Non-bracelet events at the WSOP

The World Series of Poker bracelet is considered to be the most coveted prize a poker player can win, but in most years there have been competitive events that did not award a bracelet to the winner. While most of these events are charity events or are related to poker, a few are not.

The World Series of Poker Tournament of Champions was an invitational freeroll poker event held from 2004–2006. Wins in this event do not count as official WSOP bracelets, but the winner receives a large trophy in the shape of the official World Series of Poker logo.

The 2004 tournament involved ten players with the winner. Annie Duke receiving 2 million dollars. No other positions were paid.

The 2005 tournament was rife with controversy as prior to the event, Harrah's advertised that to qualify a player would need to win any World Series of Poker circuit events or by reaching the final table of the 2005 WSOP $10,000 no limit Texas hold 'em championship event. Despite this qualification, under the pressure of the corporate sponsor Pepsi, Harra's Casino allowed Phil Helmuth, Doyle Brunson, and Johnny Chan to compete. Mike Matusow won the million dollar prize. World Poker Tour commentator Mike Sexton won the million dollar prize in 2006, defeating a field of 27 players.

In 2010, the Tournament of Champions returned to the WSOP. The event was held on June 27, 2010. Huck Seed won the $500,000 first prize.

An annual celebrity event was changed in 2007, as it became a pro and celeb event called "Ante Up for Africa", hosted by actor Don Cheadle and poker pro Annie Duke. The 2007 event attracted 167 celebrities and poker stars. The final two players, Dan Shak and Brandon Moran, agreed to share first place and donate all prize money to charities in Darfur. Their actions set a precedent as the 2008 champions, John Hennigan and second-place finisher Michael DeGusta again donated 100% of their winnings to the charity.Jeffrey Pollack, the WSOP commissioner, said, the WSOP was "delighted to once again host Ante Up For Africa at the World Series of Poker” Alex Bolotin won the third annual tournament defeating a final table that included Phil Gordon, Chris Ferguson, Rafe Furst, and Erik Seidel.

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