LAS VEGAS (July 10, 2011) – The 42nd annual World Series of Poker (WSOP) Presented by Jack Links Beef Jerky at the Rio-All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas established a host of new records as poker enthusiasts from more than 100 nations traveled to Las Vegas to compete in the game’s grandest spectacle. The WSOP remained the industry standard-bearer, with a record 75,672 entries in 58 events creating the largest prize pool in WSOP history: $191,999,010.

The new all-time high in entrants surpassed by 3.7 percent the previous record of 72,966 set last year; this year’s record prize pool eclipsed the previous high of $187,109,850 set in 2010 by 2.6 percent.

For the seventh consecutive year, the WSOP generated a total prize pool well in excess of $100 million.

In the 42-year history of the WSOP, the prestigious tournament has now awarded more than $1.4 billion in prize money. (Actual figure is: $1,420,374,131)

Legions of amateur players competed alongside legendary poker pros, Hollywood A-listers and international sports figures to establish the new milestones. Among the notable non-poker playing names competing during this year’s WSOP included Jason Alexander, Nelly, Ray Romano, Shannon Elizabeth, Jennifer Tilly, Shane Warne, Paul Pierce, Shawn Marion, Petter Northug, David Lee, Phil Kessel, Jeff Fenech, Patrick Bruel and Brad Garrett.

The youngest player in this year’s WSOP was Logan Deen, from Cocoa, Florida who played Day 1-B of the Main Event, the day of his 21st birthday – and he did survive the day. The oldest player to participate in this year’s WSOP was 91-year-old Ellen Deeb, who played Day 1-C of the Main Event, but unfortunately Ellen didn’t make it through. It didn’t stop her from pulling out $10,000 cash from her purse to try and re-enter the tournament (not allowed), but she’ll have to wait to 2012 to play again.

"This summer underscores the appeal of the game and the power of this event. We're so thankful for all those who came from around the world to demonstrate that poker continues to grow," said World Series of Poker Executive Director Ty Stewart. “All across the board at the 2011 WSOP, from our signature gold bracelet events to cash games to satellites and daily tournaments, records were made to be broken.”

Many within the poker community speculated that participation in the $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em World Championship – commonly referred to as the Main Event – would suffer this year, however it remained right in line with where it has averaged the last five years (6,753).

The 2011 WSOP Main Event attracted its third-largest field ever, with 6,865 participants. As a result, the prize pool for the 2011 Main Event alone stands at $64,531,000 million, with the winner’s share amounting to $8,711,956.

In addition to overall participation and prize money, the 2011 WSOP established new records for:

Most million-dollar tournaments: Forty-six of 58 events in this year’s WSOP boasted a prize pool of $1 million or more, up from 44 events set last year.

Largest Seniors event in history: Event #30 attracted 3,752 players, eclipsing by 19 percent the previous record of 3,142 set last year. Year-over-year event prize money was up nearly 15 percent from last year, jumping from $2,827,800 to $3,376,800.

Biggest single day attendance ever: 3,752 players in Event #30 ($1,000 buy-in).

Biggest single day attendance ever for $1,500 buy-in event: 3,389 players in Event #56

Most consecutive years with multiple event winner: Brian Rast’s two victories stretched the multi-event winner record to 12 consecutive years.

Most consecutive annual WSOPs played: Howard “Tahoe” Andrew of Walnut Creek, Calif., extended his record for most consecutive years played at the WSOP: 38.

Most cashes at WSOP without a win: Tony Cousineau of Daytona Beach, Fla., extended his record as the player with the most cashes – 49 – without a win.

Longest span between Event Cashes: The 35-year span between Artie Cobb’s first cash in this event (1976) and his most recent cash in the same event (2011) represents the longest time span in WSOP history. He accomplished this in Seven-Card Stud High-Low Split (Event #25).

All-time Cashes and Final Tables: Phil Hellmuth added to his record as the individual all-time leader in cashes (84) and final table appearances (43).

