The 10 Youngest World Series of Poker Main Event Winners

If you’re a poker player, you know the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event is the ultimate prize. It’s a test of skill, patience, and nerves that determines the best players in the world of poker. While many dream of claiming the prestigious title, along with the cash money prize of millions ($12,100,000 as of 2024), only a select few have achieved it at a remarkably young age.

These young champions have not only made a name for themselves in the world of poker but have also inspired a new generation of players to play poker and chase their dreams of one day winning the Main Event.

Let’s take a look at the top 10 youngest WSOP Main Event winners who rocked the poker world and left their mark on the green felt.

The 10 Youngest World Series of Poker Main Event Winners

1. Joe Cada – 21 years old

In 2009, Joe Cada made history by becoming the youngest WSOP Main Event champion at just 21 years old. His victory earned him a whopping $8.55 million. Since then, Cada has remained a force to be reckoned with in the poker world, amassing over $14 million in live tournament earnings. He continues to compete in high-stakes tournaments and has also dabbled in online poker.

2. Peter Eastgate – 22 years old

Peter Eastgate’s triumph in 2008 at the age of 22 made him the youngest World Series of Poker Main Event winner at the time. He walked away with $9.15 million in prize money. After his win, Eastgate took a break from poker but returned to the tables a few years later. He has continued to play in various tournaments and has achieved several notable cashes.

3. Pius Heinz – 22 years old

In 2011, Pius Heinz became the first German player to win the WSOP Main Event at the age of 22. His victory earned him $8.72 million. Since then, Heinz has continued to play poker professionally, achieving numerous cashes in tournaments around the world. He remains an active player in the poker circuit.

4. Ryan Riess – 23 years old

Ryan Riess claimed the title of Main Event champion in 2013 at the age of 23, winning $8.36 million. Since his victory, Riess has remained a prominent figure in the poker world, competing in high-stakes tournaments and cash games. He has accumulated over $14 million in live tournament earnings and continues to be a formidable opponent at the tables.

5. Jonathan Duhamel – 23 years old

In 2010, Jonathan Duhamel made history by becoming the first Canadian to win the WSOP Main Event at the age of 23. His victory earned him $8.94 million. Duhamel has continued to play poker professionally, achieving success both online and in live tournaments. He remains one of Canada’s most celebrated poker players.

6. Phil Hellmuth Jr. – 24 years old

Phil Hellmuth Jr. burst onto the poker scene in 1989 when he won the WSOP Main Event at the age of 24, making him the youngest champion at the time. His victory earned him $755,000, and he has since become one of the most iconic and successful poker players in history. Hellmuth has won a record 15 WSOP bracelets and remains an influential figure in the poker community.

7. Joe McKeehen – 24 years old

Joe McKeehen took down the Main Event in 2015 at the age of 24, earning $7.68 million and earning him a spot as one of the youngest World Series of Poker Main Event winners. Since his victory, McKeehen has continued to compete in high-stakes tournaments, amassing over $18 million in live tournament earnings. He remains a fierce competitor in the poker world and is known for his analytical approach to the game.

8. Martin Jacobson – 27 years old

Martin Jacobson claimed the title of Main Event champion in 2014 at the age of 27, winning $10 million. Since then, Jacobson has continued to play poker professionally, achieving success in both live and online tournaments. He remains active in the poker community and is respected for his strategic prowess at the tables.

9. Jamie Gold – 36 years old

While not the youngest winner on our list, Jamie Gold’s victory in 2006 at the age of 36 is still notable. His first-place finish earned him a staggering $12 million, the largest prize in WSOP history at the time. Gold has remained active in the poker world, participating in various tournaments and cash games. He also works as a television producer and talent agent.

10. Jerry Yang – 39 years old

Jerry Yang’s victory in the 2007 WSOP Main Event at the age of 39 was a remarkable accomplishment as he appeared to be an amateur that appeared out of nowhere at a table of pros. He won $8.25 million for his first-place finish. Since then, Yang has continued to play poker recreationally while also focusing on charitable endeavors. He remains a respected figure in the poker community.

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