The 1977 World Series of Poker at Binion’s Horseshoe marked a transformative year in poker history. Expanding from eight to thirteen events, WSOP was no longer a small gathering of Texas gamblers—it had become a true festival of skill, strategy, and groundbreaking stories. That year also witnessed a historic leap for women in poker, record-setting achievements by young players, and the birth of an iconic hand that would define a legend.
Bobby Baldwin: The Owl Takes Flight
Poker prodigy Bobby Baldwin, nicknamed “The Owl,” stunned the world by winning two consecutive events in just two days. First, he defeated the legendary Billy Baxter in the $10,000 2-7 Draw, then claimed the $5,000 Seven-Card Stud. At just 27, Baldwin became the youngest bracelet winner in history—though his record stood for only eight days.
Another young star, Jeff Sandow, captured the $500 Limit Seven Card Stud at just 23 years old, proving the game was attracting a bold new generation. Sandow’s record stood until Daniel Negreanu matched it in 1998.
Jackie McDaniel: Women Make History
1977 also introduced the first-ever Ladies-Only event, the $100 Ladies Seven Card Stud, a bold initiative by tournament director Eric Drache. The turnout shattered expectations: 93 women entered, a record at the time for a single WSOP event. Jackie McDaniel emerged victorious, winning the bracelet and $5,580, forever changing poker’s male-dominated narrative.
Doyle Brunson: Defending the Crown
The $10,000 Main Event drew 34 players, creating a $340,000 prize pool. Reigning champion Doyle Brunson faced formidable competition, including past champion Sailor Roberts and rising star Gary “Bones” Berland. After a tense heads-up battle, the moment poker fans still remember arrived:
Brunson held T♠2♥ against Berland’s 8♥5♣. The flop brought T♣8♦5♥, the turn 2♦, and the river T♥. Brunson’s hand transformed into a full house, securing his second consecutive WSOP Main Event title with the legendary 10-2 combination—forever immortalized as “Texas Dolly.”
A Legacy That Shaped Modern Poker
Brunson parlayed his $340,000 victory into publishing the seminal poker guide Super System, originally titled How I Made Over $1,000,000 Playing Poker. Meanwhile, Gary Berland, a brilliant player with five bracelets, tragically passed away at 37, leaving a bittersweet story of talent and timing.
1977 wasn’t just a year of cards—it was a pivotal chapter in poker history, featuring:
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The first modern WSOP textbook, revolutionizing strategy
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Record-breaking youth champions
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The emergence of women as serious poker competitors
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The iconic 10-2 hand that defined Doyle Brunson’s legend
From young prodigies to historic female champions and the birth of poker strategy as a science, WSOP 1977 remains a landmark year that transformed the game forever.
