The full 2026 World Series of Poker summer schedule has officially dropped — and it’s massive.
All 100 bracelet events kick off May 26, starting with the $550 Mini Mystery Millions, complete with a guaranteed $1 million top bounty. New additions include the $10K GGMillion$ High Roller, the $1,700 US Circuit Championship, a $1,500 5-Card PLO, and a $1,500 Pick Your PLO. Players will also get free daily livestreams throughout the series — though not (yet) for the Main Event itself.
But the headline-grabber? The 2026 Main Event final table will be paused and played out at a later date, echoing the spirit of the old November Nine era.
We asked some of poker’s biggest names — including three Main Event champions — for their thoughts. Their reactions ranged from cautious optimism to outright excitement.
Chris Moneymaker: Exposure Is Everything
2003 champion Chris Moneymaker believes the schedule still offers something for everyone — though he warned that expanded re-entry formats can make things tougher for newcomers.
His biggest focus? Accessibility.
If the Main Event can escape the paywall and reach a wider audience, Moneymaker believes the upside could be enormous. After all, broader visibility helped spark the original poker boom — and he knows that better than anyone.
Jamie Gold: More Events, More Opportunity
2006 winner Jamie Gold welcomed the milestone of 100 bracelet events and the expanded livestream coverage.
He’s particularly intrigued by the Main Event final table delay, speculating it could mean an additional rest day or a broader promotional build-up. Gold also noted the expanded lower buy-in offerings, calling them a win for recreational players looking to take a shot.
Jonathan Tamayo: A November Nine Revival?
Defending Main Event champion Jonathan Tamayo expects the delayed finale to resemble a modernized November Nine — perhaps even aligning with WSOP Paradise later in the year.
Tamayo plans to stick to his big-field NLH staples: the Milly Maker, Monster Stack, Mystery Millions, the Main Event, and the new Circuit Championship. For him, the schedule keeps the core intact while adding fresh storylines.
PLO Gets Its Moment
One of the clearest themes in player feedback? Pot-Limit Omaha is thriving.
Two-time bracelet winner Dylan Wiseman called the multiple starting flights for PLO events a major victory for the four-card community, noting that large-field PLO tournaments are rare outside the WSOP.
Terrance “TJ” Reid echoed that sentiment, pointing to the expanded PLO slate as recognition of the game’s explosive growth.
The introduction of Pick Your PLO and the $1,500 5-card PLO only deepens that commitment.
The Final Table Delay: Divided but Optimistic
The decision to delay the Main Event final table drew mixed — but mostly hopeful — reactions.
Six-time bracelet winner Jeremy Ausmus suggested a shorter delay than the original November Nine could help build hype without allowing players to completely reinvent their games through months of coaching.
Similarly, Chris Moorman expressed concern about extended prep time potentially impacting the “purity” of the competition, though he acknowledged the upside in exposure and player readiness.
Meanwhile, Irish pro Dara O’Kearney praised both the free daily streams and the delayed final table concept, arguing it could restore communal viewing experiences that poker has lacked in recent years.
Streaming and Production: A Fresh Look
Several players pointed to the upgraded production as one of the biggest improvements.
Joey Ingram hinted at ambitious plans for the final table broadcast, including a possible major platform partnership. Brian Hastings called the prospect of a renewed network presence “very exciting,” noting the diminished buzz since the ESPN era ended.
The new Paris stage and expanded livestream capabilities were widely seen as long-overdue upgrades to poker’s presentation.
Schedule Tweaks: Hits and Misses
Not everyone loved every change.
Jeremy Ausmus and others lamented the removal of certain six-max events and the shootout format. Mixed-game specialist Allen Kessler, however, praised the improved structures and broader mixed-game spread, even while wishing for expanded TORSE offerings.
Matt Salsberg welcomed the early placement of the Monster Stack — better to grind deep when fresh rather than exhausted mid-summer.
Across the board, though, most pros agreed the schedule feels familiar — but enhanced.
The Big Picture
From expanded PLO events and multi-flight high rollers to free daily streams and a reimagined Main Event finale, the 2026 WSOP appears focused on growth, visibility, and spectacle.
There are concerns — particularly around coaching during a delayed final table and the continued expansion of re-entry formats — but the prevailing mood among champions is optimistic.
If the goal is to modernize poker’s biggest stage while preserving its prestige, many believe this year’s schedule is a step in the right direction.
The cards go in the air May 26. And if the players are right, this summer could feel both nostalgic and brand new at the same time.
