The 1981 World Series of Poker (WSOP) was a series of poker tournaments held at Binion's Horseshoe in May 1981.
There were 12 preliminary events at the 1981 WSOP. Johnny Moss became the first player in WSOP history to reach eight career bracelets. No other player would reach eight career bracelets until Doyle Brunson in the 1998 World Series of Poker.
There were 75 entrants to the main event. Each paid $10,000 to enter the tournament. This main event was notable as the first one to have all final table players to receive a share of the prize pool, with the top 9 players finishing in the money. The 1981 Main Event was Stu Ungar's second consecutive World Championship.