Major Change Announced to 2026 WSOP Main Event
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It’s been seven months, or 215 days to be exact, since Michael Mizrachi stunned the poker world, claiming the 2025 WSOP Main Event title, in what may go down as the most chaotic and exhilarating final table in the series’ history.
Now, fans can get excited all over again, as the World Series of Poker revealed its full 2026 schedule on Monday, including the prospect of a major shake-up to the summer’s showpiece $10,000 Main Event.
A Return to the November Nine?
For the first time in a decade, the WSOP has teased that the Main Event will feature a delayed final table, potentially offering a modern twist on the “November Nine” format that ran from 2008 to 2016.
While full details are yet to emerge, the WSOP has confirmed that play will continue until the final table is set on July 13, with specifics on final table dates and broadcast coverage to be announced later.
Monday’s announcement of a delayed Main Event final table is noteworthy, but not without precedent in WSOP history.
"Play will proceed until the final table is reached on July 13, with specifics on the Main Event final table play dates and broadcast coverage to be announced at a later date."
- World Series of Poker
During the November Nine era, two Main Event final tables were moved to October because of the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections, which naturally dominated media coverage.
Similarly, another global event, the FIFA World Cup hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will also take significant billing this summer, with the opening semi-final match scheduled for July 14, a day after the final table is set.
Whether a juggernaut event such as a World Cup factored into the decision to delay the Main Event final table is speculation, but there is no doubt that even a pause of a few weeks, rather than months, will have a meaningful impact on the series and the way fans experience poker’s biggest tournament.
It would allow fans and media alike to get to know the contenders better, as well as for the finalists to potentially benefit from final table patch or sponsorship deals that the quickfire nature of recent years hasn't allowed for.
Equally, far from mere convenience, the move may reflect GGPoker, now in its second year of WSOP ownership, making a real attempt to return the Main Event final table to a place of greater prominence.
New WSOP Daily Livestreams Announced
Alongside the Main Event, the viewing experience at this year’s WSOP is also undergoing a significant overhaul, with a free daily livestream heading to the WSOP’s official YouTube channel for fans around the world.
Coverage begins May 26 and will spotlight action from a refreshed main stage production, complete with a familiar lineup of poker voices behind the mic.
One of the headline additions is Jeff Platt, who recently stepped into a new role with the WSOP after nearly ten years working alongside former broadcast partner PokerGO.
With a background in sports media, Platt told PokerNews that the 2026 broadcasts will signal a “new era,” with expanded coverage that highlights more events, a wider range of players, and deeper storytelling.
He also teased a noticeably upgraded product overall, saying viewers can expect a stronger live and on-demand experience, adding that he’s eager for both dedicated poker fans and first-time viewers to see what’s been built for the summer.
What Does This Mean for the 2026 WSOP?
The tweaks to the Main Event and the increased livestreaming effort show a concerted effort by the WSOP to change things up. In recent years, there have been attempts to change or add events, such as the Hall of Fame Bounty or the GGPoker Flip & Go bracelet.
Earlier this month, PokerNews even speculated that GGPoker may look to have greater branding and presentation across bracelet events, and that it may also look to make more changes. That's been true.
It remains to be seen whether GGPoker will make any further drastic, entertaining, or exciting changes to the Main Event or, indeed, the WSOP as a whole. Nevertheless, the 2026 WSOP is just 99 days away, allowing plenty of time for more changes or surprises...