A complete list of tournament records set at the 2011 WSOP below:

• Biggest Heads-Up tournament prize pool in history ($3,040,000) – Event #2
• Largest live Omaha High-Low Split Tournament in history (925 entries) – Event #3
• Largest live Six-Handed tournament in poker history (1,920 entries) – Event #10
• Biggest Deuce-to-Seven tournament prize pool in history ($1,184,400) – Event #16
• Largest live $1,500 buy-in No-Limit Hold’em tournament in history with single day start (3157 entries) – Event #18
• Largest live $1,000 buy-in No-Limit Hold’em tournament in history with single day start (3175 entries) – Event #20
• Largest consecutive-days starting field sizes in poker history (combined 6,332 entries) – Event #18 and Event #20
• Largest live Pot-Limit Omaha tournament in poker history (1,071 entries) – Event #22
• Largest Mixed-Game (Eight-Game Mix) in poker history (489 entries) – Event #23
• Largest Seniors tournament in poker history (3,752 entries) – Event #30
• Biggest Seniors No-Limit Hold’em championship prize pool in history ($3,376,800) – Event #30
• Largest single-day live tournament start in poker history (3,752 entries) – Event #30
• Largest consecutive-days starting field sizes in poker history (combined 6,580 entries) – Event #30/Event #32 (broke Event #18/Event #20 record from earlier in 2011 WSOP)
• Largest four-consecutive days field sizes in poker history (2,500+3,752+2,828+3,144 =12,224 entries) -- Events 28, 30, 32, 34, June 16-19, 2011
• Largest Mixed Pot-Limit tournament in history (606 entries) – Event #39
• Biggest Pot-Limit Omaha prize pool in live poker history ($3,393,400) – Event #42
• Largest live $1,500 buy-in No-Limit Hold’em tournament in history with single day start (3,389 entries) – Event #56 (broke earlier series record for Event #18)

Las Vegas & Minong, Wis. (November 2011) – The 42nd annual World Series of Poker® Presented by Jack Link’s^® Beef Jerky, which began in late May, will come to an epic close with the Main Event Final Table on Sunday, Nov. 6 and Tuesday, Nov. 8.

From branding on the official playing cards to its logo on the poker tables, Jack Link’s will be highly visible on the tournament stage, being held at the Rio® All-Suite Hotel & Casino. Jack Link’s elusive brand icon, Sasquatch, may be spotted in and around the Final Table in support of the highly anticipated showdown between the final November Nine, who are competing for the World Champion title and $8.7 million.

“The World Series of Poker Presented by Jack Link’s Beef Jerky is the most esteemed gaming event in the world, and poker’s untamed spirit truly embodies the Jack Link’s brand,” said Jeff LeFever, director of marketing, Jack Link’s Beef Jerky. “Being part of this thrilling tournament for a third year is just one more way that Jack Link’s helps people to Feed Their Wild Side.”

“Jack Link’s and the WSOP’s shared passion for fun and irreverence has made for a great tournament year so far,” WSOP Vice President Ty Stewart said. "The 2011 Final Table tournament is sure to bring more outrageous fun and stiff competition than ever before.”

Building on a partnership that began in 2009, Jack Link’s inked a multi-year agreement late last year as the Presenting Sponsor of the World Series of Poker (WSOP), the world’s longest-running, richest and most prestigious poker tournament. The partnership will continue through November 2012 and is one of Jack Link’s most significant – and anticipated – sponsorships.

Jack Link’s, the No. 1 brand of beef jerky and the fastest-growing meat snack manufacturer worldwide, leads the nearly $3 billion meat snack category. As the recognized category leader, Jack Link’s offers more than 100 premium meat snack products in more than 40 countries. In addition to its premium products, Jack Link’s is known for its iconic Messin’ With Sasquatch advertising campaign which has achieved nearly cult-like status. The commercials feature pranksters playing sophomoric pranks on an unsuspecting Sasquatch.