The World Series of Poker started in 1970 with just seven players, held at Binion’s Horseshoe casino in downtown Las Vegas. It was an ingenious plan by Benny Binion to attract high rollers to his casino, and keep them there as they lost their poker winnings in the pits.
Two things... it's funny to see the entrance to the WSOP because I walked through that exact spot for CrimeCon a month ago.
Your ending made me think of the Princess Bride battle of wits.