WSOP 2026 Main Event Is Underway as Michael Mizrachi Eyes Back-to-Back Titles

ESPN · 3h ago

The 2026 World Series of Poker Main Event has begun in Las Vegas, running July 2-13 with four starting flights before the field is whittled down. Defending champion Michael 'The Grinder' Mizrachi is chasing back-to-back titles after a dominant year that already includes another bracelet in the $10,000 pot-limit Omaha championship. In a nod to the old 'November Nine' era, organizers are delaying the nine-handed final table until August 3-5 so ESPN can build hype with a prime-time broadcast. Last year's event drew a record 9,735 entries and a prize pool topping $90 million, and a similar turnout could push the 2026 first prize toward $10-12 million.