Tournament". PokerNews. Retrieved 2018-03-09.
[^3]: Tuley, Dave (2014-07-02). "Daniel Colman wins One Drop for $15 million". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2018-03-09.
[^4]: Kirschen, Robert (16 October 2016). "WSOP NEWS: ELTON TSANG WINS 2016 BIG ONE FOR ONE DROP". WSOP. Retrieved 2018-03-09.
[^5]: Wright, Nick (2016-10-16). "Elton Tsang Wins the Big One For One Drop Extravaganza for €11,111,111!". PokerNews. Retrieved 2018-03-09.
[^6]: Cross, Valerie (2017-11-06). "$1 Million Big One for One Drop Returning to 2018 World Series of Poker". PokerNews. Retrieved 2018-03-09.
[^7]: "Mikita Badziakouski Wins $7.1 Million in the WPT® Big One for One Drop". World Poker Tour official website. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
[^8]: Rodriguez, Julio (2013-06-29). "World Series of Poker — Bill Perkins Leads One Drop High Roller Final Table". Card Player. Retrieved 2018-03-09.
[^9]: Pempus, Brian (2013-08-07). "Anthony Gregg Wins $4.8 Million In 'One Drop' High Roller Event At World Series Of Poker". Card Player. Retrieved 2018-03-09.
[^10]: Holloway, Chad (2015-06-30). "Jonathan Duhamel Wins $111,111 High Roller for ONE DROP for $3,989,985". PokerNews. Retrieved 2018-03-09.
[^11]: Fast, Erik (2016-07-10). "Fedor Holz Wins 2016 World Series of Poker $111,111 High Roller For One Drop". Card Player. Retrieved 2018-03-09.
[^12]: Fiorvanti, Tim (2017-08-13). "Stephen Song Wins 2017 World Series of Poker Big One for One Drop for $5 Million". PokerNews. Retrieved 2022-02-20.
[^13]: "The Big One for One Drop: A Philanthropic Poker Tournament". WSOP.com.